FACIAL EXPRESSION TRAINING
In Person | for Media + Video Game Studios
Engaging and highly effective, Faigin uses a Wacom tablet to draw in real time, creating detailed explanatory illustrations projected onto a large screen. He supplements these visuals with relevant photographs and historical artworks to further illuminate the topic at hand. CG artists actively participate, experimenting with various facial expressions by using their cell phones to reference their own faces.
Each session lasts for three hours and incorporates ample opportunities for audience feedback. By the end of each training, CG artists walk away with a more comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy and expression in action.
from Faigin's face book
"Gary gave a two-day presentation on facial expressions at Laika. His passion for the subject was contagious and his presentations were both engaging and interactive. Anyone looking to gain knowledge of facial expression whether for fine art or for animation would benefit from seeing Gary's demonstrations."
Brad Schiff, Animation Supervisor | ​Laika | Portland
1-Day FACIAL EXPRESSION TRAINING
6 hours
In his morning presentation, Faigin demonstrates the most important individual facial movements that are the components of expression. In his afternoon presentation, he shows how these elements combine to create the six cardinal expressions: ANGER, JOY, FEAR, SADNESS, DISGUST and SURPRISE.
Morning: Movement of Individual Facial Units
Afternoon: Facial Expressions of Emotion
2-Day FACIAL EXPRESSION TRAINING
12 hours
Over two days of lecture/demonstrations, Faigin covers the muscles that create facial expression, and how they combine to create the look of the six key emotions. The cardinal expressions of SADNESS, ANGER, and JOY are discussed in particular detail, as Faigin demonstrates how to pose slight, moderate, and extreme versions of these expressions.
DAY 1
Morning: Movement of Individual Facial Units
Afternoon: Facial Expressions: SADNESS, ANGER + FEAR
DAY 2
Morning: Facial Expression: JOY
Afternoon: Facial Expressions: DISGUST + SURPRISE
3-Day FACIAL EXPRESSION TRAINING with PRACTICUM
18 hours
Faigin's 3-day workshop offers CG artists the opportunity to recreate the expressions demonstrated each day and receive personalized feedback. After hours, participants complete their practicum "homework," using existing digital facial rigs—such as those freely available online—to draw the various poses independently. Each session begins with Faigin reviewing their digital drawings on a large screen, and providing "drawovers " when needed.​
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The addition of this hands-on practicum gives CG artists a practical, immersive experience, helping them refine their skills and apply the techniques more effectively in their own work.
DAY 1
Morning: Movement of Individual Factial Units + SADNESS
Afternoon: ANGER+ Digital Practicum
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DAY 2
Morning: Practicum Review + JOY
Afternoon: FEAR + Digital Practicum
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DAY 3
Morning: Practicum Review + DISGUST + SURPRISE
Afternoon: Final Practicum Review + Summary