Course description
You will explore materials, gain confidence in character development, layout and composition and understand the relationship between illustration and text. A talk from a practising illustrator will give you inspiration and insight into the current childrens book market.
A short demonstration on digital processes will introduce you to the possibilities of incorporating new working methods to your illustration practice. Throughout the course youll enjoy valuable one-on-one tuition as well as group feedback.
Past students have featured among the prize winners of the Macmillan Book Prize and the V&A Inspired By Competition.
Please bring an example of your favourite illustrator's work to the first session.
Course outcomes
You will aim to complete a series of illustrations or have developed ideas and some sample artwork for a book.
Who should attend
Anyone interested in illustrating books, book jackets or children's picture books, who wants to take a drawing based course. Or anyone who is considering taking an Illustration MA or Illustration BA course.
Level
Intermediate/Advanced
Clear, easy to understand lessons:
- Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
- New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way thats crystal clear and easy to understand.
- Experience life on campus
- Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
- Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
- Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
- Ask questions of your tutor in real time
- Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
- Experience the many sights of London on your down time
A certificate of completion:
- You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
- As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
- We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
- Certificates are great to compliment your cv.
Details
Topics covered
- Introducing materials and approaches to illustration
- Drawing from observation
- Storyboarding and sequential image
- Character and expression
- Printmaking techniques at home
- Guest speaker
- Individual tutorials
- Project briefs you can continue after the course
- Exploring possibilities of digital processes (photoshop demo)
- Portfolio tips
- How to approach an agent or publisher
Materials
Please bring the following materials with you on the first day:
Essential materials:
- A4 sketch book
- Single sheets of heavyweight drawing paper (A4 or A3)
- 2B, 3B, or 4B pencils
- Black ink (indian ink preferable but not essential)
- Gouache or watercolour paints in a tube (red, blue and yellow)
- Paint brushes
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Useful to have:
- Some form of colour: pencil crayons or pastels
- Any other drawing media that you have at home
- Examples of any recent work; drawings, sketchbooks - (it does not have to be illustration)
- An image of your favourite illustrator’s work