Character Design Program
Develop the practical skills and build a head-turning portfolio from start-to-finish in as little as 12 months
Andy Park, Guest Artist
Difficulty: Beginner
Character Design Program Overview
These 4 progressively challenging courses place you on a custom-tailored track towards professional development in one of the most exciting and fast-growing industries. Starting with the first course, you will progress through the curriculum until all four courses are completed and you have developed a polished portfolio for a career in character design. You can sign up for each course individually as you make your way through the classes.
Link to: Fundamentals of Character Design
Course 1.
Fundamentals of Character Design
BUILD YOUR SKILLS AND DEVELOP A PROCESS
Discover how to design captivating characters alongside a Blizzard Entertainment artist. Delve into a rich, learn-by-doing curriculum covering concept development, advanced sketching, and digital painting to elevate your designs in this premier course.
Instructor: Jon Neimeister, Blizzard Entertainment
Link to: Advanced Character Design
Course 2.
Advanced Character Design
FOCUS YOUR SKILLS AND TARGET PROFESSIONAL GOALS
Overview: Build upon your skills and study under industry-leading pros to master the art of concept design, from iterations to final asset delivery. Elevate your skills and exceed client expectations with actionable insights from real-world brief challenges.
Instructor: Marc-Ross Michaud
Link to: Character Design Portfolio
Course 3.
Character Design Portfolio
BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO AND PURSUE A CAREER & STUDIO OPPORTUNITIES
Master character design with this course! As you build and polish your portfolio, you will learn exactly what art directors want and deliver it with confidence. Fine-tune your skills and apply your skills to achievable goals and opportunities.
Instructor: Rob Chandler, Freelance concept designer
Link to: Character Design Portfolio
Course 4.
Character Design for Career
MAKE A CAREER OUT OF YOUR CONCEPT DESIGN SKILLS
Overview: In this course, students refine their skills, bolster their portfolios, and strategize for their careers, all under the guidance of a top-tier entertainment and game arts professionals. The emphasis is on sharpening design problem-solving skills, identifying and achieving career opportunities.
Instructor: Rob Chandler, Freelance concept designer
Industry Leaders as Mentors
Jon Neimeister
Blizzard Entertainment
Marc-Ross Michaud
Blizzard Entertainment
Rob Chandler
Character Designer & Art Director
Connect with industry leading guest artists
Each semester features 7 guest artists who have risen to the top of their industry, giving you access to their craft, process, and industry wisdom. Ask questions, join the discussion, and gain industry knowledge from high-caliber artists.
UPCOMING GUEST SPEAKERS
How do you build a show-stopping portfolio?
Jon Neimeister (Blizzard Entertainment), Viviane Kosty (Blizzard Entertainment), and Lake Hurwitz (Wizards of the Coast) unpack every essential detail that goes into making a great portfolio that will get you work.
Book a Free Consultation
Need help determining if this is the right path for your professional and artistic development? Book a free Zoom call with our Program Director to discuss your goals and the resources offered at Visual Arts Passage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to commit to attending all 4 courses included this program?
No. Students only commit to one mentorship course per semester. Once you complete a course, you can register for the next course, to continue your progress in the mentorship program.
How long does it take to complete the entire Mentorship Program (all 4 courses)?
The Mentorship Program can be complete within a 12 month period. It is not unusual for students to repeat the final course in the program, Character Design Portfolio with Career Development, if they choose to have continued coaching from Visual Arts Passage mentors.
What is the time commitment?
The Mentorship program is a "get out of it, what you put in" experience. That being said, our courses are structured to accommodate individuals with a busy schedule. We recommend setting aside a minimum of 3 hours for your live course and 2 hours to complete assignments and course work. We highly encourage students to commit more time if their schedule allows.
What is the enrollment schedule for the Mentorship Program?
Mentorship courses enroll 4 times per year, during the winter, spring, summer, and fall semester. You can view the program calendar here.
What course should I start with in this program?
We recommend that most students start with the first course in Character Design Program, Fundamentals of Character Design. Highly experienced students may qualify to attend the second course in the program, Advanced Character Design. If you are not sure, feel free to send your work to hello@visualartspassage.com and a team member will get back to you with a recommendation shortly.
How much does it cost?
Each course in this Mentorship Program is $1199.
“The Best Entertainment Art Schools, 2023”
Need Some Guidance?
We can help you with any questions related to enrollment, portfolio development, and the student experience.