Hello
With 40+ years as a professional story artist, head of story, and animator with world class studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Skydance and Netflix, I am as confident in my own qualifications as I am with my ability to help you.
This course will be work, but just as well it will be a lot of fun, and if I could promise you anything, it’s this… that you’ll come away with a greater love for the craft of story, a much deeper appreciation for the art of cinema, and the best version of yourself as a Story Artist.
For a more comprehensive understanding of my credentials and professional adventures, please see my BIO and the links below.
Your dedicated instructor
– David
Course Overview
Schedule
Single Student 1-to-1 Mentorship
Open Calendar to accommodate your schedule — Accepting 3 students only
10:30am – 2:00pm PST – 10 weeks
Choose your available Saturdays. Nonconsecutive Saturdays are OK. Classes will be held in Zoom and conducted in English
This Course is for All Levels
From the aspiring newcomer to the experienced intermediate… to the advanced professional simply wanting to stay in love with the craft and fine tune their skills.
Some Drawing Proficiency is Required
Along with some drawing ability you will need hi-speed internet, a camera and mic, and be digitally equipped with Wacom Cintiq, iPad Pro, Huion Tablet (or the like) with drawing software such as Photoshop, StoryboardPro, Procreate, TV Paint (or similar).
Note: This is not a Cintiq, Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, or any form of hardware/software course. Technical proficiency and the ability to execute digitally is required.
Code of Ethics
This course promises a welcoming and safe learning environment respectful of diverse inclusivity with deference to all ideals and distinction of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, age, language, religion, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, or country of origin.
A Real World Studio Work Experience
As part of the syllabus there will be a story sequence assignment. Upon completion of your sequence (week #8) you will be asked to pitch to Animation Industry special guests and you will be critiqued. This can be hard work and may be a little stressful, very much like a real world studio work experience.
What You Can Expect to Gain
- Storyboarding fundamentals and how to board cinematically
- Elevated skills towards becoming that Story Artist the studios need and continue to value
- How to create meaningful stories that make people care
- Confidence and fuel for your passion towards continued learning and self-improvement
- Enlightenment and heightened story superpowers with which you can change the world
- An industry standard —and standout— feature storyboard portfolio piece
Syllabus
A week to week calendar guide to lecture topics, assignments, course requirements and due dates. If you would like a one-to-one consultation to learn even more about the course… feel free to contact me david@smithystudios.com
Your Future as a Story Artist Holds Great Promise
The academics and instruction acquired from this course can be carried over from Feature Animation to Television Animation to Game Design, and all other cinematic disciplines. The lines between them are evaporating, the distance between them collapsing. The future of all visual storytelling lies in the same territory.