Class

People in Picture Books: Developing Your Main Character

$39.99

At a Glance:

In-depth Instruction; over 124 mins
On-demand video access anytime
Bonus downloadable PDF resources
Access to class Q&A

Item: W00822E

Description

Description

Create strong picture book characters for your stories! With picture book illustrator Doreen Mulryan as your guide, you’ll start with finding inspiration for your character by building a mood board. Next, learn to draw your character’s basic anatomy in a variety of poses and get tips for adding facial features, hands and feet that look just right. Make your characters unique as you establish their body type, select their clothing and explore different aesthetic styles. Get to know your protagonist’s personality through a character sheet and create a turnaround that will help you draw characters from any angle. Plus, build confidence telling your story visually and get Doreen’s tips for using color to bring your character to life.

Class Sessions

Warm-Up

20:47

Meet Doreen Mulryan, children's book illustrator extraordinaire and your guide to developing a strong main character. In this first lesson, you'll learn all about how to get started. From picking the right materials to brainstorming your character's personality traits, Doreen has you covered!

Basic Pose & Construction

Basic Pose & Construction

12:47

How your characters move around goes a long way toward explaining who they are. In this lesson, Doreen gives you a step-by-step guide to drawing basic anatomy and shows you how to create more dynamic, interesting poses that add drama and personality.

Faces, Expressions, Hands & Feet

Faces, Expressions, Hands & Feet

19:44

Doreen was once intimidated by hands. But now she's got tips to help you draw them, along with feet and the all-important facial expressions that will help give your character personality. By the end of this lesson, you'll feel comfortable drawing some of the more challenging body parts.

Types of Characters

Types of Characters

15:10

Now that you have the tools and skills to draw your main character, it's time to start exploring different traits. Doreen shows you how to select for body type, along with how to tell the story not just through expressions but also through qualities such as clothing.

Developing Your Character

Developing Your Character

18:16

Next, it's time to add personality. Doreen walks you through her process of development, from building a character sheet and scripting through sketching and drawing a turnaround to create the most well-rounded character possible.

Finding Your Story

Finding Your Story

18:09

Learn to tell your character's story entirely through images, not words. Doreen shares some of her own thumbnail sketches and demonstrates how to put such sketches in specific, personality-revealing environments.

Incorporating Color

Incorporating Color

18:50

Doreen teaches you how to brighten your characters and their environment by incorporating color. Learn how to choose colors, the benefits of sticking to a limited palette and the quickest, easiest way to add some stunning final touches to give your images a cohesive look.

Your Instructor

Doreen Mulryan

For as long as Doreen can remember, all she's ever wanted to do was draw and ice skate. She carried her love of drawing into college, attending Carnegie Mellon University as a fine arts major, before moving on to New York's School of Visual Arts, where she received her degree in illustration and cartooning. After graduation, Doreen worked at Marvel Comics as a production assistant before designing children's toys at Russ Berrie. Now, when she's not skating with her roller derby team, Doreen teaches art to kids and illustrates children's books. Some of Doreen's books include Frankly Frannie and Pinkabella.

Doreen Mulryan

Bonus Material

FAQs

Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?

Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.

How do I know what the Class covers?

Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.

Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?

No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.

How do I purchase a Class?

First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.

How do I access/view my Class?

Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.

Do I have to take the Class right away?

No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.

Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?

No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.

Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?

No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Craftsy, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.

How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?

Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.

How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?

Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.

Can I print out Class details?

For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.

What are PDF downloads?

These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.

Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.

Why do you need my email?

We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?

Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.

How do I contact Craftsy?

If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.

Explore Classes by Doreen Mulryan

You may be interested in