Digital illustration
Our Workshops enable you to take a deep dive into a specific process, media or tool.
They throw the spotlight onto niche areas of the visual communication field, enabling you to hone higher-level skills and gain deeper insights.
Workshops tend to have a practical focus, with little or no theory or context, although this varies by course.
Choose a starting date
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.
- Start Date: 03 Nov 2025End Date: 01 Dec 2025Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
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?
On this course you’ll learn how to scan your drawings and paintings into a computer, and take them into the Photoshop application, where the possibilities of manipulating them are almost endless. Your tutor will ensure that you don’t become overwhelmed, as you explore how to, digitally-speaking, ‘cut up’ your original artwork and transform its size, layout, and colour.
You’ll also learn how to scan marks and textures from your sketchbook and use them to create backgrounds and digital ‘paint brushes’, with which you can overpaint your sketches, or create entirely digital illustrations.
You’ll also learn how to use Adobe Illustrator software to create ‘vector’ illustrations – where you draw directly into the computer. You’ll manipulate colour, shape, size, and texture to achieve your desired results.
Lastly, you’ll learn about different approaches and formats for printing digital work – from standard inkjet printing to high-end Giclée (cost incurred). The tutor can also show you how to prepare your artwork for alternative print methods, such as Risography (not currently available at City Lit) or screen-printing (available on separate courses within the printmaking department).
What will we cover?
• Scanning artwork
• Manipulating artwork within Adobe Photoshop – transforming size, layout and colour
• Using layers and filters to create visual effects
• Creating, manipulating, and overlaying text
• Creating digital paintbrushes in Photoshop
• Drawing with vectors in Adobe Illustrator
• Print options – standard printing, to alternative print method.
Conceptual skills:
• Critical evaluation of your own and others’ work will be facilitated throughout the course.
Context:
• Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying – at least to a competent skill-level.
In particular:
- Scan your artwork and open in in Photoshop
- Manipulate your artwork in Photoshop
- Create digital paintbrushes
- Create basic vector drawings within Adobe Illustrator
- Choose how to print your work, depending on its intended application.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior knowledge of Adobe software, but you do need to know how to use generic computer software, such as Microsoft Office applications.
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.
Please note that all printing beyond standard inkjet will need to be organised with external printing providers by learners, paid for by learners.
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 range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.
John is a seasoned graphic designer and educator, bringing over twenty years of experience in art direction, graphic design, and illustration to his teaching practice. With expertise in delivering impactful design solutions, John's career spans a wide array of disciplines, including exhibition design, information systems, brand identity, packaging, and promotional materials. His client list is as diverse as his portfolio, with notable projects including work for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Tower Bridge London, the London Fire Brigade Museum, and the National Library of Scotland. John's meticulous approach to design ensures that every project, from concept to execution, is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest creative standard. His exhibition work transforms spaces into immersive storytelling experiences that engage, inform, and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. As a freelance designer and former senior exhibition graphic designer, John has contributed to award-nominated projects and gained recognition from clients and visitors alike. He holds a passion for design and storytelling, matched with his dedication to teaching.
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.