Welcome to Shaping Worlds.
After years working in visual development for animation and games, I’ve learned that creating a world is not just about making beautiful images. It is about making choices that support story, mood, character, and clarity.
I created this course to break down that process in a practical way, from gathering references and exploring shape language to building compositions, atmosphere, and a final visual development piece that feels intentional. In other words, less “nice sketch, now what?” and more “this world actually has something to say.”
LEARN MOREShaping Worlds
Visual Development for Animation
Learn visual development for animation through 6 structured modules, with 10+ hours of content and 30+ video lessons that guide you step by step from shape exploration to a final cinematic visual development piece.
“Just make it look cool” is not exactly a reliable art direction.
You don’t need more random tricks. You need a way to make your worlds make sense.
This course is designed to help you understand how shape, composition, mood, atmosphere, and storytelling work together, so you can develop stronger visual ideas and create artwork that feels intentional from the first sketch to the final piece.
HI, I'M NICOLAS
I’m a visual development artist and concept artist with over 17 years of experience creating images for the entertainment industry. Over the years, I’ve contributed to projects and collaborations connected to studios such as DreamWorks, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Skydance, and Warner, developing work that brings together shape, atmosphere, storytelling, and design clarity.
After spending more than a decade working in American animation studios in Los Angeles, I returned to France and continued building worlds through drawing, design, and visual exploration. My background includes feature animation, development work, and concept-driven worldbuilding, with credits and project associations that include titles such as How to Train Your Dragon, The Croods, Astroboy, and Sonic Boom.
In this course, I’ll guide you through the way I approach visual development for animation: starting with simple shapes, building stronger visual ideas, and developing images with more intention, structure, and atmosphere. The goal is not just to make appealing artwork, but to help you create worlds that feel clear, thoughtful, and alive.
Words From Artists I’ve Mentored
Flavio Nishiyama,
Art Director
Nicolas’ mentorship was instrumental in helping me understand design thinking and ideation. He is one of the best designers I’ve ever met, and the insights he shares here are extremely relevant to where the industry is heading.
Friedemann Almenroder, Independent Game Designer
Nicolas is that rare combination of incredible designer and exceptional teacher. He mentored me early in my career, and what he taught me about design, shape language, and visual storytelling has shaped every medium I’ve worked in since.
Tory Polska,
Art Director at Disney Feature Animation
Nicolas teaches in a casual, generous, and clear way, while still helping you reach sophisticated design results. He never boxed me into one technique or style, and that approach helped elevate both my portfolio and my design sensibilities.
Do you have a question? Let me know!
If you have any questions, I'm here for you! Simply add your details in the form and send your message or email me at [email protected]. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Nicolas Weis
