ILL 301: Drawing and Visualization
Explore the ability to draw from the imagination
Now it’s time to “dig deeper” and enhance your illustration skills and creative voice by exploring advanced illustration concepts including a focus on visualization, dramatic, reflective, and atmospheric lighting, convincingly and creatively representing objects and/or the human figure in space, and develop environments in linear perspective. Building upon your technical and conceptual skills you will also delve into developing imagery based upon your own imagination.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
For this class, students will have the choice of three different clients/projects, selecting the one most consistent with their portfolio goals and skills. After they have completed their initial research, students will complete the project in six stages: Concept, Research, and Production Plan; Character, Scene, and Lighting Sketches; Point-of-View Sketches; Color Keys and Typography Samples; Color Comps; and Final Creative Work.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Explore and research advanced illustration concepts related to visualization, dramatic, reflective, and atmospheric lighting, convincingly and creatively representing objects and/or the human figure in space, and develop environments in linear perspective.
- Enhance technical and conceptual skills while developing imagery based upon imagination.
- Examine, gather, analyze, synthesize, and professionally present research and produce creative work in alignment with the course content, assignment criteria, and presentation guidelines.
- Actively participate in class discussions/meetings, constructively assess the work of your peers, and enhance your creative work based upon feedback.
- Demonstrate effective and efficient use of your digital and traditional drawing, painting, and other image making skills to create quality portfolio ready pieces.
- Effectively conceptualize, create, finalize, and present a multiple illustrations (digital and/or traditional) based upon research, with consideration of course concepts and creative brief criteria.
- Apply and demonstrate technically proficient digital illustration/image making skills utilizing appropriate software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
- Computer with Internet connection.
- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CC (InDesign optional).
- Drawing and art supplies may be required depending on your choice of project.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Fiorella Shalat
Fiorella Shalat is an artist and educator with expertise in commercial still life, microscope photography, and creative darkroom techniques. Born in Florence, Italy, Fiorella has illustrated several books and her work has appeared in various group shows.
Course Outline
Drawing—Observing and Imagining
We will explore ways to draw from the imagination while embracing reality, examining the importance of combining creativity with thorough research.
Cultural Resources
Research into culture can provide a context and a "lens" through which we view artistic possibilities. We'll examine how cultural styles and symbols can bring aesthetic value to illustration concepts.
Perspective and the Figure
Everything takes up three-dimensional space in the world around us. We will review the application of the rules of linear perspective to imaginative drawing, and the importance of confirming "visual reality" in drawing and painting.
Visual Impact
Illustrating is storytelling and we want our point-of-view to pack a punch. We will investigate how figure poses, lighting, drama, and color can be used as effective tools to conjure compelling compositions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, so you can build your studies around your schedule. Two live Zoom meetings in this course provide the opportunity to work 1to1 with your instructor.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course is completed in a 15-week term. This course is part of a Bachelor's Degree program at Sessions College. You can enroll in this course on an individual basis or as part of a program.
How Do I Register?
To register for a program, complete our program application. To register for this course on an individual basis, please contact our admissions team at admissions@sessions.edu. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to setup your enrollment.
| Course Tuition and Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $300/credit |
| Registration Fee* | $200 |
| Total Course Price | $1100 |
Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment.
Is Sessions College Accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).