LAGUNA COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
Fall 2017
Visual Storytelling for Game - GA214
3 Units
Instructor Daniel Stultz
Mondays and Wednesdays (Big Bend room BB11)
7:00PM-9:50PM
Office Hours: By Appointment
Email: dstultz@lcad.edu
VISUAL STORYTELLING FOR GAMES
CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on storytelling with pictures.
Students learn the relationship between character and story development, and
how to compose images and arrange them in sequence to present a coherent and
emotionally effective story. Students also work on public speaking skills
by pitching their story to the
class.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
To learn the fundamentals of storytelling in the game
space. The student will learn brainstorming techniques, problem-solving
strategies utilizing critical thinking skills and varied ways of communicating
the ideas he or she wishes to incorporate into the story. Design
Fundamentals and Composition will be
utilized as a way of exploring the possibilities of visual storytelling. Color theory, value structure and shape language
will also be employed to enhance and extend
the possibilities of narrative meaning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:
• Understand
how to concept and develop character
• Understand
how to concept story
• Understand
how to develop plot
• Introduction
to nonlinear storytelling
• Communicate
story & character through drawing.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Homework: Homework assignments are the key way that
LCAD students solve problems, work out new ideas and develop their skills. All homework assignments given in this class
must be completed. They should be handed
in on time, but I will accept late work – by semester's end. If any homework is missing at the end of the
semester, your grade will be an incomplete.
All homework should be submitted in digital format to the shared drive
each week before the start of class.
Participation: Story is a process that involves drawing,
talking, arguing and more drawing. Even
if you are shy, you are going to have to participate in this class. Storytellers regularly "pitch"
their ideas to large audiences and we will be pitching our homework to the rest
of the class. Students will also be called upon to critique each other's work.
SUGGESTED READING:
There are no required books for this class, but the
following are highly recommended.
(Book) Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
(Independent Comic) Black Science by Rick Remender
(Blog) Temple of the Seven Golden Camels by Mark Kennedy
(Vlog) Casey Neistat
(Book) The Visual Story by Bruce Block
(Book) Shot by Shot by Steven D. Katz
(Book) Film Directing: Cinematic Motion by Steve D. Katz
LCAD GRADING SCALE
A 4.0 A- 3.7
B+ 3.3 B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+
2.3
C 2.0
C-
1.7
D+ 1.3
D
1.0
D- 0.7 F 0
GRADING CRITERIA
Each assignment will be accompanied by a grading rubric
specific to the assignment and it will be explained when the assignment is
presented, along with examples of successful work from previous classes. The
criteria presented below is an example of the way in which grading will be
conducted.
A =
Excellent / Goes Above & Beyond
In class and homework assignments go beyond the ideas
presented in class both in skill and creativity. Each drawing is an excellent
example that shows few errors in composition, design, materials understanding,
Photoshop techniques, construction, lighting, realism, and application of style
and design directives. Value and light logic is used convincingly to create
3-dimensional volume. Excellent understanding of materials is demonstrated
repeatedly.
B =
Very Good / Strong Understanding of Principles
In class and homework drawing, design and/or rendering
assignments are successful at representing the ideas presented in class both in
skill and creativity. Each drawing exhibits good examples with few errors in
composition, design, materials understanding, Photoshop techniques,
construction, lighting, realism, and application of style and design directives.
Drawings show consistent, convincing 3-dimensional volume.
C =
Average / Lacking in Overall Execution of Principles
In-class and homework drawing, design and rendering
assignments are on-time, complete and adequate in skill and creativity. Each
drawing, design and/or rendering is an average example with minor errors in
composition, design, materials understanding, Photoshop techniques,
construction, lighting, realism, and application of style and design
directives. Ability to create volume is weak both in structure and value.
Material indication is cursory (stylistic) without demonstrating deeper
analytical understanding. Renderings are not tight.
D =
Failing grade for studio classes, English Composition and Critical Reasoning
only – Student will need to retake the class. Below Average and barely passing
for Liberal Arts and Art History classes.
In class and homework drawing, design and rendering assignments that are
incomplete and/or late and show lack of understanding and coherence. Homework
that demonstrates only a basic understanding of the ideas presented. Many
errors in composition, design, materials understanding, Photoshop techniques,
construction, lighting, realism, and application of style and design
directives. Volume, structure and/or perspective is weak and not convincing.
Renderings are messy (as opposed to loose).
F = Failing
In class and homework does not meet minimum requirements
for a D. Drawings do not fulfill the requirements of the assignment. Little if
any effort expended on an assignment. Assignments were late or missing. Student
had too many absences.
COURSE GRADING REQUIREMENTS
Attendance is very important. If you choose to be
enrolled in this class, you must be in class participating, Mondays and
Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:50 p.m. Three absences may result in a student’s final
grade being lowered one entire grade (e.g. from an A to a B). A fourth absence
will result in disciplinary and
further discussion with the Department Chair of the Gaming program. Absences
are not to be thought of as vacation days to which you are entitled. Absences
are for sickness or unforeseen emergencies. Please email me if you are sick
or have an emergency or you will be counted as absent.
Arrive to class on time. Punctuality shows common courtesy
to your instructor and fellow students. Chronic lateness, or, leaving class
early will result in a lower final grade.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE
Students not intending to return to LCAD should complete an
official notice of withdrawal, available at the Registrar’s Office. Please make
an appointment with the registrar to complete the form. If circumstances do not
allow for an in-person meeting, please contact the registrar by telephone so
that the notice of withdrawal may be filed by mail.
BEHAVIOR/CONDUCT
Please arrive to class on time.
• Smoking
is permitted in designated areas only.
• No
cell phones in class. Please step outside to make or receive a call.
• Please
be considerate and attentive during critiques. Do not text, draw or use your
computer during critiques.
• Do
not move, alter, or tamper with any still life. Please do not place your coffee
cups, food, art supplies or backpacks on carts with still life arrangements on
them.
• Please
be respectful of others while setting up easels, benches, etc. Don’t create an
obstacle course with all your belongings. Cooperating with one another is the
best way to make the most of limited space.
• Please
properly dispose of all trash. We are all responsible for the maintenance of
our campus, studios, and classrooms.
LCAD PLAGIARISM GUIDELINES
Plagiarize – “to steal and pass off, the ideas or words of
another as one’s own: use a created production without crediting the source, to
present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source”
– Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition.
Submitting assignments that you did not write, or create in
whole or in part, or presenting the words or ideas of others without giving
proper credit is plagiarism. This applies to any research not collected by you.
Giving credit for all borrowed information, whether literal or visual, will
alleviate issues of plagiarism. Explain relevance of borrowed material and the
transition into your own voice, literal or visual. All written assignments for
LCAD must be documented by providing: MLA formatted Works Cited page by citing
the exact page or source. Regardless of the material cited, your writing needs
to be clear where the cited work begins and ends. LCAD has a formal committee
that regularly reviews suspected plagiarism cases and issues appropriate
penalties. Plagiarism is a violation of trust and academic honesty: it will
severely affect your status in the college and can ruin your academic career.
Students found guilty of plagiarism are subject to the provisions of the
Student code of Conduct as listed in the current Student Handbook, and may be
submitted to disciplinary action including dismissal.
MATERIALS:
As this is an on-line class I would highly recommend a
digital-medium; however feel free to whatever medium you are most comfortable
in and that you feel will allow you to do your very best work. That being said
all work will need to be uploaded for reviews so please make sure you allow
yourself time to scan, photograph and upload your work for reviews.
COURSE SCHEDULE/TIMELINE:
Sessions: Each session will be a lecture followed by studio
work and a critique.
Generally, assignments will be given and will be due the
following week, meaning that you will have a week to complete each assignment
or to refine and improve the work based on reviews.
WEEK ONE
(Always in Studio BB11)
Introduction to the
class and overview of story in games and film.
Project 01: Due Week 2 (All work created to be Upload to
class Google Drive.)
Choose your own story and genre (Science Fiction, Fantasy,
Horror, Western). Or choose from an existing story-tale/fable with a twist on
it by incorporating an existing video game franchise into the story. For
example Mario Bro’s merged with Jack and the Beanstalk. Cinderella merged with
Shamus from Metroid. Write a short paragraph on your game-story, and explain
who the main character is. You will include an inspiration board (collection of
images) to help show the style and direction you plan to take in development.
You will show this alongside your written description. You will describe the
story to the class on Week 2 be prepared to discuss with your peers.
WEEK TWO
The Hero’s
Journey:
Protagonist &
Antagonist, their creation & role in your story.
Project 02: Due Week
3 (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Write a one page about who your main character is, work on
being specific. Be prepared to discuss it with your peers. Gather
research/visuals to support your character description and create and
inspiration board. Create two pages of sketches and development work for your
character and two pages of roughs/sketches for your antagonist/villain. All
work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.
WEEK THREE
The world of your
story:
Its creation and
effect on your story. Important characteristics.
Exposition, factions
and environment.
Project 03: Due Week
4 (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Develop one page of research/visuals to support your World
Development and create an inspiration board. Develop one page of rough sketches
for your Hero’s World/Lair. Develop one page of sketches for your Villain’s
World/Lair. Write 5-10 story moments for your story or ideas of what you might
see happening in your story/game. Example: Joel’s goal is to get Ellie to the
Capitol Building.
WEEK FOUR
Story Structure:
Exposition, rising
action, climax, dénouement.
Hooks, inciting
incidents, conflict, character development.
Project 04: Due Week
5. (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Choose one of your favorite sequences from a film. Review
it and work to determine what makes it so effective. What was it that drew you
in? Acting, emotion, pacing, editing, a combination of elements? Thumbnail out
(Rough Sketches) the entire sequence. Be sure to focus on composition, such as
the rule of thirds. Utilize the rough shapes to help you develop the
composition. Do enough thumbnails that we (the class) can determine what’s
taking place.
WEEK FIVE
Storyboarding: Part 1
We will discuss Storyboarding
principles and go over examples of how to approach and plan for your storyboard
workflow.
*Project 05: Due
Week 6. (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Three part assignment. Storyboard a very short story that
you have created. To properly board this story, you will need roughly 50 to 60
storyboard panels. For Week 7, please
have roughs for most of the panels and we will go over them 1 on 1 and review
them.
*(Please Note:
Projects 5-7 will be used for your midterm grade.)
WEEK SIX
Storyboarding: Part 2
We will discuss
Storyboarding principles and go over examples of how to approach and plan for
your workflow.
*Project 06: Due
Week 7. (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Part Two: Tighten up the boards and implement the changes
from the workshop. Get the boards into shape such that they can be pitched to
the class. They can still be very rough.
Plan to take notes and revise your boards/pitch per feedback.
WEEK SEVEN
Midterm due – Final
Storyboards & Pitch:
You will pitch your
storyboards to the class, please be prepared to speak to the class and to walk
everyone through your story.
(Pitch Length is to be
no less than 10 minutes and no more than 15 minutes.)
*Project
05-07: FINAL BOARDS & PITCH DUE MARCH 8th.
WEEK EIGHT
Project 08: Due Week 10. (All work created to be Upload to
class Google Drive.)
Write out a paragraph or more on your dream job as an
artist and why. Sketch out a page with a plan of action as to what you would
like to showcase as you develop your “Pitch Package” for your Game’s Story
Development. This could include: Character development, action poses, world
design, effects, style guild, storyboards (required) and overall visuals you
plan to use to explain either the game play of your story as well as the story
of your game.
WEEK NINE
Introducing
characters:
How the
player/viewer/reader learns about your protagonist.
Project 09: Due Week
11. (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Develop an intro page to your Game/Story. One page
sketches, rough drawings/sketches/compositions/layouts of potential ideas for
an intro page. Take one idea from your sketch page and begin to develop it
(rough) begin laying it out and roughing in the overall theme/idea. This can
include your character or world or just a hint of what’s to come.
WEEK TEN
Art Direction:
The style of your
story and the design of the world.
Project 10: Due Week
12. (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
One page style guild (rough ideas) begin developing a style
guild for your Game/Story as if you’re the Art Director. What is the game play
style? What platform or era of video games? Think of the games you admire and
begin developing a style-guild that will support your theme for your
Game/Story.
WEEK ELEVEN
The beginning, middle
and end of your story.
Project 11: Due Week
13. (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Develop the beginning and end of your story. 3 rough pieces
(Story-Beats) highlighting the beginning, middle and end of your story. Full
color to use while pitching the beginning and end of your story. Class critique
to follow.
WEEK TWELVE
Pitch-Packet Roughs:
Part 1
Putting together a
pitch package for a game story.
Project 12: Due Week
14. (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Take your 3 rough (Story-Beats) to final, continue to flesh
out various design elements for your Pitch-Packet.
WEEK THIRTEEN
Pitch-Packet Roughs:
Part 2 (Nonlinear Story)
Many games have
nonlinear stories, which makes narrative structure quite complicated. In
addition, many games let the player continue playing after the story has ended.
We'll discuss strategies for developing non-linear story.
Project 13: Due Week
15. (All work created to be Upload to class Google Drive.)
Refine your Pitch-Packet.
WEEK FORTEEN
Further refine your
Pitch-Packet.
WEEK FIFTEEN
Final Review:
Students will preview
and review their progress on assembling pitch package.
Project
14: Due Week 16 (The Final Week of Class)
Final assignment. Put together a full pitch for the
world/concept/story of your game. You will have 10 minutes to pitch this to the
class, and 5 minutes for Q&A. You should have images/words/pitch for the
protagonist, antagonist, side characters, and world. You should have drawings
that illustrate important moments in the story. All art that you show here
should be new – the work you did earlier in the class was to give you
experience putting this pitch together – now it is time to improve on that
earlier work.
WEEK SIXTEEN
Pitch Package:
Students present final
pitch package and Production Bible. Class Critique.
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