This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This is an intermediate course, for learners to advance their practical and conceptual skills within the discipline of Illustration. You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution, and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your developing practice.
The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.
What will we cover?
Intermediate level teaching of:
The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern
Composition and layout
Using a variety of analogue and digital media
A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc.
Researching, developing and realising complex illustrations in response to a brief
The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital
The key movements and styles within the subject area
Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice
Introduction to creative software:
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe In Design
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Manipulate imagery to communicate complex information /narrative
Research, develop and realise complex illustrations in response to a brief
Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles
Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed an introductory course in illustration, or have equivalent knowledge and experience.
English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Presentations
Demonstrations
Practical work
Individual and group tutoring
Group discussion
Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.
Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at our Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes in Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice
Adam Graff is an educator and award-winning illustrator with a wealth of industry experience. Adam's time is divided between his professional/personal practice and teaching. He is a senior lecturer with over 25 years teaching experience currently heading the BA illustration pathway at the University of Hertfordshire and has taught, lectured and spoken on the subject across the country. Having served 12 years on the Association of Illustrators board he has developed a broad understanding of illustrator’s needs as well as forging close links to industry. Adam’s illustrations have been internationally published and received a variety of industry awards most recently World Illustration Awards 2023 longlisted artist. His impressive client list include: ANORAK magazine, BBC Worldwide, BT, The Guardian, Lazy Oaf, MTV, Sainsbury’s, Science Museum, Time Out London, and The Times. He is also co-director of the Illustration collective Hero of Switzerland who have exhibited at The House of Illustration; London Illustration Fair; PICK ME UP, Somerset House, and We Built This City. Adam has some rather unusual collections, but you'll have to ask him about those.
Maya WildSee moreSee less
Maya Wild is an artist and arts educator with over 20 years of experience in Illustration and Graphic Design. She has a firm belief in the power of playful, creative visual communication and a deep appreciation of colour and hands-on making. Maya has collaborated with a wide range of clients, including Adidas, Dizzee Rascal, EMI, Dazed & Confused, Urban Outfitters, The Rolling Stones, New York Magazine, Burton Snowboards, and Channel 4. Her diverse portfolio includes projects such as product packaging, logo design, fashion illustration, music promotion, editorial illustration, advertising, and fabric pattern design. Her artwork has been exhibited worldwide, including in New York, San Francisco, Glasgow, London, Paris, and Tokyo. Maya has been teaching art and design for many years. She finds immense joy in nurturing students artistic growth and witnessing their development as confident and creative individuals.
Lucia Vinti is an illustrator and creative who makes work about people, places, food and culture. She has created illustrations for the National Portrait Gallery, Gail's, TATE Britain and the Washington Post. She also illustrates and writes non fiction childrens books and is the illustrator of Chews Your Own Tasty Adventure, published by Faber and the author/illustrator of The Looking Book. Lucia's illustrations are playful and expressive and she combines digital and physical techniques to create her artwork. As well as teaching at City Lit, Lucia runs creative workshops for all ages and has worked at the Young V&A, University of Brighton and Design Museum as well as running her own workshops and drawing classes.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/developing-illustration304895Developing illustrationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/l/cl_image7_copy.jpg399399GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Illustration/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration22851132114911631228511321163<p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p>25https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/l/illustration_2.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_illustration02.jpeghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_illustration01.jpg3030313Developing illustration399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/l/cl_image7_copy_10.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-21T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceSep 2026Art & designVZ428399399Developing illustration319259399Adam Graff, Maya Wilddeveloping-illustration/vz428-2627<p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p>0000-Available|2026-09-21 00:00:00<p>This is an intermediate course, for learners to advance their practical and conceptual skills within the discipline of Illustration. You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution, and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your developing practice. </p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p><p>Intermediate level teaching of:</p><ul><li>The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern</li><li>Composition and layout</li><li>Using a variety of analogue and digital media</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>Researching, developing and realising complex illustrations in response to a brief</li><li>The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area</li><li>Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice</li></ul><p>Introduction to creative software:</p><ul><li>Adobe Illustrator</li><li>Adobe Photoshop</li><li>Adobe In Design</li></ul><ul><li>Manipulate imagery to communicate complex information /narrative</li><li>Research, develop and realise complex illustrations in response to a brief</li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles</li><li>Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed an introductory course in illustration, or have equivalent knowledge and experience. </p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes in Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice<br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual3068191Developing illustration399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/l/cl_image7_copy_11.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-11T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJan 2027Art & designVZ336399399Developing illustration319259399Adam Graff, Maya Wilddeveloping-illustration/vz336-2627<p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p>0000-Available|2027-01-11 00:00:00<p>This is an intermediate course, for learners to advance their practical and conceptual skills within the discipline of Illustration. You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution, and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your developing practice. </p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p><p>Intermediate level teaching of:</p><ul><li>The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern</li><li>Composition and layout</li><li>Using a variety of analogue and digital media</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>Researching, developing and realising complex illustrations in response to a brief</li><li>The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area</li><li>Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice</li></ul><p>Introduction to creative software:</p><ul><li>Adobe Illustrator</li><li>Adobe Photoshop</li><li>Adobe In Design</li></ul><ul><li>Manipulate imagery to communicate complex information /narrative</li><li>Research, develop and realise complex illustrations in response to a brief</li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles</li><li>Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed an introductory course in illustration, or have equivalent knowledge and experience. </p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes in Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice<br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual3068206Developing illustration399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/l/cl_image7_copy_12.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2027Art & designVZ344399399Developing illustration319259399Lucia Vinti, Maya Wilddeveloping-illustration/vz344-2627<p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p>0000-Available|2027-04-28 00:00:00<p>This is an intermediate course, for learners to advance their practical and conceptual skills within the discipline of Illustration. You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution, and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your developing practice. </p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p><p>Intermediate level teaching of:</p><ul><li>The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern</li><li>Composition and layout</li><li>Using a variety of analogue and digital media</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>Researching, developing and realising complex illustrations in response to a brief</li><li>The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area</li><li>Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice</li></ul><p>Introduction to creative software:</p><ul><li>Adobe Illustrator</li><li>Adobe Photoshop</li><li>Adobe In Design</li></ul><ul><li>Manipulate imagery to communicate complex information /narrative</li><li>Research, develop and realise complex illustrations in response to a brief</li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles</li><li>Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed an introductory course in illustration, or have equivalent knowledge and experience. </p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes in Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice<br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual319399259VZ428,VZ336,VZ344NONEMon,Wed21/09/26 - 16/11/2610:00 - 13:0010:0013:008 sessions (over 9 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytime,EveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAdam Graff, Maya Wild,Lucia Vinti, Maya WildSome experienceAvailable courses2026-09-21T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-11T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026,Jan 2027,Apr 2027Art & design399399Developing illustrationdeveloping-illustration/vz428-2627,developing-illustration/vz336-2627,developing-illustration/vz344-2627<p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p>0000-Available|2026-09-21 00:00:00<p>This is an intermediate course, for learners to advance their practical and conceptual skills within the discipline of Illustration. You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution, and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your developing practice. </p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course in developing illustration will help progress your illustration practice further by exploring the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. </p><p>Intermediate level teaching of:</p><ul><li>The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern</li><li>Composition and layout</li><li>Using a variety of analogue and digital media</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>Researching, developing and realising complex illustrations in response to a brief</li><li>The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area</li><li>Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice</li></ul><p>Introduction to creative software:</p><ul><li>Adobe Illustrator</li><li>Adobe Photoshop</li><li>Adobe In Design</li></ul><ul><li>Manipulate imagery to communicate complex information /narrative</li><li>Research, develop and realise complex illustrations in response to a brief</li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles</li><li>Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed an introductory course in illustration, or have equivalent knowledge and experience. </p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes in Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice<br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationconfigurable
