Character Development for Comics and Illustration

In week one, Daxiong will share his philosophy on character design for illustration. You will learn to utilize shapes to create characters. He will demonstrate how to create adolescent characters for a fantasy storyline.

In week two, Daxiong will demonstrate creating adult characters for a fantasy world. You will learn how to use adult traits to design characters. Daxiong will utilize shape as a building block for the different fantasy character concepts.

In week three, you will learn how to develop side characters for a fantasy storyline. Daxiong will show how to utilize shapes to design these characters. You will learn the different roles these characters can play within your story.

In week four, Daxiong will share how to design and draw the villains in a fantasy storyline. You will learn how to utilize unique proportions to create orcs and monsters. Daxiong will lecture on the important features needed to make these characters feel like villains.

In week five, Daxiong will teach you how to illustrate in an American style of comics. You will learn to mix and match different concepts to create a narrative unique to you. Daxiong will demonstrate the conception side of character development and develop your story.

In week six, you will learn to develop the main character and a villain for your American comic story. Daxiong will demonstrate taking concept drawings and expanding them into full character designs.

In week seven, Daxiong will demonstrate making an American-style comic book cover. You will learn how to create thumbnails to help you conceptualize the image. Daxiong will create a pencil drawing utilizing specifically American-style characters made for this storyline.

In week eight, Daxiong will teach you how to ink a comic book cover. He will show you how he refines his pencil lay-ins using ink. You will explore how different pens achieve different line characteristics, making your cover page more interesting.

In week nine, Daxiong will demonstrate working in the traditional Asian illustration style. You will study the different characteristics that make up this style. Daxiong will show the traditional approaches and tools commonly used.

In week ten, you will learn to develop a dragon character in the traditional Chinese illustration style. Daxiong will lecture on the cultural importance of dragons and their distinctive characteristics.

In week 11, Daxiong will demonstrate his rendition of the traditional Monkey King character. You will learn about the characteristics and traditions this character possesses.