THIS IS A ONE-SEMESTER COURSE.

This course offers students the opportunity to learn animation and gaming studio fundamentals by drawing character designs for the purpose of creating a model sheet—all under the guidance of a Nickelodeon character designer!

In this course, students will learn:

• The essential fundamentals of creating characters for animation and gaming using a step-by-step approach
• The basic shapes and principles of character construction
• An introduction to basic anatomy and expressions
• How to create a model sheet with designs for a character of their choosing

By the end of the semester, the students will have gained a better understanding of how to bring their characters to life.

Class Meetings: Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: January 13 – May 12, 2026

Student Expectations: Students will be required to complete all homework and email it back at least 24 hours prior to the start of the next class meeting.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email.

Feedback/Assessment: The instructor will review and provide feedback on all student artwork.

Materials/Supplies: Students can work either traditionally or digitally on a tablet using the software Procreate. If they work traditionally, they will need access to a digital camera, smartphone, or scanner to email their sketches to the instructor. In addition, students who work traditionally will need the following materials:

– Sketch pad: 5.5 x 8.5, Strathmore 300 series
– Tracing paper: 9 x 12, Strathmore 300 series
– Graph paper: 8.5 x 11, any brand
– Drawing pencils: 2h, 2b, or standard number 2
– Faber Castell kneaded eraser: grey, 4-pack
– Pencil sharpener
– A red pen