Visual Narrative Communication
Students will be able to create memorable, original character and creature concepts that demonstrate a strong understanding of the narrative foundations of visual design, the influence of the story world or setting, and the relationship between form and function. Students will have the ability to visually communicate not just physical attributes, but also cultural histories, personalities, attitudes and motivations of characters.
Art Direction and Stylistic Coherence
Students will be able to contribute to a collaborative design process in a team setting and communicate with other designers to adapt individual artistic styles to achieve a unified look and feel for a studio project. Students will have the ability to understand the role of art direction in developing a coherent, appealing visual style for a story world.
Ideation, Research, and Reference
Students will be able to utilize their individual creative process founded on sound practices of visual ideation, research, observation, and reference-gathering and acquire sufficient understanding of human and animal anatomy to design believable characters and creatures by combining reference with imagination. Students will have the ability to apply a working knowledge of costume history, armor and weapon design, construction, and culture.
Individual Vision and Professional Presentation
Students will be able to develop an original, individual vision and style for a fictional story world as well as prepare and deliver an effective pitch for that world with its cast of characters and creatures. Students will have the ability to discuss and analyze peers' pitches to explore various approaches and improve methods.
Design Theory and Process
Students will be able to understand the key role of shape language in visual development, distinguish between the design processes of concept art and production illustration, and apply design principles regarding shape, silhouette, gestalt, composition, negative space, color, pattern and texture.
