Illustration (All Levels)

About this course

The course explores how illustrations can communicate characters, emotions, settings and stories. Participants develop ideas through workshops, project briefs, demonstrations and individual feedback, working from observation, reference material and imagination. Activities include building a visual reference database, experimenting with different media, and considering body language, detail, texture, colour, composition, story structure and pacing. The course also covers the development of a dummy picture book with sample artwork, alongside approaches relevant to children’s books and comics.

What you'll learn

• Develop characters, creatures and settings for illustration projects
• Strengthen drawing and painting techniques through observation, reference and imagination
• Explore emotions, body language, detail, texture and colour in visual work
• Apply story structure, pacing and composition to illustrated narratives
• Assemble ideas and sample artwork into a dummy picture book

Is this course right for you?

The course is listed as suitable for all levels, with some drawing experience described as useful. It combines workshops and project briefs with individual project work and one-to-one attention, and may also suit illustrators refreshing their approach.

• Some drawing experience is useful, but the course is open to all levels
• Suitable for learners developing character- and story-based illustration
• Includes individual project work alongside demonstrations and workshops
• May suit illustrators looking to refresh their approach

Before you go

• Bring drawing materials such as pencils, coloured pencils, pens and paper.
• Bring kitchen roll if using ink.
• Further materials can be purchased from the school shop.