Powerful imagery for film and animation isn’t just about making pretty pictures; professional designers are responsible for knowing how to create and control emotional responses while telling specific stories through their imagery.

In this class, we go beyond the basics. Students combine drawing and thinking skills with professional tools and workflow to gain a deeper understanding of effective visual communication. They learn how to create expressive and descriptive environments that drive the viewer’s
experience through composition, set design, lighting, perspective, props, and style. They discover how environments can reveal mysteries and backstories, set moods, and immerse us in new worlds. Students learn to
recognize what gives these story-driven environments the power to tell us how our heroes and villains live or die, and most importantly how we should feel about it.

This class guides students through current entertainment design theories and practices to create well-thought-out compositions and environments that answer narrative needs, teaching them how to become powerful designers and storytellers for the entertainment industry.

Live Class Schedule (Zoom): February 18, 25, March 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 12:00 -1:30 EDT (recording of live classes available the next day)

Homework is due Thursday night at midnight. Video critiques are posted on Saturdays by midnight. Zoom links in ZOOM TAB the night before the live class. Live class available as replays 24 hours after class. 

Cynthia Halley is an LA based Art Director, Designer, & Visual Development artist for the entertainment industry. She was trained in traditional illustration as well as the entertainment arts, and both disciplines continue to influence her life-long passions of world building, visual communication, fantasy, and fun.

Cynthia graduated from Art Center College of Design in 2013, and has since worked for many of the major studios including Marvel Studios, Sony Pictures Animation, Disney, DreamWorks TV, Titmouse Animation, and Nickelodeon.

She enjoys sharing her experiences, and is dedicated to inspiring future artists through teaching, art direction, and lectures and workshops.

Outside of the studios and teaching, Cynthia is always looking for new creative outlets and enjoys dabbling in everything from industrial design to fashion and costumes. She can often be found reorganizing and decorating her home, watching documentaries, sketching outside, or napping with the cat.

Students may choose to work in Photoshop, Procreate or any drawing medium they prefer.