CARTOON AND ANIMATION
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
ANI2401 Character Design for Animation Fall 2 2 3 6

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Must Course
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Prof. Dr. NAZLI EDA NOYAN CELAYİR
Course Objectives: This course provides students the fundamental skills required to develop character design that is considered appealing by animation industry.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Students will be able to develop original character designs with aesthetic appeal and accurate proportions.
Students will be able to explain the characteristic features of well-designed and effectively implemented character designs.
Students will be able to analyze past and current character design trends and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
Students will be able to use beginner-level digital and traditional drawing techniques to create character designs.
Students will be able to examine and interpret their own works and those of others in terms of aesthetics, technical aspects, and conceptual elements.

Course Content

This comprehensive course aims to equip students with the technical and artistic skills required to create animation characters that meet aesthetic and industry standards. Students will learn the fundamental principles of character design, drawing techniques, color usage, anatomical accuracy, and personality design, while participating in hands-on exercises related to creating animation characters. The course will also focus on designing and presenting animation characters in a professional manner according to industry standards.

Teaching Methods:
Lecture-based teaching, hands-on exercises, individual projects, group discussions, workshops, collaboration and feedback sessions.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) The Relationship Between Character Design and Form: How Focusing on Shaping Designs with Simple Shapes Influences Form Design
2) The Importance of Silhouette in Character Design: Understanding the Functionality of Readable Silhouettes in Design and Character Posing
3) The Impact of Shapes and Silhouettes on Creating Unique Characters
4) Giving a Character's Face a Personal Identity
5) Creating Distinct Character Designs and Integrating Them into the Story
6) Creating Sketches Aimed at Gaining the Flexibility to Develop Unique Styles and Designs for Diverse Projects as a Designer
7) Designing an Animal Using Simple Shapes
8) What is a Character Turnaround, Why is it Important in Character Design, and How is it Applied in Design for Production?
9) Preparatory Work for Sculpture Models: Learning the Necessary Tools and Materials
10) Preparing the Wire Frame and Supports for the Character
11) Creating the Basic Structure: Capturing the Overall Form
12) Completing the Model and Preparing it for the Detailing Stage
13) Adding Final Details and Preparing the Sculpture for the Firing Stage
14) Painting and Layering Stage

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: • Designing Creatures and Characters: How to Build an Artist's Portfolio for Video Games, Film, Animation and More by Marc Taro Holmes
• Big Bad World of Concept Art for Video Games: An Insider's Guide for Students by Eliott J. Lilly
• Fundamentals of Creature Design: How to Create Successful Concepts Using Functionality, Anatomy, Color, Shape & Scale by 3dtotal Publishing
References:

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Application 6 % 55
Final 1 % 45
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 55
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 45
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 4 56
Study Hours Out of Class 14 4 56
Homework Assignments 6 5 30
Final 1 4 4
Total Workload 146

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) To have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in cartoon and animation. 5
2) To be able to develop research, observation-experience, evaluation skills in the field of cartoon and animation and effectively communicate ideas, convincing actions and emotions using cartoon and animation and performance principles in every direction. 4
3) Making animated films with various artistic styles and techniques. 2
4) Designing the cartoon and animation production process using initiative, applying it with creativity and presenting it with personal style. 2
5) To be a team member in the production process of cartoon and animations, to be able to take responsibility and manage the team members under their responsibility and to lead them. 3
6) To be able to evaluate cartoon and animations in the framework of their knowledge and skills. 3
7) To be able to define and manage learning requirements in the field of cartoon and animation. 2
8) To be able to communicate with related organizations by sharing scientific and artistic works in cartoon and animation and to share information and skills in the field. 2
9) To monitor developments in the field of cartoon and animation using foreign languages ​​and to communicate with foreign colleagues. 3
10) To be able to use general information and communication technologies at advanced level with all kinds of technical tools and computer software used in cartoon and animations. 1
11) Using critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies in all aspects of development and production, effectively communicating ideas, emotions and intentions visually, verbally and in writing, and effectively incorporating technology in the development of cartoon and animation projects. 2
12) To have sufficient knowledge about ethical values ​​and universal values ​​in the field of cartoon and animation. 1