Environment Sketching [CGMA, Dzu Nguyen, Group-Buy]

This class will focus on creating compelling environments with a strong and consistent design language. Students will learn a process from start to finish that will enable them to generate and iterate on their ideas to find the best image for the story. Topics that will be covered include visual storytelling, composition, and perspective. Developing a visual language and creating strong mood through the use of values and lighting will also be discussed.

This important fundamental class will enable students to think, create, and design quickly and with confidence. In the first half of this course we will focus on line drawing and basic fundamentals. The second half of the class will introduce another approach of generating ideas, black and white speed painting. Then we detail and finish a portfolio piece. There will review on perspective and composition as you complete the assignment.

Course Outline​

Week #1: Perspective Review & Composition

• Create focal points and dynamic shots
• Focus on leading the viewer’s eye while avoiding common design mistakes
• Work with line drawing using simple shapes and forms to establish a solid foundation.

Week #2: Shape Language & Using Reference

• Establish believability in your designs
• Overcome common mental blocks in the creative process
• Define shape language and build a visual library
• Conduct silhouette studies and learn how to gather and use references effectively.

Week #3: Sketching Out the Story

• Use sketches to reinforce a specific narrative and find the best shot to convey the appropriate emotion
• Explore storytelling elements such as the image’s focus, mood, and contributing elements, and identify what can be edited out.

Week #4: Detail & Scale

• Reinforce believability and correct scale in your scenes by indicating necessary details
• Use small details to establish scale and enhance believability
• Identify areas of interest and rest, and understand the hierarchy of shapes.

Week #5: Values & Depth

• Use values to create depth and contrast, establishing a strong read
• Separate foreground, middle ground, and background
• Apply aerial perspective to unify your compositions.

Week #6: Speed Painting

• Tap into creativity, value block-ins, and abstract design to create compelling images and discover new ideas
• Use shapes and values for quick idea sketching
• Develop quick, strong compositions through consistent practice.

Week #7: Lighting & Mood

• Create strong moods or emotions using dynamic lighting that reinforces the narrative
• Understand lighting concepts and how they affect forms and objects
• Establish strong reads through lighting to maintain emotional impact.

Week #8: Putting It All Together

• Streamline your creative process and workflow for efficiency and presentability from start to finish
• In the final week, apply everything you’ve learned to create a polished final piece.

Join us to enhance your environment design skills and bring your creative visions to life!

You can find more details by following this link.