Character Design courses in London, UK
Hi everyone, I'm currently studying to become a character artist. I work on a lot of 3D models using Maya and sculpting with Mudbox/Zbrush. However after a few years of doing 3D, I've wanted to start gaining some traditional art skills and would like to hone them through a course/short course of some kind. The only problem is a lot of the art courses I've found in London are very 'essay based', and don't really concentrate on the techniques and know how.
Also, I wanted my focus to be around character design and I can't seem to find any that focus on this element of artwork. I'm 27 now and would like to start working in game development/film as soon as possible, so at the most I'd like the course duration to be a year, just to gain some idea of fundamentals. I've just come back from the night shift at work so I apologise if any waffling has occured in this wall of text.
If anyone could provide any information it would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Also, I wanted my focus to be around character design and I can't seem to find any that focus on this element of artwork. I'm 27 now and would like to start working in game development/film as soon as possible, so at the most I'd like the course duration to be a year, just to gain some idea of fundamentals. I've just come back from the night shift at work so I apologise if any waffling has occured in this wall of text.
If anyone could provide any information it would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Replies
What do you want to do exactly? Concept art for characters?
Althought I understand that you wish to spend money on your game development. The core needs can be found on www.gamedev.org
I would suggust you should start learning on your own.
I have learned the art work (sketching) on my own and now practicing modeling along with practicing of C++. Which is the base requirement of game development (from what I understood so far) I am starting to learn the Windows programming (WIN32 API off the net) and will soon study the Ogre3d.
You can use your 3d models in Unreal Engine, which is extremely object oriented. Which I will do, when I completely give up on open source engine.
Are you planning on learning game development in general? Or you have a concept thought out.
I'll definitely keep practicing on my own, I was considering taking up a few life drawing and painting classes as well as drawing from stuff like magazines in the mean time.
Still deciding.
Anyways, Good luck.
Figure Drawing for All It's Worth by Andrew Loomis -- out of print and difficult to find, but it is the best ever written.
Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing from Life by George Bridgeman -- easily found and quite cheap.
Both cover different things, but compliment one another nicely.
Plus a figure drawing class. Go as many times per week as you have time for. There are lots in London -- I suspect you could find one that's close enough to you to be convenient. This is the best way to get better at drawing. And getting better at drawing helps everything else.
Do studies of paintings and drawings you like. Get into the heads of the great artists. This includes the old masters as well as contemporary concept artists.
A good goal though