Story by Design: Writing for Visual Artists

This course opens on Monday, May 4, 2026.

To have the skillsets of a writer often sets visual artists apart from others because you will have the ability to understand character, story structure, and collaborate quickly with creative supervisors on studio projects who are using writing skills. In this course students will learn storytelling foundation from a screenwriting approach that will enhance visual design and animation.

Course Instructor

Calvin Leung Calvin Leung Course Author / Instructor

Calvin Leung has worked as a storyboard artist at Dreamworks Animation (“Abominable and The Invisible City,” “Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight,” “Dragons: The Nine Realms,” “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” and “Fright Krewe”), Universal Studios Hollywood, and Skybound Entertainment. He has written scripts for animated and live-action Nickelodeon shows (“Ni Hao, Kai-lan,” “The Fresh Beat Band,” and “Instant Mom”). As a filmmaker, he directed and produced the feature-length documentary film “Furious Beauty” about Versa-Style Dance Company, which was distributed on Hulu. With a curious spirit to continue learning and sharing with others, Calvin also is an Unreal Engine cinematic animator and content creator, inspired to merge disciplines from his studies at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and to bring God’s presence through storytelling.

Course Information

Duration: 6 Weeks

Intensity: Moderate

Course Schedule

Class begins: Mon, May 4, 2026 (EST)

Class ends: Fri, Jun 19, 2026 (EST)

Meeting Times: TBD

Prerequisites

For this class, it will be assumed that students have a general understanding of reading comprehension, personal writing skills, and narrative storytelling.

Weekly Livestreams

Each week, a one-hour livestream with your instructor will be scheduled so you can ask any questions you may have and get feedback in real-time.

One Month Access

All pre-recorded lectures and recorded livestreams will be available to you one month so you can review lessons even after the course ends.

Certificate

Completing this course at a Professional or Advanced Level will act as credit toward a certificate in the corresponding Program Area.

Course Outline

Module 1 |

Storytelling Basics: story beat, scene, sequence, act, three act structure, dialogue, action
Character Analysis: history, personality, objectives

Module 2 |

Understanding Performance: spine of a scene, character objectives and action, as if, metaphor, subtext Outlining a Scene
Thinking of Three Major Movements in a Scene: Midpoint

Module 3 |

Understanding Three Act Story Structure
Screenplay Format Basics.

Module 4 |

Team Dynamics with Writers, Visual Artists, Creative Directors Understanding Dialogue and Action

Module 5 |

Understanding Emotion, Setup and Payoff
Understanding Antagonist, Conflict
Achieving Multiple Things in One Scene

Module 6 |

Learning how to grow as a writer and storyteller

Course Materials

Google Docs (*requires setting up a personal Google account)

Drawing software for story sketching (Photoshop, Procreate, Krita, Affinity, Blender, etc)

Assignments

Assignments will be given on a weekly basis. Students are recommended to dedicate a minimum of 10 hours a week reviewing lecture content and completing assignments.

Grading

Grades are given based on levels. You can learn about our grading system.

Refund Policy

Please note that courses with critiqued lessons are nonrefundable due to the limited number of seats.

Available Enrollments

Story by Design

$749.00
access until July 19, 2026 12:00 am

In this online course, you will have access to pre-recorded lesson content and assignments.

Each completed assignment will receive instructor feedback so you know exactly how to strengthen your skills.

Included with this course:

  • 6 weeks of professional instruction
  • Weekly assignments and feedback
  • Weekly livestreams and Q&A
  • Graded final assignment
  • Credit towards a corresponding program area
Enroll now for the online session that begins May 4, 2026!

Want to take the course later?

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