Intermediate Illustration | Spring

In this second level of Illustration, students will be challenged to build upon the basics of illustration, character design, color theory, and visual communication. After copying several works from master illustrators of the past and students will enjoy creative freedom in completing projects in their chosen medium, while continuing to develop their own unique illustrative style. In this course students will consider how to incorporate more abstract themes, concepts. During the next few months we will explore the connection between text and image as both author and illustrator. In the second half of the semester, students will be working on a final project. The project could take the form of an illustrated children’s book, an illustrated series of poems, or a comic book story. In order to successfully complete the project, students will need to create detailed characters, settings, and explore uses of illustration found in the world around them including album covers, posters, and more. Through demonstrations, personal instruction, and creative exercises, students will explore different subjects/compositions, textures, papers, and application techniques suitable for each unique medium.

Students will need to practice exercises taught in class and may need to work outside of class to complete projects. Along with hands-on studio work, students will participate in regular class critiques, creating a forum for the group to constructively collaborate and discuss creative outcomes. Individual artist statements will be required with most finished pieces of work, giving students another opportunity to articulate their interpretive intent and their understanding of process and design concepts.

• Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.
• High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.
• Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)
• Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm
• Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. To download Zoom:
  1. Visit zoom.us/download.
  2. Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
  3. Open and run the installer on your computer.
  4. In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.
• Scanner: In this class, students frequently submit homework assignments by scanning pages from their workbooks. Students and/or their parents should have easy access to a scanner and the ability to use it.