Postgraduate Expert Program in Character Design
Program Overview
Postgraduate Expert Program in Character Design
Description
Our staff of industry professionals will train you to work in one of the most exciting and highly valued professions in the animation film industry.
You will dive deep into anatomy, volume, interpretation, style, aesthetics, clear communication, speed and productive strategies in drawing, character psychology, narrative, color language, production systems… And all that theoretical investment will have a tangible practical reflection as a portfolio that will clearly show the potential you offer as a professional seeking employment.
You will leave with a portfolio that will be your ideal letter of recommendation, granting you access to top companies such as Ánima Kitchent, SPA, Mikros, Skydance Animation, Cartoon Saloon, Brown Bag Films and Jellyfish Pictures, among others.
Career Opportunities
- Character designer
- Visual development artist
- Storyboard artist
- Illustrator
- Comic book artist
Paths to Entry
Student Entry Profile:
- This program is aimed at people with creative passion, interested in drawing for the entertainment industry or for audiovisual communication.
- Students or university graduates, especially in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Audiovisual Communication, Illustration and other areas related to the creation of graphic material.
- 3D modelers, animators, illustrators or advertisers, among others.
- Professionals in the field of animation who wish to broaden their knowledge.
- People with a tendency to create, with a natural ability in drawing and an interest in improving their skills and specializing.
Where Our Alumni Work
The students of this master’s program are prepped to contribute to first-class productions and are working in top companies around the world.
Partner Companies
- Ánima Kitchent
- SPA
- Mikros
- Skydance Animation
- Cartoon Saloon
- Brown Bag Films
- Jellyfish Pictures
Study Plan
- Location: U-tad
- Hours: Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. CET.
- ECTS: October-June. 300 hours
- Language: Spanish
- Modality: In campus or online
- Center Attached to: Camilo José Cela University
Course 1
- COURSE NAME
- DRAWINGS AND CHARACTERS
- Fundamentals of drawing
- Drawing applied to character design
- CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT
- Interpretation and style
- Color
- Narrative and Storyboarding
- Psychology and personality
- VOLUME
- Volume Fundamentals
- Three-dimensional conception of form
- Digital sculpting techniques
- CHARACTER DESIGN AND INDUSTRY
- Pre-production and production designs
- Character and media
- MASTER’S THESIS
- DRAWINGS AND CHARACTERS
Faculty
Borja Montoro Cavero
- Director of the Character Design Expert Program
- Character Design at Netflix Animation
Guillermo Ramírez
- Color and Character Design (Concept and Production Art) teacher
- Character Art Director at Skydance Animation
Teresa Valero Sánchez
- the Drawing applied to character design, Psychology and personality teacher
- Graphic Novel Artist at Editions Dupuis
Guillermo García Carsi
- Interpretation and style teacher
- Creative Director at Lingokids
Students' Projects and Awards
Your Project: your best letter of recommendation
You will learn by doing. From your first year onwards, you will work on projects, with applying all that you’ve learned and working in teams, practicing skills that will be vital for your future employability. Your projects will prove your worth to employers and act as an ideal letter of recommendation.
Talent Awards
U-tad students have received more than 100 awards in national and international competitions in the last three years, which speaks to our students’ ability and the quality of their education.
Students' Feedback
- I have been working in the animation industry for more than 20 years and I needed to take my studio to the next level. I've taken two courses at U-tad, and it's the best investment I've ever made. The Expert Program in Character Design is extremely good. The professors are industry professionals, and as such, they have a very high expectations and expect you to meet them. They are equally as attentive as they are demanding. I recommend the in-person modality.
- Jonathan Cortés, Animal Studios
- The teaching staff, headed by Borja Montoro, are all professional and personable. Teresa Valero, Juan Pablo López Arenas, Tony Navarro, David Romero Utrero, Guillermo Ramírez... I have worked and still work on projects for Sony Pictures and Tresemmé, on 'Buñuel en el laberinto de las tortugas', and for Boulder Media in Dublin on ‘Micronauts'. I’m contracted to work from home in Madrid on videogames for Pewter Games. B.water, Ánima Kitchent, Hampa Studios, Aupa Studios, Capcub. If it weren't for Borja Montoro, I wouldn't have valued my work enough to succeed the way so quickly.
- Pablo Miró Román, Storyboarder and animator
Program Outline
Outline:
Course 1
- DRAWINGS AND CHARACTERS
- Fundamentals of drawing
- Drawing applied to character design
- CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT
- Interpretation and style
- Color
- Narrative and Storyboarding
- Psychology and personality
- VOLUMEV
- Volume Fundamentals
- Three-dimensional conception of form
- Digital sculpting techniques
- CHARACTER DESIGN AND INDUSTRY
- Pre-production and production designs
Teaching:
- Classes are held on Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CET.
- The program is 300 hours long and runs from October to June.
- Classes are taught in Spanish.
- Students can choose to attend classes in person or online.
- The program is attached to Camilo José Cela University.
- The program is directed by Borja Montoro Cavero, Character Design at Netflix Animation.
Careers:
- Character designer
- Visual development artist
- Storyboard artist
- Illustrator
- Comic book artist
U-tad University of Technology Arts and Design
Overview:
U-tad University of Technology Arts and Design is a private university located in Madrid, Spain. It specializes in digital education, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like animation, video games, digital design, and computer science. U-tad is known for its focus on practical skills and industry connections, preparing students for successful careers in the digital world.
Services Offered:
Academic Programs:
U-tad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various digital fields.Student Information:
The university provides resources and support for students, including academic advising and career services.Campus Services:
U-tad offers various campus services, including a library, computer labs, and student clubs.Research Projects:
The university encourages research and innovation, offering opportunities for students to participate in research projects.Employment and Internships:
U-tad assists students in finding internships and jobs through career fairs and networking events.International Student Exchange:
U-tad facilitates international student exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad and gain global perspectives.Student Life and Campus Experience:
U-tad provides a vibrant and international campus environment. Students have access to various student clubs and organizations, fostering a sense of community and allowing them to pursue their interests. The university also organizes events and activities throughout the year, enriching the student experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry-Focused Curriculum:
U-tad's curriculum is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital industry.Strong Industry Connections:
The university has strong partnerships with leading companies in the digital sector, providing students with internship and job opportunities.Award-Winning Faculty:
U-tad boasts a faculty of experienced professionals and academics, providing students with high-quality instruction and mentorship.Modern Facilities:
The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, studios, and workshops, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their chosen fields.International Environment:
U-tad attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.Academic Programs:
U-tad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following areas:
Computer Science:
Software Engineering, Computational Physics, Mathematics and Software EngineeringAnimation:
Animation, 3D Animation, VFXDigital Design:
Digital Design, Graphic Design, UX/UI DesignVideo Games:
Interactive Design of Products and Video Games, Game Design, Game DevelopmentOther:
U-tad is a partner of the Universidad Camilo José Cela and the Software Center of Excellence. The university is also a Rookies Certified School, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality education in the digital arts.
Entry Requirements:
- Student entry profile:
- This program is aimed at people with creative passion, interested in drawing for the entertainment industry or for audiovisual communication.
- Students or university graduates, especially in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Audiovisual Communication, Illustration and other areas related to the creation of graphic material.
- 3D modelers, animators, illustrators or advertisers, among others.
- Professionals in the field of animation who wish to broaden their knowledge.
- People with a tendency to create, with a natural ability in drawing and an interest in improving their skills and specializing.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Language: Spanish
