Hello my name is Angel M. Alvarez- Cartoonist and Teacher
Illustration and Storytelling classes
We will delve into the fascinating intersection between visual art and storytelling, empowering students to craft compelling stories and illustrations.
We welcome all mediums as tools for storytelling.
With our Illustration and Storytelling Course. This program equips students with fundamental skills in composition, character design, and visual storytelling techniques. Learn tried-and-true illustration methods from concept to final illustration, guided by critiques and discussions to enhance your storytelling abilities.
Key topics include:
- Character design and composition
- Exploration of diverse illustration techniques
- Storytelling across genres using symbolism and subtext
- Utilization of digital tools to plan, compose, and execute illustrations
A step-by-step description of the illustration process:
1. Concept Development: Begin by brainstorming ideas for your illustration. Consider the story or message you want to convey. Sketch out rough thumbnails or sketches to explore different compositions and visual concepts.
2. Research and Reference Gathering: Collect reference materials such as photographs and images related to your subject matter. This could include reference images for characters, settings, or objects within your illustration.
3. Character Design: If your illustration involves characters, start by sketching out rough designs for each character. Experiment with different poses, expressions, and costumes to convey their personality and role in the story.
4. Composition Planning: Once you have a clear idea of your composition and characters, begin planning your final composition. Consider the placement of key elements, the flow of the viewer's eye, the value structure and how you will approach color. Create a more detailed sketch, Value Study or Color Study.
5. Medium Selection: Choose the medium you want to work with based on your preferences and the desired aesthetic for your illustration. This could include traditional media such as Oils, Acrylics, Gouach, Watercolor, pencil, ink, or digital media using software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate.
6. Execution: Begin rendering your illustration, starting with the background and working your way forward. Pay attention to the details, textures, and color choices to bring your illustration to life. Experiment with different techniques and tools to achieve the desired effects in your illustration.
7.Final Touches: Add any final touches or refinements to your illustration, such as adjusting colors, adding highlights and shadows, or adding atmospheric effects. Ensure that your illustration is polished and ready for presentation.
