Postgraduate Expert Program in Character Design
Study with the Character Designer of ‘Moana,’ ‘Zootopia,’ ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet,’ ‘Klaus,’ ‘The Jungle Book,’ ‘Hercules,’ ‘Tarzan,’ ‘Rio,’ among others.
Proyecto de Pilar Hernández, alumna de U-tad
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Directed by Borja Montoro, this postgraduate course is considered the best in Europe in its category.
Description
Our faculty of active professionals will train you to work in one of the most exciting and highly valued professions in the animation film industry.
You will learn in depth about anatomy, volume, interpretation, style, aesthetics, communicative clarity, speed, and productive strategy in drawing, character psychology, narrative, color language, production systems… And all this theoretical investment will have a tangible practical reflection through a portfolio that will clearly showcase the possibilities you offer as a professional. You will graduate with a portfolio that will be your best calling card and will give you access to the best companies such as Ánima Kitchent, SPA, Mikros, Skydance Animation, Cartoon Saloon, Brown Bag Films, or Jellyfish Pictures and among others.
Career opportunities
- Character Designer
- Visual Development Artist
- Storyboard Artist
- Illustrator
- Comic Book Artist
Admission Requirements
Entry profile of the student
This program is aimed at creative individuals interested in drawing applied to the entertainment industry and audiovisual communication. University students or graduates, especially in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Audiovisual Communication, Higher Vocational Training in Illustration, and other areas related to the creation of graphic material. 3D modelers, animators, illustrators, or advertisers, among others. Professionals in the animation field who wish to expand their knowledge. People with a natural inclination for creation, drawing skills, and an interest in improving and specializing.
Where Our Students Work
Graduates of this master’s program are prepared to tackle top-level productions and are working at some of the most important companies around the world.
Collaborating companies
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Study plan
- Location: U-tad Campus
- Hours: Fridays (4:30 PM – 9:30 PM) and Saturdays (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) CET
- Duration: 300 hours: October – June
- Language: Spanish
- Modality: On campus | Also available online
- Affiliated Center: Camilo José Cela University
Course 1
| COURSE NAME |
| DRAWINGS AND CHARACTERS |
| Fundamentals of drawing |
| Drawing applied to character design |
| CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT |
| Interpretation and style |
| Color |
| Narrative and Storyboarding |
| Psychology and personality |
| VOLUME |
| Volume Fundamentals |
| Three-dimensional conception of form |
| Digital sculpting techniques |
| CHARACTER DESIGN AND INDUSTRY |
| Pre-production and production designs |
| Character and media |
| MASTER’S THESIS |
Faculty
Borja Montoro Cavero
- Director of the Character Design Expert Program
- Character Design at Netflix Animation
Guillermo Ramírez
- Color and Character Design (Concept and Production Art) teacher
- Character Art Director at Skydance Animation
Teresa Valero Sánchez
- the Drawing applied to character design, Psychology and personality teacher
- Graphic Novel Artist at Editions Dupuis
Student projects and awards
Your Project: Your Best Professional Presentation
You will learn by doing. You will work on projects from the first year, with practical learning and application of the acquired knowledge, and teamwork that will be vital for your future employability. Your projects will be your calling card to the companies and the work that will demonstrate your value.
Awards for Talent
U-tad students have received over 100 awards in national and international competitions in the last three years, which shows the capability and quality of our students’ training.
Students' feedback
The teaching staff, headed by Borja Montoro, are all professional and personable. Teresa Valero, Juan Pablo López Arenas, Tony Navarro, David Romero Utrero, Guillermo Ramírez... I have worked and still work on projects for Sony Pictures and Tresemmé, on 'Buñuel en el laberinto de las tortugas', and for Boulder Media in Dublin on ‘Micronauts'. I’m contracted to work from home in Madrid on videogames for Pewter Games. B.water, Ánima Kitchent, Hampa Studios, Aupa Studios, Capcub. If it weren't for Borja Montoro, I wouldn't have valued my work enough to succeed the way so quickly.
Pablo Miró Román Storyboarder and animator 
I have been working in the animation industry for more than 20 years and I needed to take my studio to the next level. I've taken two courses at U-tad, and it's the best investment I've ever made. The Expert Program in Character Design is extremely good. The professors are industry professionals, and as such, they have a very high expectations and expect you to meet them. They are equally as attentive as they are demanding. I recommend the in-person modality.
Jonathan CortésAnimal Studios 
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do you study in the Postgraduate Expert Program in Character Design?
In this master’s program, you will gain in-depth knowledge of anatomy, volume, interpretation, style, aesthetics, visual clarity, speed, and productive strategy in drawing, as well as character psychology, storytelling, color language, and production systems. All this theoretical knowledge will be reflected in the creation of your portfolio, which will serve as your calling card and help you stand out in the animation film industry.
Who is the Postgraduate Expert Program in Character Design for?
This program is aimed at creative individuals with an interest in drawing applied to the entertainment and audiovisual communication industries. It is ideal for students or graduates in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Audiovisual Communication, Illustration, and other fields related to graphic content creation. It is also suitable for 3D modelers, animators, illustrators, or advertising professionals looking to specialize, as well as animation professionals seeking to expand their knowledge
What is the duration and format of the Postgraduate Expert Program in Character Design?
The master’s program lasts 300 hours, spread between October and June. Classes are held on Fridays from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We offer both in-person and online formats, allowing you to adapt the program to your needs and availability.
What career opportunities does this program offer, and where do graduates work?
With the Master’s in Character Design, you will be able to work as a character designer, visual development artist, storyboard artist, illustrator, comic book artist, and other professions within the animation and design fields. Our graduates have worked at leading industry companies such as Ánima Kitchent, SPA Studios, Mikros, Skydance Animation, Cartoon Saloon, Brown Bag Films, and Jellyfish Pictures, among others.
What kind of projects do students develop?
During the master’s program, students develop practical projects that serve as their portfolio for industry employers. Throughout the course, teamwork and the application of acquired knowledge are encouraged, maximizing employability upon completion. Students have the opportunity to showcase their talent through their projects, opening doors for them in the industry.
Can I study the master’s program and work at the same time?
Yes, the schedule is flexible (Monday to Thursday, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM CET), allowing you to balance it with your job.
