01. Introduction and Course Goal- Overview of the course and what students will achieve - Breakdown of the final products: 1 character design + 2 full illustrations - Who this course is for: beginners to intermediate artists aiming for portfolio growth - Tools overview: Photoshop setup, brush types, layer organization - What makes this project "portfolio-ready" and relevant to industry pipelines

02. Perspective Basics for Illustration- Demonstrating how to build simple environments using shapes - Showing how perspective affects storytelling and depth

03. Anatomy Essentials for Character Posing and Balance (Daz Studio / Blender)- Using 3D tools to assist with complex angles and foreshortening

04. Composition Theory: Rule of Thirds, Focal Point, Movement- Breaking down the rule of thirds for visual storytelling - Placing focal points to guide the viewer’s eye - Using shape rhythm and directional lines to create movement

05. Light and Shadow Basics for Storytelling and Form- Understanding the light logic: key, fill, rim, ambient - Demonstrating cast shadows and form shadows - Explaining how light creates mood and 3D volume

06. Quick Warm-Up Exercises for Lines, Shapes, and Values- Simple line confidence drills and shape control - Practicing value scales and light-to-dark transitions - Building control and observation before illustration work

07. How to Start: Finding Ideas and Themes- Brainstorming, keywords, or themes - Turning ideas into narrative visual goals

08. Moodboarding with References from a Strong Visual Library- Understanding the types of references (pose, costume, mood) - Creating a moodboard with consistent tone and atmosphere - Separating references by design function - Preparing a reference set that supports your final illustration - Combining multiple references into original ideas

09. Exploring Shapes and Silhouettes for Unique Characters- Studying how shape language affects character personality - Creating 3–5 silhouette variations for direction testing - Comparing silhouettes to decide visual strength

10. Designing Costumes and Accessories with Story in Mind- Breaking down costume into functional layers - Designing gear and items based on character role or world - Using references to enrich storytelling through clothing

11. Color Palette Setup that Fits the Overall World Tone- Selecting harmonious colors that match environment and mood - Testing contrast, material reflection, and skin/fabric tones

12. Painting a Clean, Readable Character Sheet (Pose + Details)- Finalizing full-body render with readable pose and color - Simplifying details without losing character identity

13. Preparing the Character Design for Use in Full Scenes- Breaking down the design into usable shapes for illustration - Making design adjustments for pose and lighting flexibility

14. Thumbnailing Key Compositions for Mood and Story- Sketching 3–4 thumbnails with different compositions - Exploring angles, focus, and silhouette balance - Creating thumbnails or concept drafts using your reference board - Choosing one for final illustration

15. Framing the Character within Their Environment- Using framing devices to support visual hierarchy

16. Designing Background Elements to Support the Character- Managing negative space and depth - Simplifying details to keep character readable

17. Planning Light Direction and Depth (Value Studies)- Mapping value groups for background, midground, and foreground - Directing viewer’s eye with lighting - Using grayscale pass to test light readability

18. Matching Visual Tone Across Both Upcoming Illustrations- Reviewing palette and mood from moodboard - Planning consistent lighting and atmosphere between 2 artworks - Building color harmony for storytelling

19. Setting Up a Cinematic, Story-Driven Scene with Full Composition- Translating thumbnail to full-sized canvas - Reviewing chosen scene layout and focal points

20. Sketching, Blocking, and Building Value- Blocking in shapes and forms with clean lines - Separating value zones for lighting clarity - Checking balance between elements before rendering

21. Refining Shape Language and Perspective- Cleaning up rough shapes to match design intent - Strengthening silhouette readability for storytelling - Applying perspective correction for characters and props

22. Rendering Background, Character, and Lighting in Harmony- Painting background, then layering character - Building light direction with consistent atmosphere

23. Balancing Focus Between Subject and Environment- Using contrast, edges, and saturation to direct the eye - Ensuring character reads well in complex scenes

24. Polishing Details While Keeping Clarity and Storytelling Intact- Final paintover and effects - Enhancing story elements

25. Planning a Zoomed-In Scene for Emotional or Cinematic Impact- Selecting a moment or emotion to focus on - Choosing composition style (portrait, over-the-shoulder, etc.) - Planning narrative tone and lighting mood

26. Reusing Character Design and Mood Palette From Previous Artwork- Keeping consistency in lighting and color - Adjusting pose and expression for emotion

27. Sketching the Close-Up Scene with Intentional Emotion- Drafting a clean sketch based on selected thumbnail - Refining pose, facial expression, and gesture for emotional clarity - Adjusting balance between character, background, and lighting zones before rendering

28. Adjusting Composition for Tighter Framing and Storytelling- Managing negative space and depth in tighter scenes - Using lighting to guide viewer focus

29. Controlling Atmosphere and Edges for Strong Focus- Using blur, grain, and lost edges to direct attention - Enhancing emotional impact with light and fog - Balancing sharpness for realism and mood

30. Final Polish and Subtle Effect (Glow, Grain, Texture)- Final paintover and refinement - Adding subtle overlays and cinematic effects - Exporting the close-up scene for final use

31. How to Paint Realistic vs Stylized Materials- Comparing realism vs stylization in texture rendering - Analyzing material behavior in light/shadow - Planning brushwork style for mood and clarity

32. Skin, Cloth, Metal, Leather, Hair, and Environmental Surfaces- Demonstrating surface qualities across various materials - Painting reflectivity, softness, and texture logic - Breaking down light behavior by surface type - Using brushwork and edge control to create texture

33. Blending Techniques Without Losing Form- Using soft blends while preserving shape and structure - Avoiding muddy colors and flattened silhouettes - Best practices for transitional gradients

34. When to Simplify vs When to Detail- Knowing where to lead the viewer’s eye - Using contrast and detail hierarchy for clarity - Case study: “readable” vs “overworked”

35. Color Grading Both Illustrations to Feel Unified- Matching overall tone, contrast, and saturation - Using adjustment layers for visual harmony - Ensuring both images feel like the same world

36. Adding Storytelling Elements, Narrative Cues- Reinforcing emotion or backstory through detail

37. Presenting Your Process: Thumbnails, Notes, and Final Work- Creating a clean presentation layout - Structuring your PSD or PDF to show your process clearly

38. Tips on Standing Out in Portfolios for Games, Animation, or Personal IP- Staying authentic while showcasing your strengths - How to curate your work to tell a story about you as an artist - How to tailor your presentation depending on your goal: job hunting, pitching an IP, or freelance