Information Package / Course Catalogue
Character Design
Course Code: BDT161
Course Type: Required
Couse Group: Short Cycle (Associate's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 1
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

Students should have knowledge about the processes that are important in character design in general, and be able to create an animation character with their own unique drawing style. They should have an idea about the different usage areas of character design (3D animation, game, stop motion, cartoon and book illustration). In addition to theoretical knowledge, they should gain the ability to design their own characters by practicing.

Course Content

What is an animation character? What are the elements of character design? What should be considered when designing a character? How does an original, creative character design emerge? What are the physical, psychological, cultural and social characteristics of the character? What are the elements that affect and shape character design? The answers to these questions form the content and basis of the course.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Ins. Atilla DEVELİOĞLU
Learning Outcomes
1.Learning professional terminology and presentation standards in character design, preparing a character design that will enhance the student portfolio.
2.Developing a creative and original perspective by examining character design examples, gaining knowledge about different aesthetic approaches.
3.Designing original characters that can be animated within an animation project.
4.Have an idea about the different usage areas of character design (such as 3D animation, game, stop motion, cartoon and book illustration)
5.To be able to design their own characters by practicing in addition to theoretical knowledge.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Canlandırma Tekniği Ders Notları (1) (Erim Özen - Anadolu Üniversitesi)
2.Creative Character Design. Bryan Tillman, 2011
3.Johnston, O., Thomas, F, The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation, Disney Editions, 1995
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical & Practice
Introduction, General information about animation and animation history.
Week 2 - Theoretical & Practice
Examining animation character designs through examples from different styles and studios.
Week 3 - Theoretical & Practice
Explaining the importance of shapes and colors in creating personality while showing basic design strategies in character design.
Week 4 - Theoretical & Practice
Conducting studies on the psychological, sociological background and story of the character.
Week 5 - Theoretical & Practice
Study of a selected object and application of methods to transform this object into an animated character.
Week 6 - Theoretical & Practice
Study of a selected object and application of methods to transform this object into an animated character.
Week 7 - Theoretical & Practice
Study of a selected object and application of methods to transform this object into an animated character.
Week 8 - Theoretical & Practice
MIDTERM EXAM - Evaluation of Applications
Week 9 - Theoretical & Practice
Explanation of half-human, half-animal mixed character design and sketch study.
Week 10 - Theoretical & Practice
Explanation of half-human, half-animal mixed character design and application process.
Week 11 - Theoretical & Practice
Explanation and implementation process of half-human, half-animal character design.
Week 12 - Theoretical & Practice
Creating a short story and scenario for characters.
Week 13 - Theoretical & Practice
The process of the final project of the course, the student creating the character he/she wants and writing the story.
Week 14 - Theoretical & Practice
The student creating the character he/she wants and writing the story.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory141356
Lecture - Practice141128
Assignment63124
Midterm Examination110111
Final Examination110111
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)130
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
OÇ-1
5
2
4
3
5
OÇ-2
5
3
2
5
1
OÇ-3
5
2
1
4
2
OÇ-4
OÇ-5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026