Gothic Knight Character Design Workshop by Trent Kaniuga

Welcome to the Character Design Workshop! In this 4.5-hour workshop, we will go through the process of designing a Gothic Knight in the style that I have developed over my 20 years of experience working in the video game industry. This workshop is specifically tailored for artists who want to create characters for video games.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that this workshop assumes you have a solid foundation in anatomy and basic lighting. If you feel that you still struggle with these fundamental skills, I recommend taking some basic art lessons to strengthen your knowledge before diving into this workshop.

Now, let’s break down the different lessons and what you will learn in each one:

Lesson 1 – Body Type and Function:
In this lesson, we will start by exploring different body types suitable for a Gothic Knight character. We will discuss how the character’s physique can reflect their role and function within the game world. Understanding the character’s purpose will help you make design decisions that align with their abilities and characteristics.

Lesson 2 – Design Principles and Infusing Story:
Designing a character goes beyond their appearance. In this lesson, we will delve into the principles of character design and explore how to infuse story into your design choices. We will discuss how elements such as silhouette, shape language, and costume details can communicate the character’s background, personality, and narrative within the game.

Lesson 3 – Detailed Design Front View Part 1:
Here, we will dive into the details of the character’s front view. We will break down the design process, discussing how to create a strong focal point, balance asymmetrical elements, and incorporate intricate costume and armor details. I will explain the reasoning behind each decision, helping you understand the thoughts behind a professional character designer’s choices.

Lesson 4 – Detailed Design Front View Part 2:
Continuing from the previous lesson, we will complete the front view of the character, refining the design and adding finishing touches. We will address any challenges or design dilemmas that may arise and find creative solutions.

Lesson 5 – Back View and Callouts:
In this lesson, we will explore the character’s back view and examine the necessary callouts for a character design sheet. Callouts are annotations that provide additional information about specific design elements, such as materials, textures, or functionality. We will discuss how to effectively communicate these details for the character’s 3D modeling and texturing process.

Lesson 6 – Colorize Grayscale and Painting Materials:
Now that the character design is complete, we will learn how to add color to the grayscale design. We will explore different approaches to colorization, discussing the mood, lighting, and material choices that best suit the Gothic Knight’s aesthetic.

Bonus Lesson – How to Paint Metal Armor in the Dark Souls Style:
As a special bonus, I will teach you how to paint metal armor in the Dark Souls style. We will cover techniques for achieving the worn, weathered, and battle-worn look commonly seen in Dark Souls armor designs. This bonus lesson will give your Gothic Knight an extra level of authenticity and visual appeal.

Throughout the workshop, I will provide explanations and breakdowns for the design decisions we make, ensuring you gain a deep understanding of the character design process. By the end of the workshop, you will have constructed an effective character design sheet, ready to be implemented in a video game.

Now that you know what to expect from this workshop, let’s get started on creating your Gothic Knight!