Design Fundamentals

An introduction to design with an emphasis on illustration and entertainment

45 Video Lessons

A comprehensive introduction to design across 6 modules with 40+ individual video lessons, totaling over 20 hours of content.

Open Your Eyes!

With a deep and nuanced understanding of the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design, you'll begin to see art, and the world, in an entirely new light.

10 Fun Assignments

Create a portfolio-ready project that showcases your skills in design through a mockup video game inventory screen.

Course Syllabus

Introduction

Learn how we will explore design.

Module Videos:

Introduction

How to use this course

Design Mindset

A series of discussions on how designers see the world, the power of opinions, project-based learning, managing your energy, project levels, and how materials impact design.

Module Videos:

What is Design?

The Designer's Eye

The Power of Opinions

Project Based Learning

Project Levels

Design and Materials

The Elements of Art

A multimedia exploration of the elements of art, the raw ingredients of all visual imagery.

Module Videos:

Line

Shape

Value

Form

Void

Texture

Color

The Principles of Design

A multimedia exploration of the principles of design, which define how the elements interact to shape a viewer's perceptions.

Module Videos:

Contrast

Emphasis

Rhythm

Variety and Repetition

Balance

Ratio, Proportion, and Scale

Movement

Unity

Inventory Screen Assignment

Create a mockup inventory screen for a game of your own invention. Follow along with detailed demonstrations for each asset: icons, items, and characters.

Module Chapters:

1. Thematic Treatment, MVP, and Reference Boards

2. Theme and laying out your Inventory Screen

3. Graphic design of Skill Icons

4. Establishing items with silhouette, line, and value

5. Establishing items with color and texture

6. Establishing Character

7. Character Costume and Color

8. Composing Assets and Text

Inventory Screen Assignment

Create a mockup inventory screen for a game of your own invention. Follow along with detailed demonstrations for each asset: icons, items, and characters.

Module Chapters:

1. Thematic Treatment and Boards

2. Theme and layout

3. Graphic design of Skill Icons

4. Items with silhouette and value

5. Items with color and texture

6. Establishing Character

7. Character Costume and Color

8. Composing Assets and Text

Moving Forward

Tips for developing a broad practice, talking about your work, and sharing online.

Module Videos:

Developing a broad process

Talking about your work

Sharing online

Farewell!

What you'll learn in the assignments:

Establishing your project
Creating a thematic treatment
Creating an asset list
Creating mood boards
Studying theme and form language
Laying out your inventory screen

Designing items with silhouette, line, and value
Creating color palettes
Texturing and distressing items
Character expressions
Character in-game actions

Character body type variations
Costume variations
Skill icons
Illustrating inventory screen elements
Setting text and creating mockup UI elements

Who is Steven Zapata, Really?

I'm just some guy. But I'm very good at drawing and anyone who doesn't hate me will tell you that. I am a professional artist with 13+ years of experience in print, illustration, advertising, theme parks, architectural design, and video games. My experience in education includes teaching production design and narrative storytelling at Art Center College of Design, mentoring students one-on-one, conducting in-person and online workshops, and guest-lecturing at art schools across the US. I also have a YouTube channel that discusses the mental and spiritual aspects of being an artist.

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