Illustration studio
Illustration can be an isolating journey, so having a space to engage with like-minded people will naturally provide a supportive and inspiring environment for your practice to flourish.
Our ‘Studio’ courses provide you with a space to share your learning journey with your peers, and to tap into tutor expertise, on a specific project or practice, through one-to-one tutorials and group crits. Learners will benefit from the professional experience of tutors who will be able to provide inside knowledge of a variety of aspects of the creative industry.
Come with a project that you would like to develop, or should you need a starting point, our tutors will be able to provide you with industry-relevant briefs based on your interests, sensibilities, and visual language.
STUDIOS are for experienced learners with a burgeoning creative practice they wish to hone, in a supportive environment. For example, those who have completed a Beginners and Developing course in a relevant subject, or have equivalent industry experience.
- Course Code: VZ346
- Dates: 15/05/24 - 03/07/24
- Time: 18:30 - 21:00
- Taught: Wed, Evening
- Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Lucia Vinti
Course Code: VZ346
Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 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 course is for creatives to hone their practice in a self-directed environment, with encouragement, constructive feedback, and support, from peers and tutors.
Each session begins with a warm-up drawing exercise – think of it as limbering up for a dance class or a gym session. This is followed by learners working independently on many and various projects, interspersed with one-to-one tutorials and group crits. Tutors and peers will also share best practice, and recommendations for artists, exhibitions, websites, and books, all supported by Google Classroom as the platform for sharing information. If you are preparing a folio of work for your next educational or professional step, tutors can offer advice and guidance on how to strengthen it.
What will we cover?
Learners will work semi-independently on projects of their choosing. The starter activties, tutorials and group crits offered by tutors will be designed to enable learners to tackle particular 'issues' arising within their projects; in other words, the teaching is highly tailored to learners' needs. Additonally, students will learn from each others' issues, and how they are resolved. For example, if a learner is struggling with 'backgrounds', the tutor will likely develop a starter activity based on 'creating settings'; although tailored to a particular learner, the activity will benefit all learners by offering an opportunity to strength existing skills, or acquire new ones.
Practical skills
- Learners can choose which of the available materials and media they wish to use – or bring in specialist items.
Conceptual Skills
- Briefs will be self-determined; tutors will be on-hand to provide insights and guidance when needed. Supportive peer-to-peer feedback will be regularly facilitated.
Context
- Independent study of relevant contextual styles and movements will be encouraged by tutors.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Work independently to bring a self-determined brief to fruition, by;
• Manipulating materials and media to communicate effectively
• Drawing upon tutor and peer support, at relevant times, and applying it effectively
• Drawing upon prior knowledge, and conducting new research, of historical and contemporary movements and styles, to enhance your project.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for experienced learners: those who have completed at least a ‘Developing’ course, or several Workshops in Illustration or a related subject – or have equivalent industry 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 programme of Illustration Workshops 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.