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Character Design Courses

Character design courses can help you learn anatomy, color theory, personality development, and storytelling through visual elements. You can build skills in sketching, digital painting, and creating character backstories that resonate with audiences. Many courses introduce tools like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and Blender, that support bringing your characters to life and refining your artistic style. You'll also explore techniques for character animation and how to effectively convey emotions through design.


Popular Character Design Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    California Institute of the Arts

    Character Design for Video Games

    Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Animations, Game Design, Video Game Development, Design, Technical Design, Conceptual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Creative Design, Storytelling

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    California Institute of the Arts

    Game Design: Art and Concepts

    Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Game Design, Animations, Prototyping, Conceptual Design, Video Game Development, Storytelling, Software Design Documents, Ideation, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Storyboarding, Design, Virtual Environment, Technical Design, Design Elements And Principles, Usability Testing, Creative Design, Design Strategies, Interactive Design, Graphic and Visual Design

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.1K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Logo Design: From Concept to Client-Approved Work

    Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Adobe Illustrator, Presentations, Typography, Graphic Design, Animations, Adobe After Effects, Motion Graphics, Adobe Creative Cloud, Branding, Brand Strategy, Marketing Design, System Configuration, Brainstorming, Intellectual Property, Design Software, Knowledge of Apple Hardware, Creative Design, Strategic Thinking, Legal Risk

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    8 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Create a Stylized Character with Nomad Sculpt

    Skills you'll gain: 3D Assets, 3D Modeling, Animation and Game Design, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphic Techniques, Storytelling, Graphical Tools, Creativity, Color Theory

    Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    3D Character Design Workshop with Nomad Sculpt

    Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, 3D Assets, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Animations, Graphical Tools, Creative Design, Color Theory

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Brand Illustration: Create Stylized, Unforgettable Imagery

    Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Storyboarding, Storytelling, Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Creativity, Aesthetics

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Creative Writing: The Craft of Character

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Content Creation, Writing and Editing

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Next level skills. New Year savings.

    Save on Coursera Plus
  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    A

    Adobe

    Typography and Layout

    Skills you'll gain: Layout Design, Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, Adobe Illustrator, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Visual Design, Graphic Design, Design, Design Elements And Principles, Adobe Creative Cloud, Content Creation, Creativity

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Graphic Design Theory - Web & Digital Design

    Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Digital Design, Web Design, Motion Graphics, Adobe XD, No-Code Development, Animations, Layout Design, Prototyping, Graphic Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Style Guides

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Adobe

    Design a Standout Brand That Connects With Your Audience

    Skills you'll gain: Brand Strategy, Adobe Express, Presentations, Branding, Creative Design, Target Audience, Visual Design, Typography, Adobe Creative Cloud, Storytelling, Adobe Illustrator, Diversity and Inclusion, Adobe Acrobat, Color Theory, Creative Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Digital Assets, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    E

    Epic Games

    Epic Games Game Design

    Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, Ideation, 3D Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Software Design Documents, 3D Assets, User Experience Design, Computer Graphics, Usability, User Interface (UI), User Experience, User Interface (UI) Design, Interactive Design, Virtual Environment, Version Control, Conceptual Design, Prototyping

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    575 reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    California Institute of the Arts

    Graphic Design

    Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Logo Design, Digital Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Color Theory, Photo Editing, Adobe InDesign, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Art History, Layout Design, Design Research, Visual Design, Design Strategies, Adobe Illustrator

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    22K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

Searches related to character design

character design for video games
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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular character design courses

  • Character Design for Video Games: California Institute of the Arts
  • Game Design: Art and Concepts: California Institute of the Arts
  • Logo Design: From Concept to Client-Approved Work: Skillshare
  • Create a Stylized Character with Nomad Sculpt: Skillshare
  • 3D Character Design Workshop with Nomad Sculpt: Skillshare
  • Brand Illustration: Create Stylized, Unforgettable Imagery: Skillshare
  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Character: Wesleyan University
  • Typography and Layout: Adobe
  • Graphic Design Theory - Web & Digital Design: Skillshare
  • Design a Standout Brand That Connects With Your Audience: Adobe

Frequently Asked Questions about Character Design

Character design is the process of creating the appearance and personality of characters for various media, including video games, animation, and comics. It is important because well-designed characters can significantly enhance storytelling, engage audiences, and create memorable experiences. Effective character design involves understanding the character's role, traits, and the world they inhabit, allowing creators to convey emotions and narratives visually.‎

A variety of job opportunities exist in character design. These roles can include character designer, concept artist, 3D modeler, and animator, among others. Professionals in this field often work in industries such as video game development, animation studios, film production, and advertising. Each position may focus on different aspects of character design, from initial sketches to final 3D models, providing a range of career paths for those interested.‎

To succeed in character design, you need a blend of artistic and technical skills. Key skills include drawing and illustration, an understanding of anatomy and proportions, proficiency in digital design tools, and knowledge of color theory. Additionally, storytelling skills and the ability to convey emotions through design are crucial. Familiarity with 3D modeling software can also be beneficial, especially for those looking to create characters for video games or animation.‎

There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in character design. For instance, the Character Design for Video Games course offers insights into creating compelling characters specifically for gaming. Additionally, the 3D Character Design Workshop with Nomad Sculpt provides hands-on experience in 3D character modeling, while the Create a Stylized Character with Nomad Sculpt Specialization allows learners to explore stylized character creation in depth.‎

Yes. You can start learning character design on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many character design courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in character design, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning character design can be approached through a combination of online courses, practice, and feedback. Start by enrolling in relevant courses to build foundational skills and knowledge. Regularly practice drawing and designing characters, experimenting with different styles and techniques. Seek feedback from peers or online communities to improve your work. Additionally, studying existing characters in games and films can provide valuable insights into effective design.‎

Character design courses typically cover a range of topics, including the principles of character design, anatomy and proportions, color theory, and the use of design software. Courses may also explore storytelling through character design, the creation of character backstories, and the development of unique visual styles. Practical assignments often allow learners to apply these concepts in real-world projects, enhancing their skills and portfolios.‎

For training and upskilling employees in character design, courses like the Epic Games Game Design Professional Certificate can be particularly beneficial. This program covers essential aspects of game design, including character creation, making it suitable for professionals looking to enhance their skills in a collaborative environment. Additionally, the Google UX Design Professional Certificate can provide insights into user experience, which is valuable for character designers working in interactive media.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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