Applicable across fields such as animation, games, illustrations, and concept art! Free Seminar on May 20 (Wed): 'Fundamentals of Character Design for Clear Intent – Learning Design Thinking from Silhouette, Shape, Color, and Structure'

Creek & River Co., Ltd. (C&R Co.) will hold a free online seminar for designers on May 20 (Wednesday), titled 'Fundamentals of Character Design for Clear Intent – Learning Design Thinking from Silhouette, Shape, Color, and Structure.' This seminar will be conducted entirely in English, but it is possible to listen in Japanese through simultaneous interpretation.

*You can choose to listen to the original (English) or the interpretation channel yourself.*

This seminar will feature artist and designer Matthew Moss as the lecturer, who will explain the basic principles for creating characters that are instantly understandable, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression. Character design often focuses on 'detailing' and 'decoration,' but instead of relying on these, the seminar will focus on the 'foundation' of character creation, such as structural thinking, design decisions made with intent, and visual communication design. The content is applicable across various fields such as animation, games, illustrations, and concept art. Those who wish to expand their design horizons are encouraged to participate.

**What you will gain from this seminar:** * Understand the 'fundamental concepts' of character design. * Be able to intentionally decide why a certain shape, color, or costume is chosen. * Improve character readability and emotional expression. * Acquire practical design methods that can be reused in future productions.

**Seminar Content:** * **Silhouette:** How to create shapes that allow characters to be identified at a glance. * **Shape Language:** Methods for expressing personality and roles using shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. * **Proportion:** Setting body balance to emphasize points you want to highlight. * **Costume:** Clothing design that conveys a character's individuality, background, and role. * **Color:** How to choose and use colors to enhance atmosphere, emotion, and readability. * **Functionality:** Character design that makes them feel like a 'meaningful presence' within their world.

**Recommended for:** * Those who want to learn character design from the basics. * Artists in the game, anime, and illustration fields. * Art students, or those self-studying production. * Those who want to improve the 'communicability' of their characters.

Fundamentals of Character Design for Clear Intent – Learning Design Thinking from Silhouette, Shape, Color, and Structure

**Date and Time:** May 20, 2026 (Wednesday) 19:30 – 20:30 JST

**Location:** Online

**Speaker:** Creative Director Matthew Moss A Creative Director with over 18 years of experience in visual development for games. He has led teams in Tokyo and New York and collaborated with companies such as Disney, National Geographic, TV Tokyo, and LEGO. He is passionate about innovative game design, leveraging technology, fostering strong client relationships, and developing collaborative teams, striving to harmonize core concepts, technology, and mission to create visually engaging and entertaining games.

**Participation Fee:** Free

**Capacity:** 60 people

**Organizer:** Creek & River Co., Ltd.

**Details and Application here:** https://www.creativevillage.ne.jp/category/crv_event/174597/ *Deadline: May 20, 2026 (Wednesday) 20:30 JST*

**Contact:** Creek & River Co., Ltd. PEC Secretariat 'Fundamentals of Character Design for Clear Intent' Seminar Representative Email: pec_seminar@pr.cri.co.jp

Since its establishment in 1990, C&R Co. has been a pioneer in creator agencies, supporting creators' career and skill enhancement through joint company briefings, career consultations, and seminars. Moving forward, under its mission of 'improving the lifelong value of professionals,' the company aims to create an environment where creators can maximize their abilities through various initiatives.

**Design & Creative Related Seminars:** * Ongoing: Capcom Co., Ltd. Online Individual Interview and Meeting Session https://career.famitsu.com/lp/5455 * UX Discovery: Master the Research Phase of Product Development (e-learning) https://www.creativevillage.ne.jp/category/crv_event/149411/ * Creating Excellent UI: Games, Apps, Websites (e-learning) https://www.creativevillage.ne.jp/category/crv_event/154594/ * Other Design-