This course is an introduction to the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Illustration. Learn about the movements and styles which have shaped the field of Illustration over the years, and how to find your place there.
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.
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.
Illustration is a form of visual communication which often exists alongside text. Illustrations can help to explain or clarify the words on a page. Most of all, you could say, they bring the message alive, by making it more immediate and exciting. For this reason, illustrations are found across books, magazines, newspapers, websites and social media channels.
The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.
What will we cover?
The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern.
A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc.
How to create images which communicate simple information/narrative.
Researching, developing and realising simple 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.
Please note that computer software is not taught on this course.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Manipulate imagery to communicate information and narrative.
Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.
Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners.
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
This course will be co-taught by two tutors. 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.
Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.
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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at our Developing Illustration course 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.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website. www.citylit.ac.uk
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.
Maya WildSee moreSee less
Maya Wild is an artist and arts educator with over 20 years of experience in Illustration and Graphic Design. She has a firm belief in the power of playful, creative visual communication and a deep appreciation of colour and hands-on making. Maya has collaborated with a wide range of clients, including Adidas, Dizzee Rascal, EMI, Dazed & Confused, Urban Outfitters, The Rolling Stones, New York Magazine, Burton Snowboards, and Channel 4. Her diverse portfolio includes projects such as product packaging, logo design, fashion illustration, music promotion, editorial illustration, advertising, and fabric pattern design. Her artwork has been exhibited worldwide, including in New York, San Francisco, Glasgow, London, Paris, and Tokyo. Maya has been teaching art and design for many years. She finds immense joy in nurturing students artistic growth and witnessing their development as confident and creative individuals.
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.
product
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Most of all, you could say, they bring the message alive, by making it more immediate and exciting. For this reason, illustrations are found across books, magazines, newspapers, websites and social media channels.</p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course is an introduction to the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Illustration. Learn about the movements and styles which have shaped the field of Illustration over the years, and how to find your place there.</p><ul><li>The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern.</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>How to create images which communicate simple information/narrative.</li><li>Researching, developing and realising simple illustrations in response to a brief. </li><li>The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital.</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area.</li></ul><p>Please note that computer software is not taught on this course. </p><ul><li>Manipulate imagery to communicate information and narrative.</li><li>Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.</li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles.</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for beginners.</p><p><em>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.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>This course will be co-taught by two tutors.<br>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.</p><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>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. <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Developing Illustration course 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.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.<br><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual3068209Introduction to illustration399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/m/img_2948_copy_21.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-06-07T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJun 2027Art & designVZ346399399Introduction to illustration319259399Adam Graff, Maya Wildintroduction-to-illustration/vz346-2627<p>This course is an introduction to the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Illustration. 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Learn about the movements and styles which have shaped the field of Illustration over the years, and how to find your place there.</p><ul><li>The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern.</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>How to create images which communicate simple information/narrative.</li><li>Researching, developing and realising simple illustrations in response to a brief. </li><li>The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital.</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area.</li></ul><p>Please note that computer software is not taught on this course. </p><ul><li>Manipulate imagery to communicate information and narrative.</li><li>Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.</li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles.</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for beginners.</p><p><em>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.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>This course will be co-taught by two tutors.<br>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.</p><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>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. <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Developing Illustration course 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.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.<br><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual3068212Introduction to illustration399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/m/img_2948_copy_20.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-27T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2027Art & designVZ405399399Introduction to illustration319259399Adam Graff, Maya Wildintroduction-to-illustration/vz405-2627<p>This course is an introduction to the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Illustration. Learn about the movements and styles which have shaped the field of Illustration over the years, and how to find your place there.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-27 00:00:00<p>Illustration is a form of visual communication which often exists alongside text. Illustrations can help to explain or clarify the words on a page. Most of all, you could say, they bring the message alive, by making it more immediate and exciting. For this reason, illustrations are found across books, magazines, newspapers, websites and social media channels.</p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course is an introduction to the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Illustration. Learn about the movements and styles which have shaped the field of Illustration over the years, and how to find your place there.</p><ul><li>The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern.</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>How to create images which communicate simple information/narrative.</li><li>Researching, developing and realising simple illustrations in response to a brief. </li><li>The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital.</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area.</li></ul><p>Please note that computer software is not taught on this course. </p><ul><li>Manipulate imagery to communicate information and narrative.</li><li>Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.</li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles.</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for beginners.</p><p><em>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.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>This course will be co-taught by two tutors.<br>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.</p><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>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. <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Developing Illustration course 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.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.<br><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual319399259VZ427,VZ346,VZ405NONEMon,Wed27/01/27 - 24/03/2718:00 - 21:0018:0021:008 sessions (over 9 weeks)85-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAdam Graff, Maya WildBeginnersNo longer available,Available courses2026-10-19T00:00:00+00:00,2027-06-07T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-27T00:00:00+00:00Daytime,EveningOct 2026,Jun 2027,Jan 2027Art & design399399Introduction to illustrationintroduction-to-illustration/vz427-2627,introduction-to-illustration/vz346-2627,introduction-to-illustration/vz405-2627<p>This course is an introduction to the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Illustration. Learn about the movements and styles which have shaped the field of Illustration over the years, and how to find your place there.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-27 00:00:00<p>Illustration is a form of visual communication which often exists alongside text. Illustrations can help to explain or clarify the words on a page. Most of all, you could say, they bring the message alive, by making it more immediate and exciting. For this reason, illustrations are found across books, magazines, newspapers, websites and social media channels.</p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course is an introduction to the practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Illustration. Learn about the movements and styles which have shaped the field of Illustration over the years, and how to find your place there.</p><ul><li>The key elements of illustration: line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern.</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>How to create images which communicate simple information/narrative.</li><li>Researching, developing and realising simple illustrations in response to a brief. </li><li>The different applications of illustration, from print media to digital.</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area.</li></ul><p>Please note that computer software is not taught on this course. </p><ul><li>Manipulate imagery to communicate information and narrative.</li><li>Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.</li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles.</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for beginners.</p><p><em>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.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>This course will be co-taught by two tutors.<br>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.</p><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>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. <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Developing Illustration course 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.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.<br><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationconfigurable
