Renowned character designer and animation artist Uzoma Dunkwu is expanding access to one of his most impactful educational initiatives, as his highly praised Ethnic Character Design for Animation masterclass officially transitions into a full, on-demand course set to launch on February 26, 2026.
Originally hosted as an intensive 8-week masterclass during Fall 2025, the program quickly gained attention within the animation and illustration community for its deep dive into culturally grounded character design and real-world industry workflows. Following strong feedback from participants, the sessions have now been carefully archived, refined, and compiled into a comprehensive digital course that will be available for purchase via Gumroad.
From Masterclass to Industry-Ready Course
Uzoma Dunkwu’s masterclass stood out for its rare combination of cultural storytelling, technical skill, and professional insight. Drawing directly from his experience crafting Noni, the CAA award-winning character from Eyes of Wakanda, Dunkwu offered participants an inside look at how authentic ethnic representation can be translated into compelling animation-ready designs.
Rather than focusing solely on theory, the sessions explored practical techniques used in professional animation pipelines, from concept ideation and silhouette development to texture choices, visual symbolism, and cultural research. According to Dunkwu, the goal of the course has always been to bridge the gap between personal style and industry standards, especially for artists interested in telling culturally rooted stories.
With the new course format, artists who missed the original live sessions now have the opportunity to access the same depth of knowledge at their own pace.
What the Course Includes
The Ethnic Character Design for Animation course offers over 15 hours of structured content, covering both creative and professional aspects of character design. Beyond the recorded lessons, students also gain access to a robust collection of bonus materials designed to enhance learning and hands-on practice.
These include downloadable PSD working files, detailed presentation slides, and select exclusive feedback samples from assignments submitted during the original masterclass. This added context allows new students to better understand how design critiques are handled in professional environments.
One of the most valuable components of the course is premium access to a dedicated Discord community, where enrolled students can share artwork, exchange ideas, and occasionally receive assessments related to the course content. This creates an ongoing learning ecosystem rather than a one-off viewing experience.
Dunkwu’s decision to convert the masterclass into an on-demand course reflects a broader push to make high-quality animation education more accessible, particularly for artists outside traditional studio hubs. By removing the limitations of time zones and live attendance, the course opens its doors to a global audience of animators, illustrators, and storytellers eager to refine their craft.
For many aspiring creatives, the course also offers a rare chance to learn directly from an artist actively working at an international level, someone who understands both the artistic and business realities of the animation industry.
How to Join the Course
The course officially becomes available on February 26, 2026. Interested artists are encouraged to visit Uzoma Dunkwu on Instagram, where full registration details and the Gumroad purchase link can be accessed via his bio.
For those who missed the original masterclass, this release represents a second chance to gain insights, tools, and guidance rooted in both cultural authenticity and professional excellence — directly from one of animation’s most exciting creative voices.
As the global animation space continues to embrace diverse stories and visual languages, initiatives like this course highlight the growing importance of ethnic character design in shaping the future of animated storytelling.