Ross Thomas Creations
SCOOL Illustration Foundation
An eight-week online programme with practical masterclasses, weekly tasks and online community, covering everything you need to know about the principles of Illustration, from experienced industry professional, CEO and Founder; Ross Thomas.
Course Outline
Each week, award - winning CEO and Founder; Ross Thomas, will lead you through a live webinar masterclass, that helps you get illustrating, with key instructions for everything you’ve ever wanted to know about illustration and its core principles. You will be given weekly tasks to respond to the lessons you have learnt, that you can upload and share with us and your peers in the group, through a dedicated online community.
Course Structure
A breakdown of all topics, masterclasses and tasks each week on the course.
Topic:
LAUNCH
Session:
Intoduction to the course & Q&A
WEEK 1
Topic:
INTRODUCTION to ILLUSTRATION
Session:
Overview of illustration and its applications
Basic tools and materials
Introduction to different illustration styles
Tasks:
Research and present on a favorite illustrator
Create a simple illustration using basic tools
Masterclass:
ROSS THOMAS
Demonstration of basic illustration techniques
WEEK 2
Topic:
DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS
Session:
Basic shapes and forms
Understanding light and shadow
Perspective drawing
Tasks:
Practice drawing basic shapes and forms
Create a simple still life illustration
Masterclass:
Review of student drawings
Tips on improving drawing fundamentals
WEEK 3
Topic:
COMPOSITION and LAYOUT
Session:
Principles of composition
Creating balanced and dynamic layouts
Using grids and guides
Tasks:
Create a composition using provided elements
Masterclass:
Composition critique and feedback
Demonstration of layout techniques
WEEK 4
Topic:
COLOUR THEORY
Session:
Basics of color theory
Color schemes and palettes
Using color to convey mood and emotion
Tasks:
Create a color wheel
Illustrate a scene using a specific color scheme
Masterclass:
Colour theory workshop
Review of student color projects
WEEK 5
Topic:
CHARACTER DESIGN
Session:
Basics of character design
Creating expressive characters
Character poses and expressions
Tasks:
Design a character and create a character sheet
Masterclass:
Character design critique and feedback
WEEK 6
Topic:
DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES
Session:
Introduction to digital illustration software
Digital brushes and tools
Techniques for digital painting
Tasks:
Create a digital illustration using learned techniques
Masterclass:
Demonstration of digital illustration tools
Student work review
WEEK 7
Topic:
ILLUSTRATION STYLES and TECHNIQUES
Session:
Exploring different illustration styles (e.g., realism, cartoon, abstract)
Techniques for different styles
Finding your unique style
Tasks:
Experiment with different illustration styles
Create an illustration in a chosen style
Masterclass:
Style exploration workshop
Feedback on style experiments
WEEK 8
Topic:
FINAL PROJECT and REVIEW
Session:
Final project guidelines
Review of key concepts
Tasks:
Complete a final Illustration project incorporating all learned techniques
Masterclass:
Presentation of final projects
Course wrap-up and feedback
What happens after you enrol?
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Introduction to the course and Q&A will take place via live stream; presented by Ross Thomas, on the Monday after the date you join the course at 9am GMT. We will confirm via email.
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In the meantime, source any little bit of kit you might need and try different illustration apps before you get going.
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Masterclasses, Tasks and Feedback will be delivered every 7 days until the end of the course.
What happens when you complete the course?
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Every live - streamed weekly Masterclass will be recorded and sent to you via email as an mp4 attachment; allowing you to be able to watch and re-watch everything as many times as you'd like!
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You will have access to the community pages of the course for 7 months!
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On successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate; serving as a boost to your portfolio for direct employment, or succession with us in projects with our clients!
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for those who have always wanted to illustrate but didn’t know where to start, or those with illustration experience looking for insider knowledge and lessons from an industry-leading professional.
What equipment do I need?
It is completely up to you what app or equipment you might have at home to take part in this course, but here are some suggestions:
Adobe Photoshop:
Known for its extensive feature set, Adobe Photoshop is a top choice for digital painting, photo editing and graphic design.
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https://www.manypixels.co/blog/illustrations/digital-art-software.
Krita:
A free, open-source app tailored for digital painters, illustrators and concept artists. It offers a wide range of brushes and tools.
https://www.manypixels.co/blog/illustrations/digital-art-software.
Corel Painter:
Ideal for professional artists, Corel Painter mimics traditional media with its RealBristle™ technology, providing a natural painting experience.
https://www.manypixels.co/blog/illustrations/digital-art-software.
Autodesk SketchBook:
A versatile and user-friendly app with over 190 customizable brushes, perfect for both beginners and professionals.
https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/illustration/drawing-apps.
Adobe Illustrator Draw:
This app is great for creating vector art, offering clean and scalable illustrations with an intuitive interface.
https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/illustration/drawing-apps.
If you have any further questions or concerns; please get in touch at rossthomascreations@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!