Character Design in Clay with Nastia Calaca

About the Course

Join us for this intimate sculpting workshop where you will bring unique characters to life in clay.

Over the course of the workshop, you will learn how to:

• Search for and capture inspiration, then transform it into unique character with its own charm and personality

• Build various organic shapes with confidence

• Fight gravity like a pro — learning techniques to keep your sculpture standing stable and stay expressive while working with clay.

The program guides you step-by-step through the entire process: from the first sketches and initial construction, building the body, head, and clothing, all the way to surface refinement and painting.

This is a practical and fun masterclass designed for 6–8 participants who want to develop their sculpting skills while creating their own unique character.

Suitable for beginners and experienced artists!

Whether you come with a clear idea or are looking for inspiration on the spot, you will leave with a finished, painted sculpture and a clear understanding of character design in three dimensions.

Perfect for sculptors, illustrators, animators, and storytellers who want to bring their characters from flat image on paper into 3D.

Schedule

Day 1 – Arrival Day

Aperitivo 18:00

• Participants arrive, settle in, and rest.

• Informal welcome and dinner in the evening.

Dinner 19:00

Day 2 – Introduction & Foundations

• 10:00 – 11:00: introductions, presentation of the masterclass, artistic vision, materials & techniques overview

•11:00 - 13:00: sketching on paper and making a model, preparing slabs

• 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch

• 14:00 – 17:00: Legs and Feet

Day 3 – Building the Figure

• 10:00 – 13:00: Torso, Arms

• 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch

• 14:00 – 17:00: Head

Day 4 – Expression & Details

• 10:00 – 13:00: Head sculpting + finalizing anatomical details

• 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch

• 14:00 – 17:00: Adding clothes 
(Free time at studio so the sculptures are completed and left to start drying)

Day 5 – Free Day for Excursion

• Full day free for excursions, sightseeing, visits, rest, or optional light studio time.

• Main goal: Allow the sculptures to dry properly, have fun and rest a bit

Day 6 – Painting & Finishing

• 10:00 – 13:00: Preparation for painting, sanding

• 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch

•15:00 – 17:00: Painting / coloring the sculptures

Day 7 – Departure Day

• 9:00 breakfast and departure

Cost

Just about everything is included in this price: airport pick-ups and drop-offs, transportation for the excursions, etc., breakfast lunch and dinner, accommodation, and tuition by Giacomina Ferrillo. Not included are your flights to Rome or travel insurance.

All cancellations are to be done within forty-eight hours from the time the deposit is made to get a full reimbursement.

• Private single bedroom at Hortulanus – €3,600 per person

• Double occupancy at Hortulanus – €3,300 per person

• Private single room at a nearby hotel – €3,300 per person

We hope to hear from you soon!