Learn the art of character design with Academy Award-winning makeup effects artist Tom Woodruff Jr. (Prey, It, Alien vs. Predator, Tremors). In this in-depth course, Tom shares his expert techniques and multi-pronged process for designing sci-fi, fantasy, and horror characters.

Drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein's Monster, he covers everything from preliminary pencil sketching and basic Photoshop design to clay concept sculpting and prosthetic makeup application and testing. With Tom's guidance, you'll learn how to masterfully craft unforgettable characters that captivate audiences. Watch now to unlock the secrets of character design!

Intermediate Level

3h 2m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. Sketching a Rough Concept - 11min

3. Frankenstein Concept Design - 8min

4. Refining the Concept - 7min

5. Working from a Loose Concept - 10min

6. Committing to a Silhouette - 2min

7. Design Variations - 6min

8. Transferring the Design to Photoshop - 14min

9. Implementing Images Into Your Design - 4min

10. Photoshopping Hair Layers - 23min

11. Blending the Face & Skull - 5min

12. Adding Structure with the Dodge & Burn Tools - 3min

13. Experimenting with Variations of Your Design - 3min

14. Additional Photoshop Refinements - 9min

15. Merging Your Layers & Working On a Flat Image - 5min

16. Creating a Scar in Photoshop - 7min

17. Shaping the Top of the Head - 8min

18. Photoshop Cleanup - 3min

19. Building a Good Toolkit - 3min

20. Intro to Designing in Clay - 1min

21. Constructing a Simple Armature - 1min

22. Roughing Out the Head with WED Clay - 1min

23. Blocking Out Facial Features - 8min

24. Adding Eye Blanks to Your Sculpture - 4min

25. Roughing In Eyelids - 3min

26. Collaborative Creation & Tales from the Trenches - 5min

27. Blocking In Hair - 6min

28. Removing Part of the Skull - 4min

29. Working Full-scale - 2min

30. Surface Raking to Accentuate Shape & Form - 5min

31. Last Details - 1min

32. Frankenstein Makeup Application & Paint - 7min

33. Testing the Makeup on Video - 2min

34. Wrap Up - 40s

Materials

CLICK 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.

GreatArt UK

Chavant

Kenstools.com

Reynolds Advanced Materials

FOR YOUR WORKSTATION

Armature Base

Computer

DRAWING TOOLS

Black Sharpies with Broad Tip & Fine Tip

Large Flip Chart Paper

Pencil with Eraser

SOFTWARE

Photoshop

CLAYS/PLASTERS

WED Clay

CUTTING TOOLS

Wire Cutter

SCULPTING TOOLS

Chisel

Rake Loop Tools (various sizes and shapes)

Wire Loop Tools (various sizes and shapes)

No. 7 Dental Spatula

Wooden Spatula (custom-made)

SUPPLIES

Galvanized Wire

Paper Towel

Soft-Faced Hammer or Hide Hammer

White Plastic Spheres or Eye Blanks

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 BiographyTom Woodruff Jr.

Academy Award winning Character Creator | Co-Founder Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc.

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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