Developing illustration
This course will help progress your illustration practice by further exploring the practical skills (using a variety of analogue and digital media) and conceptual skills (researching and developing your ideas) integral to the discipline. You will also begin to consider which of the many ‘applications’ of illustration your developing personal style might lend itself to; for example, editorial, fashion, book, or product illustration, to name a few.
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VZ428
- Dates: 23/09/24 - 28/10/24
- Time: 10:00 - 13:00
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Adam Graff
Course Code: VZ428
Choose a start date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
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.
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 the Visual Communication category of our website, to see our full range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.¿
Also, 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
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.
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.