Characters are essential to making a successful story. Observe and discuss ways in which artists and authors establish characters in visual media, including film, animation, comics, and games. Open to ages 15 to 18. (Summer term) Course descriptionThe class features discussion of character development, writing and drawing exercises, and incorporates visual and informational research. Learn different methods of character design through style, materials and storytelling methods, creating illustrations from sketch to finish. Produce a final character portfolio, which includes a brief written narrative and illustrations. / Students will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud software throughout the class. Open to students ages 15 to 18. Students must meet the age requirement by August 1, 2026. Please review our complete Teen Policies as well as our General Policies prior to completing your registration. Class meeting detailsThis online course will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous. Students will meet together online for synchronous class meetings on Mondays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. CST using Google Meet for demonstrations, discussions, opportunities for students to ask questions, and check-ins. Asynchronous activities may include readings, video demonstrations and tutorials, online discussions, projects, and critiques. The instructor will have virtual office hours throughout the course to answer questions and provide individualized feedback and guidance. The class meetings will be recorded for students to use as a review.Prerequisite Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required. Previous experience with Adobe Photoshop is helpful, but not required (example skills include digital drawing, editing, and painting).Required materialsSupplies for the first classnotebook or sketchbookgeneral sketching tools such asdrawing pencils (HB-6B)penmarkerscolored pencilsSoftwareAdobe Creative Cloud (provided by MCAD).HardwareComputer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud with internet access, a camera, and a microphone; a scanner or scanning app on a smartphone; printer (optional).Class resourcesThis class used Adobe Creative Cloud and Canvas, MCAD’s learning management software. Please see the links for more information.Recommended textbookAny "The Art of..." books for film and games.Questions?Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765. Register Title Non-credit Tuition $384.00 Tuition Type Non-credit TuitionOne Credit Tuition Not Yet Open for Registration Registration opens February 2. Date: Mon, Jun 8, 2026 - Mon, Jul 6, 2026 Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. Day(s) of the week: Asynchronous Monday Ages: Open to ages 15 to 18. Term: Summer 2026 Instructor: Lafe Smith Location: Online SKU: CST 9620 20 SU26 Prerequisites: Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required. Previous experience with Adobe Photoshop is helpful, but not required (example skills include digital drawing, editing, and painting).