The master creature designer must reveal the essence of a character to the client - BUT he also has to be able to roll with changes and input. In this second installment of a three-part series, master character sculptor & fine artist Don Lanning (Star Trek, The Avengers, Hellboy) shares some of the most valuable information he has - the art of making drastic character design changes to serve the filmmakers' vision. With more than 25 years of experience collaborating with Hollywood’s most demanding directors and producers, Don will guide you home!

This series is for anyone who wishes to pursue an artistic life. Don't miss it.

Beginner Level

3h 3m of duration

English, Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 10min

2. Altering the Jaw & Cranium: Creating Contrast - 15min

3. Mechanical Elements: Altering the Shoulders - 7min

4. Refining Elements of the Face - 6min

5. Horns & Tentacles - 10min

6. Redesigning the Mouth & Nose - 6min

7. Roughing Out More Design Features - 15min

8. Finding a Moment of Expression - 12min

9. Altering the Eyes & Larger Shapes - 9min

10. Cleaning the Sculpting Surface with a Sponge - 5min

11. Sculpting Armor - 6min

12. Incorporating Found Objects - 10min

13. Clay Paint - 6min

14. Adding New Eyes - 8min

15. Eyelids & Wrinkles Around the Eyes - 9min

16. Organic Face Detailing - 6min

17. Attaching the Horns - 7min

18. A Rough Hair Treatment - 2min

19. Refining Details in the Face - 15min

20. Weathering the Horns - 3min

21. Last Details Before Brush Out - 3min

22. Brushing Off the Sculpture with Alcohol - 8min

23. Wrap Up - 4min

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

McMaster Carr

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

Monster Clay

GreatArt UK

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Clay Head and Bust Form

Lazy Susan

Mirror

Odds & Ends – Found Materials

Light-up Eye Form

Nightlight

Plastic Giger Tube

Plastic Model Kit Pieces

Plastic Toy Barrel

Plastic Toy Gun Muzzle

Plastic Toy Rocketship

Plastic Valve

Thermos Lid

Various Glass Eye Forms

CLAYS/PLASTERS

WED Clay

PAINT/BRISTLE BRUSHES

Powder Brush

Paint Brushes

PAINTS

Color-matched Clay Paint

SPONGES/POWDER PUFFS

Black Porous Stipple Sponge

Orange Stipple Sponge

THINNERS/SOLVENTS

99% Alcohol

TOOLS

Measuring Tools

Calipers

Plastic Ruler

Round Calipers

Triangle Ruler

Sculpting Tools

Knife

Large Serrated Loop Tool

Lemon Zester

Loop Tools

Serrated Kidney

Wedge Shaped Rubber Sculpting Tools – Various Sizes

Wire Wrapped Loop Tools

SUPPLIES

Armature Wire

Bucket of Water

Paint Stir Stick

Popsicle Stick

Small Wooden Board

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Behind the Mask

Spectrum 6 Books

Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

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 BiographyDon Lanning

Master Artist: Character Designer, Master Sculptor and Fine Artist.

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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