Character and environment design (5 cr)

Objective

You know how to write a character description document outlining the physical and personality characteristics of a script’s cast members.
You know how to use basic forms to create defined silhouettes for the ensembled cast and environmental locations.
You have a clear understanding of basic human body types and distinctive ethnic features.
You know how to produce a location list and environment plan based on a Game Design Document or script.
You are able create character turn-around sheets, expression sheets and basic environment production drawings for 3D modellers.

Content

How to design a character's individual strengths and weaknesses and their traits and skills?
How to create character sheets and game environment plans?
How to set up a graphics tablet?
How to sketch thumbnails exploring composition and camera placement in environment design?
How to use silhouetting techniques to develop physical character differentiation within a cast and to express aspects of personality?
How to create an expression sheet of facial reactions?
How to paint in grisaille technique?

Course material

Game design basics. Mise-en-scene. Script writing & Non-linear storytelling.
Videorecordings, video ja literature links on Learn

Study forms and methods

The course includes mostly online lessons. Contact lessons are on campus when the group has contact days.

RDI and work-related cooperation

The course links with a previous game development course. The course teaches skills work worklife.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Activity in lectures, achieving all assignements and their quality

Qualifications

Required studies of Drawing and painting, Composition and colour, and Game design research & sketching or equivalent skills.