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The Complete Fashion Illustration Online Short Course

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The Complete Fashion Illustration Online Short Course | Online<br><br>Image: Sketchbook of Courtney Burnan, Case Study | UAL
Explore contemporary fashion illustration practice. Conduct visual research, experiment with analogue and digital media and build a portfolio of work.

Course description

Course overview

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary fashion illustration practice, with an emphasis on personal voice, audience awareness, and critical reflection. The course explores analogue and digital approaches to illustration, drawing on fine art traditions, contemporary practices, and emerging technologies, including AI-assisted ethical reference generation.

Students examine the evolving role of the illustrator within the creative industries, reflecting on where and how their work could be positioned. They’ll work on building a portfolio that showcases a distinct visual identity and personal style through weekly classes which include lectures, critical discussion, technical demonstrations, and personalised assignments designed to support both conceptual development and practical skill.

Each class includes structured drawing and practical activities, so students can actively apply techniques as they learn. This hands-on approach supports continuous development of skills throughout the course. Students will be expected to dedicate time between sessions to complete weekly tasks, combining research and hands-on experimentation.

All methods introduced on the course can be explored through either analogue or digital workflows. While digital illustration software is not formally taught, students using tablets or iPads are encouraged to adapt the methods across media. Those working with traditional art materials should have access to a scanner, camera, or printer to digitise their work for further layering and experimentation. The course applies inclusive teaching, reflection and research-driven tasks to support accessible, lifelong learning.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for illustrators, designers, artists, and creative practitioners at any stage of their journey who are interested in developing a strong, reflective fashion illustration practice. All levels are welcome.

It would be an excellent fit for individuals from various creative disciplines, including styling, photography, visual communication, and art direction, who wish to explore illustration as a method for creative authorship and storytelling.

The course is particularly valuable for those building a portfolio for industry, freelance work, further study, or professional development, and for those looking to develop, articulate, or refine their personal style through a focused, exploratory process.

An interest in visual communication, drawing, fashion illustration, and a willingness to experiment across analogue and digital media is essential. You will be expected to dedicate time each week to both research and practical assignments, and to actively reflect on the development of your personal visual language.

Key information

Topics covered

  1. Contemporary illustration practice
  2. Analogue and digital methods: tools, techniques and creative workflows
  3. Developing personal illustrating style and building a distinct visual identity
  4. Drawing the human figure and creating characters and environments
  5. Visual storytelling
  6. Portfolio building

Learning outcomes

  • Identify key platforms, commissioners, and audiences relevant to your style
  • Conduct contextual and visual research to support the development of illustration projects
  • Create moodboards and gather visual references, including ethically produced AI-generated materials, to aid the illustration process
  • Analyse client briefs and translate them into appropriate visual responses
  • Understand and apply core components of drawing, including line, shape, tone, light, texture, and colour
  • Explore the human body through drawing, developing confidence in expressive figure work and proportion
  • Develop strong character and environment design to enhance storytelling within fashion image-making
  • Work confidently with a range of analogue materials (e.g., pencils, colour pencils, markers, pastels, watercolours, inks, acrylics) to create expressive illustrations
  • Navigate analogue and digital workflows, using various apps to digitise, layer and refine work
  • Develop a visual language that reflects individual style, aesthetic and conceptual interests
  • Produce a body of work in response to fashion brand briefs and fashion shows, demonstrating conceptual development and visual interpretation
  • Assemble and present a curated portfolio that demonstrates their creative identity, storytelling ability, and technical range
  • Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

Recommended materials:

  • Drawing and mark-making pens and materials
  • Access to Adobe Express, Adobe Firefly, or similar for reference generation

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