Unlock your potential in game art with our Game Art Mastery Course! Designed for intermediate artists, this course will help you create a standout portfolio featuring character and environment design, digital painting techniques, and invaluable art critiques. Prepare to impress potential employers in the gaming industry!

Game Art Mastery Course

# Transform Your Passion into a Standout Game Art Portfolio!

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of game art, where creativity meets professional standards. This intermediate course is designed to elevate your artistic skills, guiding you through the intricate process of crafting a standout character and environment design portfolio. You'll master essential techniques in digital painting, character design, and art critique, culminating in a polished portfolio that showcases your unique artistic voice, ready to impress potential employers in the gaming industry.


### Who is it for?

This course is tailor-made for intermediate game artists and designers like you, who possess a foundational understanding of art and design principles but are eager to elevate their skills to the next level. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the competitive landscape of game art careers, or if you’re struggling to create a portfolio that showcases your unique style, you’re not alone!

- Game Artists
- Game Designers
- Aspiring Artists in the Gaming Industry

**Recommended skill level: Intermediate artists**


### Prerequisites

Don’t worry, you’re not facing barriers; you’re building a solid foundation for your artistic journey!

- 🖌️ Basic knowledge of art and design principles.
- 💻 Familiarity with digital art software.
- 🎨 Understanding of color theory and composition.

### What's inside

Get ready for an engaging learning experience that covers essential topics in game art.

- Character Design Fundamentals: Breathing Life into Pixels
- Environment Art Basics: Crafting Immersive Worlds
- Digital Painting Techniques: Elevating Your Artistry
- Portfolio Development: Your Artistic Identity Unleashed
- Art Critique and Feedback: The Path to Improvement
- Final Presentation and Review: Showcasing Your Mastery

**Interactive Quizzes**

Quizzes will be integrated throughout the course to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and techniques.

**Homework**

Hands-on assignments including character design, environment art creation, digital painting, and portfolio development will ensure you apply what you learn effectively.

**Practical Project**

Design and present a comprehensive character and environment concept art portfolio for a fictional video game, demonstrating mastery of design principles and digital techniques over 6 weeks.

**Before You Start**

Before diving in, familiarize yourself with the course layout and prepare your digital tools to maximize your learning experience!

**Books to Read**

Recommended readings will be provided to deepen your understanding of game art principles and techniques.

**Glossary**

A glossary of terms will be included to help you navigate the language of game art.


### What will you learn

Prepare to gain a wealth of skills that will elevate your artistic journey!

- Advanced character and environment design principles.
- Exceptional digital painting techniques.
- Confidence in presenting and critiquing art effectively.

**Time to complete this course: 6 weeks, with a commitment of 10-15 hours per week for self-study, practical assignments, and self-assessment.**


### Enroll Now and Elevate Your Game Art Skills!

Familiarity with operating systems and basic software is essential. You'll need to navigate digital art tools effectively and manage files during your projects.

Basic Computer Skills

A passion for gaming and design will fuel your creativity. Understanding game concepts will help you create relevant and engaging art assets throughout the course.

Interest in Game Design

Openness to exploring software like Photoshop and Illustrator is crucial. You'll be using these tools extensively to create your game art.

Willingness to Learn Digital Art Tools

## Unleash Your Inner Game Artist!
Welcome to the Game Art Mastery Course for Beginners! This course is your ultimate gateway to mastering the essential skills of game art creation. With hands-on projects and industry-standard tools, you will learn to design captivating characters, immersive environments, and intuitive user interfaces. Transform your passion for gaming into a portfolio that showcases your unique artistic voice!

### Who is it For?
This course is perfect for you if you're a beginner eager to dive into the world of game art but feel overwhelmed by digital tools or unsure where to start.

**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Audience:**  
- Students aiming for a career in game art  
- Aspiring game designers looking to enhance their skills  
- Creatives wanting to express themselves through digital art  

### Prerequisites
Don't worry if you're starting from scratch! All you need are basic computer skills, a genuine interest in game design, and a willingness to learn.

**Requirements:**  
- Basic computer skills  
- Interest in game design  
- Willingness to learn digital art tools  
- Time commitment of 15-20 hours per week  
- Openness to feedback and improvement  

### What's Inside?
This course is packed with engaging content designed to help you master game art creation!

**Modules:**  
- Digital Art Tools Unleashed  
- Character Design Fundamentals: Breathing Life into Pixels  
- Crafting Immersive Environments  
- User Interface Design: Enhancing Player Interaction  
- Portfolio Development: Showcasing Your Journey  
- Feedback and Iteration: The Path to Mastery  

**Quizzes:** Quizzes will be sprinkled throughout the course to reinforce your learning and ensure you grasp key concepts in game art creation!

**Assignments:** Prepare for exhilarating challenges that will push your creativity and technical skills to new heights! Each assignment is designed to be a real-world application of what you learn, ensuring you build a robust portfolio.

**Practical Project:** Create concept art and assets for a simple game using digital art software, including character designs, environments, and UI elements, over 4-8 weeks!

**Before You Start:** Before diving in, make sure you have access to Photoshop or Illustrator and a quiet space to unleash your creativity!

**Books to Read:** Recommended readings include 'Digital Art for Beginners' and 'The Art of Game Design' to enhance your understanding of game art principles!

**Glossary:** A glossary of key terms and concepts will be provided to help you navigate the world of game art!

### What Will You Learn?
By the end of this course, you'll have a solid foundation in game art creation!

**Skills:**  
- Navigate digital art tools like Photoshop and Illustrator  
- Create compelling character designs  
- Design immersive game environments  
- Develop user interfaces that enhance gameplay  
- Build a professional portfolio showcasing your game art  

### Time to Complete
Complete the course in just 4-8 weeks, investing 15-20 hours per week.

### Enroll Now and Start Your Game Art Journey!

Art created using digital tools, such as software and tablets, allowing for versatile and innovative designs.

A widely-used digital art software for editing images and creating graphics, essential for game art.

Adobe software focused on vector graphics, ideal for creating scalable art assets for games.

Visual representations of ideas and designs for characters, environments, and assets in games.

The process of creating unique characters, focusing on their appearance, personality, and backstory.

The art of designing immersive and visually appealing settings in which game actions occur.

The means by which players interact with the game, including menus, buttons, and HUD elements.

The study of how colors interact, used to create visually appealing and mood-appropriate art.

The arrangement of visual elements in a piece of art, crucial for guiding the viewer's eye.

A collection of an artist's work, showcasing skills and style, essential for job applications.

The act of making quick, rough drawings to explore ideas and concepts in game art.

The relationship between the sizes of different parts of a character or object, important for realism.

The study of the structure of living beings, crucial for creating believable character designs.

Surface qualities that give depth and detail to 3D models and environments in games.

Digital tools in art software that simulate traditional painting and drawing techniques.

A basic visual guide used in UI design to outline the structure of a digital interface.

A collage of images and colors used to convey the desired feel and style of a project.

The process of refining designs through repeated revisions based on feedback and self-assessment.

A process where feedback is given and received to improve designs and artistic skills.

A visual representation of a design concept created digitally, often used for UI layouts.

The completed digital artwork or design ready for use in a game or project.

Visual elements created for video games, including characters, environments, and UI components.

The ability to generate original ideas and concepts, essential for successful game art.

The proficiency in using tools and techniques required for creating digital art.

A reflective process where students evaluate their own work against set criteria.

Facial features and body language used in character design to convey emotions and personality.

Photoshop and Illustrator are industry-standard tools for digital artists, each serving unique purposes. Photoshop is primarily used for raster graphics, while Illustrator focuses on vector graphics. Familiarizing yourself with their interfaces is crucial for effective use.

Install Photoshop and Illustrator on your computer.

### Key Elements of the Interface:
- **Toolbox**: Contains essential tools for drawing, painting, and editing.
- **Menu Bar**: Provides access to various functions and settings.
- **Layers Panel**: Allows you to manage different elements of your artwork separately.
- **Color Picker**: Enables you to choose and modify colors easily.

🛠️ **Tip**: Spend time exploring each tool in the toolbox, hover over them to see their names and shortcuts. This will help you remember where everything is located!

Once you’re familiar with the interfaces, it’s time to dive into basic drawing techniques. Start by practicing simple shapes and lines to get a feel for the tools.

Experiment with different brush styles and sizes.

Practice drawing basic shapes like circles and squares.

Try using the Pen Tool in Illustrator to create smooth, curved lines.

### Practice Exercise:
Create a simple composition using basic shapes and colors to familiarize yourself with the tools.

Brushes and textures can significantly enhance your artwork. Understanding how to create and apply them will add depth and personality to your designs.

Experiment with different brushes and textures in both Photoshop and Illustrator.

### Custom Brushes:
- **Photoshop**: Go to the Brush Settings panel to create custom brushes based on your own shapes or textures.
- **Illustrator**: Use the Brush Tool to create unique brush strokes that can be saved for future use.

🎨 **Common Mistake**: Avoid using too many different brushes in one artwork. Stick to a few that complement each other for a cohesive look!

Saving Your Work: File Formats and Exporting

Understanding how to save and export your artwork is essential. Different file formats serve different purposes, especially in game art.

**PSD**: Photoshop’s native format, preserving layers for future editing.

**PNG**: Ideal for images with transparency, commonly used for game assets.

**JPEG**: Best for photographs and images without transparency, but it compresses files.

### Exporting Tips:
- Always save a PSD version of your work for future edits.
- When exporting, consider the needs of your project (e.g., file size, quality).

Hands-On Exercise: Creating Your First Digital Artwork

Now that you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to apply your skills! Create a complete digital artwork that synthesizes your drawing and color application techniques.

Create a digital artwork using the skills you’ve learned in this lesson.

### Reflection:
After completing your artwork, reflect on the following:
- What challenges did you face while using the tools?
- How did you overcome them?
- What would you like to explore further in digital art?

Digital Art Practice

Navigating the Digital Canvas: An Introduction to Photoshop and Illustrator

Photoshop and Illustrator Basics Quiz

Understanding the variety of brushes available in digital art software is crucial for any game artist. Brushes can significantly impact the texture, depth, and overall feel of your artwork. In this section, we will explore different brush types and their applications.

Brushes come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose. Here are some common types you will encounter:

Round Brushes: Great for general painting and detailing.

Flat Brushes: Ideal for creating sharp edges and broad strokes.

Texture Brushes: Used to add texture and depth to your artwork.

Custom Brushes: Brushes that you create or modify to suit your artistic style.

Each brush type can convey different emotions and styles, so understanding their uses is key to developing your artistic voice.

Custom brushes allow you to tailor your tools to your specific needs, enhancing your creative process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a custom brush in Photoshop:

Open Photoshop and create a new document.

Use the Brush Tool to draw a shape or pattern that you want to turn into a brush.

Select the area you want to define as a brush.

Your custom brush will now appear in the Brush panel.

Experiment with different shapes and patterns to create brushes that reflect your artistic style.

Textures can add depth and realism to your game art. Here’s how to apply textures effectively in your artwork:

Select the area of your artwork where you want to apply the texture.

Import the texture image into your document.

Position the texture layer above your artwork.

Change the layer blending mode to achieve the desired effect (e.g., Overlay, Multiply).

Adjust the opacity to blend the texture seamlessly with your artwork.

Textures should enhance your artwork without overpowering it, so be mindful of how you use them.

Hands-On Exercise: Experiment with Brushes and Textures

Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Create a digital artwork using at least three different brush types and incorporate textures to enhance your piece. Document the brushes and textures you used in your process.

As you experiment with brushes and textures, be aware of these common mistakes:

Overusing textures can clutter your artwork.

Neglecting to adjust brush settings can lead to inconsistent results.

Failing to experiment with different brushes can limit your artistic voice.

🎨 Tip: Always save your custom brushes for future projects!

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas

Real-World Application: Analyzing Game Art

Observe how professional game artists utilize brushes and textures in their work. Analyze game art from your favorite titles to understand how different techniques contribute to the overall aesthetic.

Homework: Experimenting with Brushes and Textures

Brushes, Textures, and Your Artistic Voice

Brushes and Textures Quiz

In digital art, the choice of file format can significantly influence the quality and usability of your artwork. Different formats serve different purposes, and knowing when to use each can save you time and frustration.

Here are some commonly used file formats in digital art and their applications:

JPEG: Good for photographs and detailed images but loses quality with repeated saving.

PNG: Supports transparency and is ideal for web graphics.

PSD: Photoshop's native format, preserving layers for future editing.

GIF: Best for simple animations and low-color images.

TIFF: High-quality format often used for print.

When exporting your artwork, understanding the export settings is crucial. Here are key settings to consider:

Resolution: Higher resolutions are better for print, while lower resolutions can be used for web.

Color Mode: RGB for digital work, CMYK for print.

Compression: Balances image quality and file size.

Optimizing your artwork ensures it performs well within a game. Here are some strategies:

Reduce file size without sacrificing quality by adjusting resolution and compression.

Use appropriate formats for different assets (e.g., PNG for UI elements, JPEG for backgrounds).

Test your assets in the game engine to ensure they display correctly.

Hands-On Exercise: File Format Exploration

To understand file formats better, perform the following exercise:

Create a simple artwork in Photoshop and export it in different formats (JPEG, PNG, PSD).

Evaluate the quality and file size of each format.

Document your findings and preferences for each format.

🚫 Avoid using low-resolution images for print projects as they will appear pixelated!

"The right file format can be the difference between a masterpiece and a disaster in game design." - Industry Expert

Real-World Application: Preparing Assets for a Game

When preparing assets for a game, it's essential to consider the end-use. For instance, UI elements should be exported in PNG format for transparency, while backgrounds might be better in JPEG to save space.

Research additional file formats and their uses in digital art.

Experiment with exporting your artwork in various formats and settings.

Share your findings in the course forum for peer feedback.

Homework: File Format Mastery

Saving Your Masterpieces: File Formats and Exporting

File Formats and Exporting Quiz

Thumbnail sketches are small, quick drawings that capture the essence of an idea without getting bogged down in details. They serve as a brainstorming tool, allowing artists to explore multiple concepts rapidly and decide which direction to pursue.

Thumbnail sketches are crucial for any creative process, especially in game art. They allow you to: 
- Explore multiple concepts quickly. 
- Identify the strongest ideas before committing to detailed work. 
- Facilitate collaboration by providing a visual reference for discussions.

Understanding composition is essential for creating effective thumbnails. Here are some basic principles: 
- **Rule of Thirds**: Divide your canvas into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Place focal points along these lines or at their intersections. 
- **Balance**: Ensure visual weight is distributed evenly across the composition. 
- **Contrast**: Use contrasting elements to draw attention to specific areas.

Iteration is key to refining your concepts. Here’s how to approach it: 
1. **Create Multiple Thumbnails**: Spend no more than 5-10 minutes on each to keep your ideas fresh. 
2. **Review and Select**: After generating a range of thumbnails, review them to identify the most promising ones. 
3. **Refine**: Take the selected thumbnails and refine them into more detailed sketches.

Hands-On Exercise: Create Thumbnails for a Character Concept

Now it’s time to put theory into practice. Follow these steps: 
1. Choose a character archetype (e.g., warrior, mage, rogue). 
2. Set a timer for 15 minutes and create at least 5 thumbnail sketches of your character. 
3. Focus on different poses, outfits, and accessories.

🛑 Common Mistake: Many artists spend too much time perfecting a single thumbnail. Remember, the goal is to generate ideas quickly!

Real-World Application: Analyzing Thumbnails from Popular Games

Look at the concept art for popular games like "Overwatch" or "The Legend of Zelda". Notice how artists use thumbnails to explore character designs and environments. Analyze how these thumbnails lead to the final designs.

"Never underestimate the power of a simple sketch; it can lead to your best ideas." - Renowned Game Artist

- Set aside dedicated time for thumbnail sketching. 
- Use a sketchbook or digital tool that allows for quick iterations. 
- Experiment with different styles and techniques.

In this lesson, you learned the significance of thumbnail sketches in the creative process, basic composition principles, and how to iterate on your ideas effectively. As you continue to develop your game art skills, remember to incorporate thumbnail sketching into your workflow.

Homework: Thumbnail Sketching Assignment

Sketching Your Ideas: The Power of Thumbnails

Thumbnail Sketching Quiz

Color theory is the foundation of creating visually appealing artwork. It involves understanding how colors interact with one another and how they can be used to convey emotions and set the mood in your designs.

The Color Wheel: Understanding Relationships

The color wheel is a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. It helps artists understand how to mix colors and the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

Secondary Colors: Green, Orange, Purple (created by mixing primary colors)

Tertiary Colors: Created by mixing primary and secondary colors.

🎨 Tip: Use complementary colors (colors opposite each other on the color wheel) to create contrast and draw attention to specific elements in your designs.

A color scheme is a combination of colors chosen to create a specific look or feel. Here are some common types of color schemes:

Monochromatic: Variations of a single color.

Analogous: Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.

Complementary: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel.

Triadic: Three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.

Colors can evoke different emotions and responses from players. Understanding the psychological effects of colors can help you make informed choices in your designs.

Hands-On Exercise: Creating Color Palettes

Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Create three different color palettes using the principles you've learned. Each palette should reflect a different mood or theme for a game.

Create a monochromatic palette for a horror-themed game.

Design an analogous palette for a nature-themed game.

Develop a complementary palette for an action-packed game.

In your final project, you will create a piece of game art using one of the color palettes you designed. Be sure to consider how your color choices impact the mood and narrative of your artwork.

"Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings." - Wassily Kandinsky

After completing your artwork, reflect on the color choices you made. Did they successfully convey the intended mood? Gather feedback from peers and iterate on your design based on their insights.

Color Exploration Homework

Understanding Color: Theory and Application

Color Theory Quiz

Before diving into your artwork, it's essential to grasp how the digital canvas works. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know: 
- The digital canvas is your workspace, where you create and manipulate your art. 
- Familiarize yourself with the tools available in Photoshop and Illustrator, such as brushes, layers, and selection tools. 
- Understand the significance of resolution and dimensions, as they affect the quality of your final artwork.

🖌️ Tip: Always work in high resolution (at least 300 DPI) if you plan to print your artwork. This ensures clarity and detail in your final piece.

Now that you have a good grasp of the tools, it's time to synthesize your skills. Here’s how to approach creating your first digital artwork:
1. **Sketch Your Ideas**: Start with thumbnail sketches to explore different concepts. Choose the one that resonates with you the most.
2. **Create a Rough Draft**: Use basic shapes and lines to outline your artwork. This is where you’ll establish composition and layout.
3. **Add Details**: Gradually refine your artwork by adding details, textures, and colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brushes and techniques.

Color plays a vital role in conveying mood and emotion in your artwork. Here’s how to apply color effectively:
- **Color Theory**: Utilize color theory principles to create harmonious color schemes. Think about how colors interact and the feelings they evoke.
- **Layering Colors**: Use layers to build depth. Start with a base color and gradually add highlights and shadows.

"Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings." – Wassily Kandinsky

Once you’re satisfied with your piece, it’s time to finalize it:
- **Review and Edit**: Take a step back and review your artwork. Make necessary adjustments and edits.
- **Export Settings**: Save your artwork in appropriate formats (e.g., PNG, JPG) based on its intended use.

💾 Checklist for Finalizing Your Artwork: 
- Review composition and color balance 
- Ensure all layers are properly named and organized 
- Save in multiple formats for different uses

After completing your artwork, take a moment to reflect:
- What did you learn about your style and preferences?
- How did the tools and techniques enhance your creative process?
- What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Reflect on your artistic journey and document your thoughts in a journal.

Homework: Create Your First Digital Artwork

Bringing It All Together: Your First Digital Artwork

Digital Artwork Reflection Quiz

Dive into the world of digital art tools, where you'll learn to navigate industry-standard software like Photoshop and Illustrator. This module sets the stage for your creative journey, equipping you with the essential skills to bring your ideas to life.

Digital Art Tools Unleashed

Understanding anatomy is crucial for character design. It allows artists to create believable, relatable characters that resonate with players. In this section, we’ll explore the fundamentals of anatomy, proportions, and how to stylize characters to fit the narrative of your game.

The Importance of Anatomy in Character Design

Anatomy serves as the foundation for all character designs. Knowing how the human body functions helps you create characters that are not only visually appealing but also believable. Characters with exaggerated proportions can convey different traits, such as strength or agility, which are essential for storytelling in games.

Start with understanding the basic structure of the human body. Here are some key points to consider:

- **Proportions**: The average human body is typically about 7-8 heads tall. Adjusting these proportions can create stylized characters.
- **Body Types**: Familiarize yourself with different body types—muscular, slender, and stocky—to diversify your character designs.
- **Movement**: Understanding how joints and muscles work can help you depict dynamic poses.

📝 **Tip:** Always reference real-life anatomy when sketching characters. This will improve the realism and relatability of your designs.

Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to practice sketching different body types. Start with simple shapes to represent the torso, limbs, and head. Focus on:

- **Silhouettes**: Create unique silhouettes for each character type to enhance their personality.
- **Dynamic Poses**: Use reference images to capture movement and action.

Once you have a grasp on anatomy, you can begin stylizing your characters. Here are some techniques:

- **Exaggeration**: Amplify certain features (like oversized heads or limbs) to create more engaging characters.
- **Unique Traits**: Incorporate distinctive elements like clothing, accessories, or color schemes to make your characters memorable.

To solidify your understanding, engage in a hands-on exercise:

1. **Research**: Look for different character design styles in games.
2. **Sketch**: Create 5-10 rough sketches of characters based on varying body types and styles.
3. **Iterate**: Choose your best sketches and refine them, adding detail and color.

Feedback is crucial in the design process. Share your sketches with peers or online communities and gather constructive criticism. Use this feedback to iterate on your designs, enhancing their appeal and effectiveness.

"Art is never finished, only abandoned." - Leonardo da Vinci

Understanding anatomy and proportions is just the beginning of your character design journey. As you continue to practice and refine your skills, remember that iteration and feedback will help you grow as an artist.

Character Design Homework

Anatomy 101: Building Blocks of Character Design

Anatomy Quiz

Character design is not just about drawing; it's about storytelling and connecting with the audience. Every character has a story to tell, and your sketches are the first step in bringing that story to life. In this lesson, we will explore how to effectively translate your ideas into sketches, focusing on the importance of iteration and refinement.

Understanding the Character Design Process

The character design process begins with a concept. Before you even put pencil to paper, think about the character's background, personality, and role in the game. Ask yourself: What makes this character unique? What emotions do I want to convey? This foundational understanding will guide your sketches.

Tip: Start with a character brief that outlines your character's traits, backstory, and visual style. This will serve as a roadmap for your sketches.

Thumbnails are small, quick sketches that help you explore different ideas and compositions. They are essential for brainstorming and iterating on your character concepts. Don't be afraid to create multiple thumbnails; the goal is to generate a variety of ideas.

// Example of a simple character thumbnail sketch
function createThumbnail() {
    // Basic shapes to represent the character
    drawCircle(50, 50, 20); // Head
    drawRectangle(40, 70, 20, 30); // Body
    drawRectangle(20, 70, 20, 10); // Legs
}

Once you have a set of thumbnails, choose a few to refine. Focus on details like anatomy, clothing, and facial expressions. This is your chance to breathe life into your sketches and make them more dynamic.

Select three thumbnails and refine them into more detailed sketches, focusing on proportions and unique traits.

Feedback is crucial in the design process. Share your refined sketches with peers or online communities to gather constructive criticism. Use this feedback to iterate on your designs, enhancing their appeal and effectiveness.

Common Mistake: Avoid getting too attached to your initial designs. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes.

Sketching Character Concepts: From Idea to Paper

Explore the art of character design, focusing on anatomy, proportions, and unique traits that make characters memorable. This module encourages you to sketch, refine, and iterate on your designs, preparing you for engaging storytelling.

Basic Computer Skills

Interest in Game Design

Willingness to Learn Digital Art Tools

Basic Drawing Techniques

Why This Matters:

Recommended Resource:

Color Theory

Why This Matters:

Recommended Resource:

Composition Principles

Why This Matters:

Recommended Resource:

Preparation Tips

What to Expect

Words of Encouragement