Developing illustration

What is the course about?

This is an intermediate course, for learners to advance their practical and conceptual (thinking) 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 burgeoning practice.

What will we cover?

Intermediate level teaching of:
• The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern
• Composition and layout
• 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.

This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.

Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).

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.

Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.

To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.

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.