01. Orientation

1. Introducing your instructor
2. What you will learn
3. Helpful websites and software

02. Exploring the Basic Principles of Character Design

1. History of character design in animation
2. The relevance of appeal
3. Broad explanations of character design principles

03. Fundamentals of Drawing

1. Observation of reality and understanding simple shapes inside them
2. Volume
3. Proportions and human anatomy

04. Contrast and Exaggeration

1. Exaggeration
2. Contrast
3. Understanding the figure in simple shapes
4. Modifying those shapes to create appealing figures

05. Shape Language

1. What the 3 basic shapes are and their psychological connotations
2. Shape Insights: Combine them and use them to subvert expectations
3. Shape Psychology: Wide-thin, stable-unstable, compact-loose, etc

06. Silhouettes

1. The relevance of an easy to read silhouette
2. Rhythm
3. Repetition and variety

07. Let's Move It

1. Line of action
2. Gesture drawing
3. Balance
4. Weight

08. Acting

1. The expressivity of different parts of the body
2. Straight lines and curves in postures

09. Designing an Appealing Face

1. Anatomy of the face
2. Exaggeration, contrast, and shape language applied to faces
3. Using facial features to modify personality

10. Facial Expressions

1. Basic emotions and how facial muscles move
2. Eyes: The main tools of expression and empathy
3. Exaggerating expressions for greater clarity

11. Synthesizing to Create Simple but Interesting Figures

1. History of UPA style, a character style that pushes simplicity
2. How to push simplicity to different levels

12. Improving Volume

1. Understanding character volume so you think on It as 3D
2. Tools used to add volume in drawing: Overlap and surface lines
3. Tangents

13. The Creative Process: Create Compelling and Unique Characters

1. Things to keep in mind when getting ready to design your characters
2. Practice how to train creativity and overcome art block

14. Characterization: Clothes, Hair, and Props

1. Things to keep in mind when adding accessories
2. Designing props

15. Telling a Story With Your Design

1. Designing from keywords (objectives, adjectives, feelings, etc)
2. Symmetry and asymmetry
3. Showing backstory through your design

16. Creating a Group of Characters

1. Creating 2 characters that function together so they define each other by contrast
2. The lineup: Creating a common style for different characters in a project, but at the same time making them distinguishable

17. Animal Characters

1. Understanding volume and shapes of non-human bodies
2. Use of exaggeration and contrast
3. Making them expressive and relatable

18. Monsters and Animated Object

1. Creating clear and expressive creatures even with non-anthropomorphic characters
2. Making them relatable: Line of action, face, etc

19. Introduction to Color

1. Basic color theory
2. Value: Use of light and darkness
3. Color schemes and how to use them for contrast and rhythm
4. Color Psychology
5. Developing a palette that fits the character and project

20. Creating a Compelling Final Art Style

1. Using different line art and color styles for expressive reasons
2. Example of a clean up style and color process that keeps the focus on the shape

21. Starting a Career in Character Design

1. Personal tips on work discipline, routines, and attitude
2. Tips on developing a portfolio for the animation industry
3. Goodbye and good luck