- This course closed on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
In this course, students will learn how to design compelling, imaginary creatures based around the concept of form and function. By first studying animal anatomy from the real world, students will learn how to design creatures that suspend disbelief. They will start with the basic forms of invertebrates before tackling more complex skeletal and muscular studies.
Course Instructor
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.
Lifetime Access
All pre-recorded lectures and recorded livestreams will be available to you forever 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 | The Principles of Form and Depth
In this module, students learn the basic principles behind creating form and depth with special focus on arthropod anatomy and basic skull structure.
Module 2 | Understanding the Basics of Animal Anatomy
In this module, students will go through the basic bony landmarks and muscles groups of canine anatomy. Students will become familiar with understanding and recognizing anatomical structure through research and observation.
Module 3 | The Basic Design Principles and Thumbnailing
Once students learn how to work with form, they will be introduced to the abstract concepts of design to become more effective in visual communication.
Module 4 | Understanding Form and Function
In this module, students will learn to be more aware of the relationship between form and its function in order to increase believability in their creature designs.
Module 5 | Developing the Design
In this module, students will be acquainted with the thought process behind design and how the principles of design are effectively used when developing a concept.
Module 6 | Working with Orthographics and Turnarounds
In this module, students will be introduced to designing the specific forms of a creature through orthographic and turnaround views.
Module 7 | Adding Texture and Color
In this module, students will learn how to observe texture and color in nature for effective application in creature design.
Module 8 | Finalizing the Concept
In this module, students will develop a final presentation board of the creatures they've developed throughout the course. They will be introduced to the use of callouts and effective ways to organize a presentation board.
Available Enrollments
This course will be available for enrollment soon.