Characters are essential to making a successful story. Take time to observe and discuss how creators establish characters in visual media, including film, animation, comics, and games. Open to students ages 16 and above. Course descriptionCreate a final character portfolio by the end of this course. This course includes lectures, character development discussions, writing, reference and drawing exercises, and sharing of student work. Students also have the opportunity to include a brief written narrative and illustrations to accompany their final characters. / Each student will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud software throughout the class. / No class on March 17.Open to students ages 16 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.Class meeting detailsThis online course is a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Students meet together online for synchronous class meetings on Tuesdays from 7:00–8:30 p.m. CST, using Google Meet for demonstrations, discussions, opportunities for students to ask questions, and check-in. 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 are recorded for students to use as a review.PrerequisitesPrevious 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 materialsSuppliesnotebook or sketchbookgeneral sketching tools such as:drawing pencils (HB-6B)pensmarkerscolored 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 smartphoneprinter (optional)Recommended textbookAny "The Art of..." books for film and games.Class resourcesThis class uses Adobe Creative Cloud and Canvas, MCAD’s learning management system. Please see the link for more information.Class savingsRegister on or before January 19 and save $25.Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).Additional savings. Are you eligible?QuestionsContact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765. Register Title Non-credit Tuition $465.00 Tuition Type Non-credit TuitionOne Credit Tuition Not Yet Open for Registration Registration opens January 5. Date: Tue, Mar 3, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026 Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m. CT Day(s) of the week: Tuesday Ages: Open to students ages 16 and above. Term: Spring 2026 Instructor: Lafe Smith Location: Online SKU: CSMA 9620 20 SP26 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).