STUDIO & LECTURE TIME
This is a long-duration 75-minutes class. I will present & instruct, then learners have time to work during the class. It is part lecture & part studio time. They will most likely need a little more "homework" time to finish up the tasks after the class concludes.

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 patience and commitment to the design and development of an art concept over a few months

Class 1	
Conceptualizing & Roughing out the Character Board
Designing a Unique but Repeatable Character (Minimalism vs Detail) 
Class 2     
Shape Language, Line Language & Style
Body Exaggeration
Class 3     
Facial Expressions & Exaggeration
Body Structures & Gestures (Human & Creature)
Class 4    
Wardrobe Design
Detailed look at tricky Body Parts (ie: Hands/claws/feet/wings/feathers…)
Class 5   
Adding Accessories & Significant Objects 
Review & Finalize Your Character Style Board (Key Snapshots, Palettes, etc.)
Class 6  
Student Showcase Presentations

SETTING EXPECTATIONS
My learners are my “customers” (as are their parents) and I want happy customers. : )
I find the happiest customers exist in situations where expectations meet up. 
The below points are to help you determine if CHARACTER LAB will be a good fit. 

WHAT WE WILL CREATE
This class will require each learner to design, develop, refine and finalize ONE singular, original character spawned from their own imagination.

[Q:] Can I use a character that I’ve already dreamed up?
[A:] Yes...but you will need to be very open minded and flexible. If the instruction ends up having you make significant changes to your character’s existing design, (spoiler alert: it WILL) how upset will you get? How attached are you to your character’s current design? You might find it better to go in fresh with something you’re very flexible with. If you feel your character is already pretty much “done” and “in your style” to the point that you won’t change it, you’ll definitely be an unhappy customer and more importantly, will not be learning much. In that case, it's a good idea to create a friend or sidekick or arch-nemesis for that character.

[Q:] After I start, can I change my mind and make a new character?
[A:] You will be working through a step-ladder process. Think of it like a board game. Imagine pulling a card that says “Go back to square one and complete all those other exercises again.” That’s my way of saying, “Yes you can change your mind. But there is a consequence.” It’s like starting to build a house, scrapping it and starting over… you will start OVER… and sometimes that’s the best choice. What will NOT be allowed here is the development of MORE than one character at one time. 

[Q:] May I work Digitally?
[A:] Yes, but characters must be drawn as 2-Dimensional art. 3D modeling is not allowed. You may also work traditionally with pencil or ink on paper.