01. Meet Your Mentor & Course Overview-Instructor Introduction Overview of the course and learning goals. Introduction to the instructor’s experience and background. - What is Character Design? The role of character design in storytelling, games, and animation. Differences between realistic, semi-realistic, and stylized character design. Key principles: readability, personality, and appeal. - Why Painting is Part of Character Design How color, shading, and texture impact design choices. Introduction to industry-standard software and digital tools.

02. Building Blocks: The Power of Simple Shapes (Crocodile)- Unlock the secrets of form by simplifying: P1. Crocodile – Power & Flexibility Head & Jaw – Strong bite, fixed upper jaw, gripping teeth. Spine & Body – Stiff but flexible for twisting. Legs – Short, muscular, can crawl or sprint. Tail – Long, powerful, used for swimming and balance. - Gesture drawing for natural and dynamic poses.

03. Building Blocks: The Power of Simple Shapes (Bird)- Unlock the secrets of form by simplifying: P2. Bird – Built for Flight Head & Beak – Light skull, strong beak, flexible neck. Spine & Ribcage – Fused spine, large chest for flight muscles. Wings & Shoulders – Modified arms for flapping and gliding. Legs & Feet – Adapted for perching, gripping, or swimming. - Gesture drawing for natural and dynamic poses.

04. Building Blocks: The Power of Simple Shapes (Mouse)- Unlock the secrets of form by simplifying: P3. Mouse – Small & Agile Head & Teeth – Small skull, sharp front teeth for gnawing. Spine & Body – Flexible, allows squeezing into tight spaces. Legs & Paws – Quick legs for jumping, front paws for grasping. - Gesture drawing for natural and dynamic poses.

05. The Anatomy Cheat Code: Stylization Secrets (Crocodile)- Key skeletal structures and how they affect movement: P1. Crocodile – Strong & Elongated Head & Jaw → Triangle shape for powerful bite. Body & Spine → Long oval with a slight curve for flexibility. Legs → Short cylinders for strength and stability. Tail → Tapered, segmented shape for balance and propulsion. - Simplifying anatomy for stylized character design. - Ensure your characters are instantly recognizable, even in simplified or silhouetted form.

06. The Anatomy Cheat Code: Stylization Secrets (Bird)- Key skeletal structures and how they affect movement: P2. Bird – Lightweight & Built for Flight Head & Beak → Small oval + triangle for beak. Body & Spine → Teardrop shape for aerodynamic form. Wings → Long curves attached to a circular shoulder. Legs → Thin, straight lines for perching or gripping. - Simplifying anatomy for stylized character design. - Ensure your characters are instantly recognizable, even in simplified or silhouetted form.

07. The Anatomy Cheat Code: Stylization Secrets (Mouse)1. Key skeletal structures and how they affect movement: P3. Mouse – Small & Flexible Head & Nose → Rounded oval + small triangle for snout. Body & Spine → Soft bean shape for a compact body. Legs → Short curved lines for agile movement. Tail → Thin curved line for balance and flexibility. - Simplifying anatomy for stylized character design. - Ensure your characters are instantly recognizable, even in simplified or silhouetted form.

08. Expressions & Attitude: Bringing Animals to Life (Crocodile)- How facial features and body language convey emotion: P1. Crocodile: How to bring emotion into a “rigid” face—subtle changes in eyes, brow, and mouth. - Designing expressive animal faces with basic emotions

09. Expressions & Attitude: Bringing Animals to Life (Bird)- How facial features and body language convey emotion: P2. Bird: Expressing personality through beak shapes, head tilts, and feathers. - Designing expressive animal faces with basic emotions

10. Expressions & Attitude: Bringing Animals to Life (Mouse)- How facial features and body language convey emotion: P3.Mouse: Big eyes, small nose, and exaggerated ears for maximum cuteness. - Designing expressive animal faces with basic emotions

11. The Secret to Iconic Animal Characters- Combining references and imagination: finding inspiration from real-life crocodiles, birds, and mice while keeping it stylized. - Creating diverse silhouettes and variations.

12. Pro Sketching & Line Art Techniques- Cleaning up rough sketches for clarity. - Understanding line weight for visual impact. - Creating dynamic, confident lines. - How to avoid stiff or lifeless sketches. - Ensuring crocodile scales, bird feathers, and mouse fur remain expressive and natural

13. Dressing Up: Adding Accessories & Storytelling Details- How props and clothing enhance character personality. - Adding details suitable for a cunning crocodile, elegant bird, or adventurous mouse. - Keeping details consistent and readable.

14. Tools & Smart Workflows- Overview of brushes, layers, and blending modes - Recommended software for beginners

15. Mastering Colors: The Psychology of Palettes- Simple color theory for beginners - Choosing harmonious color palettes for characters

16. Material Observation & Analysis- Study different textures and types of material: Fur – Study the flow, length, and density of different types of animal fur. Feather – Observe structure, layering, and lighting effect on bird feathers. Scales – Analyze pattern, shape, and surface quality across reptile and fish scales. Rock – Examine texture, hardness, and erosion patterns of natural rocks. Iron – Identify surface wear, oxidation, and how light reacts on iron. Gold – Observe reflectivity, color temperature, and material richness in gold. Ice – Study transparency, cracks, and light distortion within frozen surfaces.

17. Painting Textures: Fur, Scales & Feathers Like a Pro- Techniques for painting the three main materials: P1. Mouse – Fine & Fluffy Fur - Base Texture – Soft brush for smooth undercoat. - Detailing – Use thin, quick strokes for wispy fur strands. - Shading – Light blending for a soft, voluminous effect. P2.Crocodile – Rough & Reflective Scales - Base Texture – Use a rough brush for bumpy skin. - Detailing – Add cracks, ridges, and subtle scale outlines. - Shading – Strong highlights on wet or glossy areas for reflectiveness. P3. Bird – Soft & Layered Feathers - Base Texture – Start with soft gradient colors. - Detailing – Use short, curved strokes for layered feather effect. - Shading – Light and subtle for a soft, fluffy appearance. - How lighting affects different surface materials. - Layering textures for a believable final look. - Common mistakes when rendering fur, scales, and feathers.

18. Light & Shadow: The Key to 3D Depth- Applying light and shadow effectively. - Using rim light and bounce light to enhance realism. - Different lighting setups for dramatic effects. - Making characters feel three-dimensional & detailed.

19. Setting the Stage – Color & Light Foundations- Choose a clean and readable base color palette for the character. - Establish light direction and primary light source. - Block in main shadows and highlights early on to help establish the overall form. - Keep values and colors simple to maintain clarity in the early stage.

20. Bringing It to Life – Detail & Finish- Refine edges, materials, and surface textures. - Paint over & detailing. - Focus on key areas like the face, hands, and focal points. - Use paint-overs to refine your design, enhance visual appeal, and add polish.

21. Beyond the Canvas: Presenting Your Art Professionally- Background tricks that complement your character. - How to present your art for social media, portfolios, and clients. - Understanding art industry expectations.

22. The Next Step: Growing as an Artist- How to keep growing after the course. - Building a strong habit of practising daily. - Exploring different styles and discovering your unique voice. - Where to find inspiration and learning resources.