Ryan Lesser

Critic

Ryan Lesser is a visual artist, game designer, musician and teacher who lives in Providence. He has been developing video games since 1996 and is best known for his design and art direction on such influential games as Guitar Hero and Rock Band. During his 19 years as art director and creative director at Harmonix, he helped to create the patented 3D musical interface that would be used in many music-based games. In 2014 he founded Wild Power Games, where he develops and crowdfunds board games and video games such as High Heavens and Streets of Steel.

Courses

Fall 2024 Courses

ILLUS 3934-01 - A BEAUTIFUL CORNER
Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

ILLUS 3934-01

A BEAUTIFUL CORNER

Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-09-04 to 2024-12-11
Times: M | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Ryan Lesser Location(s): Washington Place, Room 001 Enrolled / Capacity: 15 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

How does one artfully navigate a creative landscape in CG character and environment design despite the deluge of derivative art and industry homogeneity? This class challenges students to swim against the current, to create a character and setting design that is unique and amazing. Sessions will be a balance of critical thinking, through ZBrush instruction, studio work and class critique. Critiques will focus on the inventiveness of the character and environment, the credibility of essential form, legibility of the designs and their suitability to the narrative outline.

This course fulfills the Computer Literacy requirement for Illustration majors.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $25.00

Elective

Spring 2025 Courses

ILLUS 4012-05 - SENIOR PORTFOLIO
Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

ILLUS 4012-05

SENIOR PORTFOLIO

Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PM Instructor(s): Ryan Lesser Location(s): Illustration Studies Building, Room 412 Enrolled / Capacity: 15 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to help students find their way to the professional marketplace utilizing the best tool available - the portfolio. Be it the freelance advertising, editorial or children's book markets, an animation or gaming studio, a publishing house, gallery or other venue, this course will introduce the components of the portfolio necessary for success. It includes development of both a traditional and online presence, discussions on specific industries, copyright issues, client contracts and pricing guidelines. Each student will create new work to augment their existing portfolio, as well as business cards, a resume, a contact list, invoice and letterhead. The course will also include visiting guest lecturers from a variety of industries. The focus will be to complete a portfolio that serves as a professional tool most suited to each individual's talent and aspirations.

Enrollment is limited to Senior Illustration Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Illustration