From traditional to digital illustration workshop

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.