Figure Composition & Story is a thumbnail class that teaches visual communications using the figure to compose narratively based multi-figurative art projects.

Students learn to draw simple, descriptive, figures in perspective allowing us to take a dive into narrative figure composition as it’s used today and was used in the past. Everything applies to animation, film, games, graphic novels, figurative painting and many children’s books.

We also address the role of character archetypes and casts of characters, and their application to visual storytelling. Students may work digitally, traditionally, or using a combination of both media.

Students will be given weekly homework assignments and receive personal video critiques on their work. 

Videos will be available as a replay the day after class. Homework is due at midnight PST each Thursday. Zoom links are emailed the night before each live class. Please note, jumpstart homework does not receive a crit.

Live Class Schedule (Zoom): June 24th, July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, from 12:00 – 1:30 pm EST. 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.

I was originally an advertising illustrator with agents in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. I eventually entered the entertainment field, where I was trained in Walt Disney Studio’s excellent Feature Animation training program. In the following years, I worked as a layout artist, background painter, and a visual development artist for Disney Feature and TV Animation, Nickelodeon Animation, Warner Bros., and Sony Feature Animation.

I have an MFA from the Claremont Graduate University in California. I am retired from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, where I taught in the Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Design programs. I won ArtCenter’s Great Teacher Award in 2012, an award granted by student vote.

I teach workshops internationally on figure drawing, costumed figure drawing, drawing on location (plants, architecture, furniture, vehicles, etc.), landscape drawing & film composition. Also, Photoshop painting, composition for animation & film, and style development for animation.

I teach professional workshops for Dreamworks Animation, Blizzard Entertainment and other professional organizations as well as offering online courses through Drawing America.

– Will @willwestonstudio

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