Illustrated Maps: summer school intensive

What is the course about?

We’ll start the course by sketching out and about in London, thinking about the qualities that make a place unique and how we can concentrate these into a simple yet effective image, whilst learning a useful skillset for dealing with the challenges of drawing on location. Later, we’ll use these location-sketches to create a quick mini-map of the area.
Next, we’ll research our chosen place and choose the key landmarks and features to include in our maps. We’ll plan our compositions in a way that balances accuracy and clarity with aesthetic. There will be workshops on drawing techniques, colour, and texture. We’ll then get making - drawing map lines, key landmarks and decorative spot illustrations using a mix of drawing, painting and collage.
Lastly, we’ll finish the hand-made portion of the maps – including exploring hand-lettering. Then we’ll use Adobe Photoshop to piece the image together, play with scale, create text, and manipulate the image aesthetically. There will be a Photoshop tutorial for those new to the software, and tips and tricks for more experienced learners.

What will we cover?

• Sketching buildings and people from life
• Researching, planning and executing an illustration from start to finish
• Experimenting with a range of media
• Creating cohesive colour palettes
• Combining illustration with hand lettering, and/or digital type
• Using Photoshop to combine hand drawn and digital techniques.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Successfully sketch on location
• Create an illustrated map from research through to final piece
• Use your choice of media to create effective spot-illustrations for a map
• Create hand-drawn or digital lettering
• Create simple, effective colour palettes for your illustrations
• Scan your drawings, and manipulate them in Photoshop.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for all levels.
Beginners will learn the building blocks of creating an illustration from start to finish, and more experienced learners can hone existing skills and experiment with map making as an artform.
Basic IT skills are necessary to get the most from the course.

You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may be encouraged 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, workshops, practical work and 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 during each session.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring a sketchbook (A5 or similar) and basic art supplies (3-5 pencils and pens) for the first session. All other materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your favourite art supplies. Please bring a USB drive to save your digital files onto.

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

To get 15% LGC discount, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them 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. The 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 programme of Illustration courses as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.¿¿
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For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.