Postgraduate certificate Character Design and Animation

Video games are composed of a series of elements that determine their success when they are launched to the market. Therefore, the genre to which they belong, the quality of their graphics and music, as well as their gameplay, are some of the characteristics that can make them a commercial triumph. However, there is another fundamental aspect: the characters. Good character design can turn a video game into a best seller, so it is a central issue when starting a project. This program offers students all the knowledge to specialize in Video Game Character Design and Animation in such a way that they can become great experts within the industry.

University certificate

duration

6 weeks

Modality

Online

Schedule

At your own pace

Exams

Online

start date

Credits

6 ECTS

financing up to

3 months

Price(first year)

See price

The world's largest faculty of video games”

Introduction to the Program

Without good characters, video games would not be successful. Specialize now and become a highly solicited professional in the industry”

When thinking about a successful video game, there are many issues that come to the fans' minds: the soundtrack, the gameplay, the scenarios, its innovations within a certain genre or its graphics. Another of these elements that can make a game very memorable are the characters.
Good Character Design and Animation is fundamental to ensure that a video game stands out in the market.

However, specific knowledge in this area is necessary to be able to create attractive and well-animated designs. In addition, the industry is demanding more and more professionals who are qualified to be able to carry out these tasks. For that reason, specializing in this field is the best path to access this growing industry.

This Postgraduate certificate in Character Design and Animation provides students with all the knowledge and skills necessary to become experts in Character Design and Animation for video games, so that they can work in the best companies in the industry and launch the most famous games of the present and future.

The video game industry needs qualified professionals who can contribute to launching the most successful games of the future”

This Postgraduate certificate in Character Design and Animation contains the most complete and up-to-date educational program on the market. Its most notable features are:

Practical cases presented by experts in the video game industry
Its graphic, schematic and practical contents, with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on Character Design and Animation
Practical exercises where self-assessment can be used to improve learning
Special emphasis on innovative methodologies in Video Game Character Design
Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments
Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection

Character design is fundamental for the success of a video game”

The teaching staff of this program includes professionals from the industry, who contribute the experience of their work to this program, in addition to recognized specialists from reference societies and prestigious universities.

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide immersive education programmed to learn in real situations.

This program is designed around Problem-Based Learning, whereby the professional must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise throughout the program. For this purpose, the student will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts.

Learn the best techniques in Character Animation and work with the main companies of the industry"

Without good characters, video games wouldn’t be successful"

Syllabus

The contents of this Postgraduate certificate in Character Design and Animation are structured in 1 module, divided into 10 topics, through which students will learn everything they need to design and animate all types of video game characters. Thus, some of the subjects they will study are 2D Design, 3D modeling and different styles and techniques of Design and Animation, so that they can carry out a comprehensive learning process that will serve them in their professional lives.

The best content for the most ambitious professionals”

Module 1. Character Design and Animation

1.1. Why is the Aesthetic and Design of Characters in Video Games so Important?

1.1.1. Design with Personality
1.1.2. Sources of Inspiration. Referencing is not Plagiarizing
1.1.3. Filter Reality
1.1.4. Adopt a Personal Style

1.2. 2D Phase: Software or Hand Drawing Alternatives

1.2.1. Quick Sketch
1.2.2. Cleanup
1.2.3. Color
1.2.4. Introduction

1.3. Phase 2D: Part I

1.3.1. Archetypes
1.3.2. Personality
1.3.3. Style
1.3.4. Basic Geometrics
1.3.5. Proportions and Anatomy
1.3.6. Teamwork

1.4. Phase 2D: Part II

1.4.1. Color Palettes
1.4.2. Lighting and Contrast
1.4.3. Level of Detail
1.4.4. Adaptation to the 2D Pipeline

1.5. 3D Phase: Modeling: 3D Concepts and Pipeline

1.5.1. Modeling Adapted to the Production
1.5.2. Modeling for an Audiovisual Project
1.5.3. Modeling for an Interactive Project
1.5.4. 3D Pipeline: Phases

1.6. 3D Phase Modeling: Introduction to Blender

1.6.1. Browsers
1.6.2. Outliner and Viewport: Workbench Render
1.6.3. Concept of Vertex, Edge and Face
1.6.4. The Concept of Normality
1.6.5. Loops

1.7. 3D Phase Modeling: Basic Notions of Modeling

1.7.1. Extrude Tool
1.7.2. Bevel Tool
1.7.3. Apply Transformations
1.7.4. Knife Tool
1.7.5. Other Useful Tools

1.8. 3D Phase Modeling: Topology

1.8.1. Edge Loops
1.8.2. Face Loops
1.8.3. Low Poly vs. High Poly
1.8.4. Shape Flow
1.8.5. Quads Vs. Tris

1.9. 3D Phase Modeling: Textures, Materials and UVs

1.9.1. Introduction to Nodes in Blender
1.9.2. Creation of Basic Procedural Textures
1.9.3. Application of Materials
1.9.4. What are UVs?
1.9.5. Use of UVs
1.9.6. Avoid Stretching in UVs and Optimization

1.10. 3D Phase Introduction to Animation

1.10.1. AutoKey
1.10.2. Insert Keys
1.10.3. Animation Curves: Graph Editor
1.10.4. Types of Interpolation

Make the most of the opportunity and take the step to get up to date on the latest developments in Character Design and Animation "

Postgraduate Certificate in Character Design and Animation

Character design and animation is a technique used in the production of animated films, video games, television series and similar media involving animated characters. It refers to the process of creating the visual appearance and characteristics of characters that will appear in the aforementioned media, and then animating them to appear to be lifelike.

The character design process involves a series of steps to take the character from conceptualization to the creation of a final model. This includes creating sketches and concept drawings, 3D modeling and creating a character envelope, texturing, lighting and rendering. It is important to consider every detail of the character, from its physical appearance to its personality and behavior.

Animation is the process of bringing a character to life by creating a sequence of movements and actions in the animated medium. This involves animating every part of the character's body, as well as voice synchronization, creating facial expressions, and incorporating special effects and additional details.

Character design and animation is a highly valued skill in the entertainment industry and can require a combination of artistic and technical skills. Character designers and animators must have solid knowledge of computer animation, 3D modeling and texturing tools, video compositing and editing, and drawing and art skills.

Our Postgraduate Certificate on character design and animation is designed to provide in-depth training on the techniques and tools needed to create animated characters in various digital media, such as film, video games, television series and the like. Upon completion of this virtual academic course, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the entertainment industry as character designers and animators in different digital media. They will be able to effectively create characters from conceptualization to final model, using different tools and techniques such as 3D modeling, texturing and lighting.