In this character design tutorial, you'll learn how to design a monster, creature or fantasy character using a "Hybrid Character Design" approach. Stan Winston Studio & Legacy Effects supervisor and character creator, Christopher Swift, demonstrates how a character designer must use every tool in the artistic arsenal to make a monster design memorable.

Beginner Level

2h 39m of duration

English, Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Introduction - 25s

2. What is the Hybrid Design Process? - 52s

3. The Sculpture - 3min

4. Blocking Out & Sizing the Sculpture - 3min

5. Why Hybrid Design? - 3min

6. Tools - 3min

7. Take it from Nature - 3min

8. Bringing Out Detail in the Sculpture - 1min

9. Breaking the Rules - 3min

10. Following the Design Roadmap - 2min

11. Working Through Doubt - 2min

12. The Design is the Anchor - 1min

13. Finer Detail & Defining the Mouth - 4min

14. Photographing the Sculpture - 2min

15. Lighting Your Character - 3min

16. Setting Up a Blue Screen - 2min

17. Shooting Your Stills - 5min

18. Taking it into Photoshop - 14s

19. Importing Your Photo - 4min

20. Extracting the Image - 4min

21. Cleaning Up the Edge - 9min

22. The Importance of Saving - 47s

23. The Other Arm - 6min

24. Teeth - 2min

25. Incorporating Web Reference - 17min

26. Bottom Teeth - 3min

27. Making the Mouth Work - 4min

28. More Photo Reference - 9min

29. Refining the Inner Mouth - 4min

30. Balancing the Elements - 15min

31. The Ick Factor - 6min

32. Adding Detail & Depth - 4min

33. Hotkeys - 3min

34. Sharpening - 3min

35. The Creature Emerges from the Mist - 3min

36. Experimentation - 10min

37. Refining - 8min

38. Final Touches - 2min

39. Adding a Background - 40s

40. Prepping Variations on Your Design - 2min

41. Recap - 2min

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

Naimie's Beauty Center

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

The Monster Makers

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

75-Watt Halogen Light Bulb

Computer

C-Stand Arm

Digital Camera w/Tripod

Small Warming Oven

Work Light with Clamp and Reflective Shade

CLAYS/PLASTERS

Chavant Clay

Monster Clay

TOOLS

Crimping, Pliers and Gripping Tools

Metal Pliers

Measuring Tools

Mechanical Calipers

Sculpting Tools

Loop Tool w/Serrated Edge

Pointed Loop Tools

Rake Tools

Round Loop Tools

Wooden Tools

SOFTWARE

Adobe Photoshop Graphics Editing Program 

iPhoto

SUPPLIES

2” Blue Painter’s Tape

Armature Wire

Black Aluminum Foil

Large Piece of Cardboard

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyChristopher Swift

Special Effects Character Creator, Makeup Effects Artist & Monster Maker, Key Supervisor for Stan Winston Studio & Legacy Effects

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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