BASIC LEARNING GOALS OF THIS CLASS
• To improve drawing skills that are specific to character creation. (something very different from drawing a realistic portrait)
• To understand what design elements make certain character designs better than others
• To incorporate shape language and color palettes that emphasize the traits of a character’s personality
• To improve final rendering qualities of drawing (this means neat, clean and polished work)
• To exercise the practice of commitment and refinement, become comfortable with the process of doing something repeatedly until it is mastered. 

In my classes and clubs, Character Design tends to be a very popular theme. Fantasy characters often have swords, lasers, light sabers, clubs, other weapons, magic amulets, potions, or they may have strange bodily features like fangs or claws or robotic parts. 

I am not opposed to allowing students to share illustrations of this nature. 
It is ok for a drawn or animated character to be holding a weapon IN A NON-THREATENING POSE. Context is key.

HOWEVER.... it is NOT allowed or acceptable to present works showing ACTS of lethal violence or excessive gore. For example: a character can be in a dynamic action pose, throwing a punch or using a shield, but it is NOT okay for a student to present a work that shows a particularly violent attack by one character on another. This can sometimes be a bit of a "gray" area but I want to recognize, here, that DRAWING SKILLS should always be the focus of what we create and share, rather than expressions of violence or excessive gore.

It is VERY important that my class members exhibit respect and sensitivity to one another. What might be "cool" to one could potentially be an upsetting emotional trigger to another person. We do not want to create an upsetting environment. 
We're here to have fun, be creative, be social, and get better and better at drawing.
If ever a learner is upset by any presentations, I beg that they reach out to  me privately so that I know as soon as possible.

Homework Offered
THIS CLASS RUNS ON HOMEWORK EFFORT
In Character Lab, you are expected to participate in assignments and turn in work for instructor evaluation in a timely fashion VIA UPLOADS.
We will not be regularly sharing all work over zoom  during each class. Our class time is for instruction and some preliminary drawing time. We will share works in progress now and then; not regularly.
You should anticipate an average of 40 minutes of homework each week. 
 
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Feedback for each learner will be provided in a combination of verbal and written formats.
Grades Offered

We sometimes utilize Sketchfab.com for reference models - no membership or cost is involved with this.