Character Creation and Storyboarding – Digital Arts & Media Summer Camp

Character Creation and Storyboarding: Class Description

Class meets daily from Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28 (9 AM to 3 PM)

Class Description: Character creation is the first step toward making a story come to life. This class will cover drawing basics, character mood boards, and how to develop an in-depth character. Students will then combine these characters to create a storyboard that could provide the basis for a short film.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-arts-media-summer-camp-character-creation-storyboarding-tickets-898230961987

Age Range: 12-18

Useful Prior Experience:

• A basic understanding of drawing
• An interest in storytelling and characters
• An active imagination and a drive to create

Technical Requirements: Computers will be available in the computer lab at Create Appalachia. Digital drawing tablets will be supplied by Create Appalachia for use while students are in the lab. The class will be taught using free digital software called Krita. Depending on the type of computer that a student has at home, they may be able to download and use this software at home and after completing the class.

Students are required to bring a thumb drive from home so that they can download their work and preserve it. We recommend a 10GB thumb drive.

Course Goals:

– To help students connect with their creative side

– To create a character from scratch

– To learn the usage of shapes in the silhouette of the character as well as how those shapes portray the character’s personality

– To create a readable, clear storyboard for an animator to use in order to create films for the big screen

– To learn how colors can affect a character and the way they are perceived

Course Description:

This class will take place over a period of five days. Each class will include both lecture and individual work time. The instructor will begin each session by introducing new concepts related to character design, which students will incorporate in that day’s work. Each class will also have workshop time during which students can work on their characters and seek one-on-one help from the instructor. Classes will run from 9 AM to 3 PM with short breaks in the morning and afternoon and a break for lunch around noon.

DAY ONE: Introduction to the concept of characters. We will discuss the design elements of characters and creating their expressions. Mood boards will be introduced.

DAY TWO: Students will begin designing their characters based on their mood boards and will also learn how to pick a color scheme. They will also learn about “concepting.”

DAY THREE: Characters will be finalized, taking into consideration their 360-degree look and style.

DAY FOUR: Students will learn the basics of storyboarding. Stories will be workshopped before the students start on their scenes.

DAY FIVE: Students will finish their storyboards and characters before pitching them to the class.

NOTE: This class is a great foundation for the second animation class that we plan to offer this summer, A Beginner’s Guide to 2D Animation. It will run from July 8 to July 12 in Kingsport. We encourage you to register for both!

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COST PER CLASS: Class tuition is $375 for each week. The non-refundable deposit of $100 will be paid on Eventbrite. The balance of $275 is due by June 16, 2024 in order for us to guarantee a spot in the class. We will send instructions for paying the balance with the registration materials.

If there are seats left in any sections of the classes, late registration will be made possible. On June 12, the price for this class will increase to $400.

Create Appalachia’s Digital Art & Media Summer Camp offers an affordable opportunity for students to learn and build community. This is designed to be a hands-on, fully immersive learning experience with face-to-face instruction.

Questions? Check our FAQ below. If you don’t find the answer there, email Katie Hoffman: katie@createappalachia.org.