Create visually striking, story-based images
This class will cover the fundamental principles used to create visually striking images as applied to illustration, film, games, animation, and publishing. The class will first begin by exploring how composition functions as a visual design language across a 2-dimensional surface by covering concepts like mass, proportion, movement, and symmetry.
These concepts will then be studied as they relate to illustration and entertainment-based mediums in the form of focal point, rhythm, depth, camera, space, and more. Clear visual communication will also be emphasized with regard to how the basic principles help communicate a compelling story/idea. Students will refine their understanding of composition through assignments that include graphic studies, thumbnail sketches, background/layout design, and story-based drawings.
These concepts will then be studied as they relate to illustration and entertainment-based mediums in the form of focal point, rhythm, depth, camera, space, and more. Clear visual communication will also be emphasized with regard to how the basic principles help communicate a compelling story/idea. Students will refine their understanding of composition through assignments that include graphic studies, thumbnail sketches, background/layout design, and story-based drawings.
Registration Now Open
Registration Period
Jan 31, 2024 -
Apr 22, 2024
Course Start
Apr 17, 2024
Course Format
Standard
Skills Level
Intermediate
Duration
8 weeks
Q&A
Once a week
Feedback
Individual recordings
Lecture Type
Pre-recorded
Assignment
Due each week. Expect to spend 8-10 hrs/wk viewing lectures, Q&A, and time on assignments.
PREREQUISITES
Students should have a very good understanding of drawing fundamentals including but not limited to figures, environments, and general perspective
MATERIALS
Photoshop (or equivalent)
The more you know, the better.
Week #1
Introduction / Composition as 2D Design
This class will define the “illustrator’s intent” as well as what is meant by composition using examples from throughout the world of art/photography/film and more. Composition will be formally introduced using abstract spatial principles & defining the need for visual context. It will also discuss the tools of visual language and how they form the basis for all composition.
Week #2
Line vs Shape (Mass vs. Form)
This lecture will introduce the concept of Notan vs. Form and use examples from art history and film to explain how line and mass relate to the story message. It will also continue with the abstract spatial principles already introduced as they relate to line and shape.
Week #3
Single Image Composition, Part 1
This lecture will introduce the topics of focal point, division of space, depth, rhythm, etc. as they relate to overall layout design which includes but is not limited to environment and background design.
Week #4
Single Image Composition, Part 2
This lecture will take the previously discussed topics of focal point, division of space, depth, rhythm, etc., and apply them toward more advanced character-driven compositions that tell a story.
Week #5
Composition with Value
This lecture will take the previously introduced value matrix and expand upon it by focusing on value as a design tool.
Week #6
Lighting & Color
The topics of lighting and color will be discussed as additional visual tools in furthering the composition’s story message.
Week #7
Film Conventions, Camera, and Perspective
Building on the concepts introduced so far this class will explore how different camera “lenses” can be used for different compositional goals. Perspective concepts will also be discussed as a visual tool for thumbnail exploration.
Week #8
Composition for Sequential Illustration & Other Formats
This lecture will focus on composition as it relates to media not entirely dependent on a single image such as the graphic novel, children’s books, poster art, and other unconventional formats.
STUDENT GALLERY
Unleashing your creative potential
LECTURES BY
Mauricio Abril
Course Start: Apr 17, 2024
Mauricio is a former scientist turned concept artist living and working in the Los Angeles area. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in Molecular Biology before studying Illustration and Entertainment Design at the Art Center College of Design.
Since then Mauricio has worked on a variety of projects in animation, film, video games, children's books, theme parks and more with notables clients such as the Walt Disney Company, Ubisoft, Games Workshop, Simon and Schuster, and more. He's also taught classes in illustration and concept art for the LA Academy of Figurative Art and Brainstorm.
When not working at work he can be found working at home on his own author/illustrator projects which include two well-received animatic short films, a successfully Kickstarter-funded children's book and a whole assortment of fun whimsical illustrations for the imagination. When not doing any of those he's probably thinking of pizza.
Since then Mauricio has worked on a variety of projects in animation, film, video games, children's books, theme parks and more with notables clients such as the Walt Disney Company, Ubisoft, Games Workshop, Simon and Schuster, and more. He's also taught classes in illustration and concept art for the LA Academy of Figurative Art and Brainstorm.
When not working at work he can be found working at home on his own author/illustrator projects which include two well-received animatic short films, a successfully Kickstarter-funded children's book and a whole assortment of fun whimsical illustrations for the imagination. When not doing any of those he's probably thinking of pizza.
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PRICING SCHEDULE
Even though our courses are the most affordable for the quality of education, these finance options allow you to focus on your goals instead of the barriers that keep you from reaching them.
3x Payments
$233
2x Payments
$349.50
Full payment
$699
Spring TERM REGISTRATION
Now Open
Jan 31, 2024 -
Apr 22, 2024
COURSE BEGINS on Apr 17, 2024
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Enjoy lifetime access to the spectrum of course content, including lectures, live Q&As, and feedback sessions.
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Show off your Certification of Completion when you turn in 80% of course assignments.
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