Is Character Illustration Tutorial - Gelatinous Ooze worth it if you’re shopping in Drawing & Painting?

Quick answer

What you’re actually buying

Most art tutorials fall into two camps: the 10-minute tip that solves one tiny problem, or the 40-hour masterclass that feels like a second job. Character Illustration Tutorial - Gelatinous Ooze sits in a sweet spot that is hard to find: it is an 8+ hour, real-time process video that walks you through the entire lifecycle of a client-ready character illustration. This isn’t a sped-up timelapse where you can’t hear the reasoning; it is a full commentary session where the artist explains why they are making specific choices at every stage.

For $20, you get the full video broken into chapters, which is crucial for an 8-hour commitment. You can jump to the section on reference gathering, or skip ahead to the color and light discussion without re-watching the initial sketch phase. The package also includes the final PSD file and the specific Photoshop brushes used in the session. This matters because it lets you open the file, inspect the layer structure, and see exactly how the rendering is built up—a level of transparency that most “watch me paint” videos don’t offer. (Character Illustration Tutorial -)

The content is structured around the specific job of developing a character concept for the games industry. You’ll learn how to generate ideas, how to study efficiently, and how to improve your perception of color and light. It is less about “how to draw a slime” and more about the professional habits that allow an artist to deliver high-quality work under client constraints. If you are trying to bridge the gap between hobbyist work and portfolio-ready pieces, the Gelatinous Ooze tutorial offers a direct line of sight into that transition.

Why it’s on our radar

This product stands out because of the credibility of the instructor and the specificity of the deliverable. Forrest Imel is a senior concept artist at Blizzard Entertainment, with a portfolio that includes work for Riot Games, Valve, and Disney. That industry context is not just a bio line; it informs the entire tutorial. The advice on career development and working with clients is grounded in a decade of real-world experience, not generic “be consistent” platitudes. (Character Illustration Tutorial -)

The format is also a strong differentiator. Many artists sell “process videos” that are just timelapses. This is a full-length, real-time recording with commentary. That means you get to hear the artist think through problems, answer questions from other artists, and explain the “why” behind the brushstrokes. It is a more immersive and educational experience than a static PDF or a short YouTube video. For artists who are self-taught or looking for affordable alternatives to expensive art school, the Forrest Imel character tutorial provides high-density, practical knowledge at a very low price point.

What actually matters

• Real-time vs. Timelapse: Confirm that you want to watch an 8+ hour real-time session. This is not a 20-minute summary. The value is in the detailed commentary and the ability to pause and ask yourself questions, but it requires a significant time commitment. (Character Illustration Tutorial -)
• PSD and Brush Access: The inclusion of the final PSD file and the specific brushes used is a major plus. Check if you have Photoshop (or a compatible program like Procreate or Clip Studio Paint that can import PSDs and brushes) to get the full benefit of the file-based learning. (Character Illustration Tutorial -)
• Chapter Structure: Since the video is divided into chapters, you don’t have to watch it linearly. If you are stuck on color, you can jump directly to that section. This makes the $20 price tag feel even better because you can cherry-pick the most relevant parts of the Gelatinous Ooze process.
• Industry Context: If you are interested in a career in the games industry, pay attention to the sections on client work and career development. These parts of the tutorial are just as valuable as the technical painting steps. (Character Illustration Tutorial -)

Mid-check

If you are ready to dive into a professional workflow, you can See current options to grab the video, PSD, and brushes.

FAQ

Is this tutorial suitable for beginners?

Yes, Forrest Imel explicitly states that the information is worthwhile for all artists, whether hobbyist or career-driven. He dives into fundamentals like reference gathering and the importance of drawing, which are essential for beginners. However, because it is a professional workflow, you may need to slow down and take notes to fully absorb the concepts. (Character Illustration Tutorial -)

Do I need to know Photoshop to use this?

While the final file is a PSD and the brushes are for Photoshop, the core lessons on color, light, and character design are universal. If you use a different digital art program, you can still follow along with the video and apply the concepts in your preferred software. The PSD file is a bonus that allows you to inspect the layers if you do use Photoshop. (Character Illustration Tutorial -)

How long is the video, and is it broken up?

The video is over 8 hours long and is divided into chapters. This allows you to navigate to specific topics like reference gathering, drawing, painting, or career development without having to watch the entire session in one sitting. You can check the chapter list on the product page to see the specific breakdown.

Bottom line

If you are looking for a deep dive into how a senior concept artist actually works, Character Illustration Tutorial - Gelatinous Ooze is a compelling option. At $20, you get an 8+ hour real-time process video, the final PSD file, and the brushes used in the session. It is a rare opportunity to learn from an artist with a decade of industry experience at a price that is a fraction of what a single art class might cost. If you are ready to invest in your skills and want to see the full pipeline from concept to final render, this is a strong choice.