Illustration 101- A Beginners Guide to Traditional Illustration.
A five week course aimed at beginners with no industry experience.
We will look at different traditional illustrative styles from graphic novels to Ladybird book artists, and hands on experience with graphite, ink, alcohol inks, watercolour and gouache paints.
Create a fully realised traditional illustration based on a short story, passage or poem, gently guided by your experienced tutor who is also a published artist and illustrator.
Practical knowledge tips of how to create a portfolio, query publishers, pitch to authors and navigate basic illustration contracts.’
Refreshments and biscuits are provided at a cost of £1.00 every four weeks payable in class.
Please note, this may not be a nut free environment, lactose free milk, herbal teas, and decaf ‘options are available. if you require more specific dietary allowances please feel free to bring them along.
Prospectus:
For all sessions bring an HB pencil, an eraser, a sketchpad, masking tape.
(If a painting session) additionally bring a couple of containers for your water, at least one palette knife for mixing paint and paper towel or cloths if you’d prefer.
It would be very helpful to have a drawing board.
| WEEK | SUBJECT | RESOURCES REQUIRED |
| WEEK 1
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Foundations of Line & Shadow
Illustration Focus: Basic shape breakdown, contour drawing, value shading, and controlling line weight Introduction to traditional tools and observational drawing principles Industry Insight: Understanding the Publishing Landscape—overview of trade publishers, self-publishing, and what editors look for in a traditional illustrator |
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Any or all of these: Graphite pencils, eraser/putty eraser, tortillons or artists smudging sticks, fine liners (pens), and dip pens with Ink You will also need thick god quality mixed media paper in a minimum of A4 size. |
| WEEK 2
|
Ladybird Book Nostalgia (Vintage Watercolour)
Focus: Classic mid-century illustration techniques inspired by Ladybird book artists (such as C.F. Tunnicliffe and Harry Wingfield). Study of the vintage “Ladybird style”—focusing on realistic figures, warm palettes, and storytelling light. Industry Insight: Curating Your Portfolio—how to select 10–15 cohesive, high-quality images and tailor your portfolio for specific genres (e.g., children’s books vs. editorial work). |
Gouache and watercolour paints
Paintbrushes suitable for the medium Thick minimum 300gsm watercolour paper. Minimum A4 size |
| WEEK 3 | Graphic Novel Storytelling & Ink
Focus: Sequential art, panel composition, character consistency, and expressive ink work. Storyboarding a 1-page layout Inking techniques using alcohol brush pens and India ink to build dynamic contrast and shading. Industry Insight: Approaching Authors & Working with Manuscripts—how to collaborate with writers, navigate self-publishing author queries, and read a manuscript with an illustrator’s eye. |
Alcohol-based markers
Indian ink and dip pen OR waterproof artists Fine-liners in a small range of sizes Thick, good quality smooth mixed media paper no smaller than A4 – A3 would be ideal for this particular session A Ruler Set Square if you have one.
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| WEEK 4 and 5 | Week 4:
Final Project – Development & Layout Focus: Illustrating a short story, passage, or poem (Phase 1: Concept, composition, and initial rendering). selecting a passage/poem, identifying key visual beats, and establishing a mood board. Creating thumbnail sketches, testing colour palettes, and blocking out the final composition. : Industry Insight: Crafting a Pitch & Query Letter—how to write professional emails to art directors, publishers, and literary agents. Week 5 Final Project – Completion & Presentation Focus: Illustrating a short story, passage, or poem (Phase 2: Polishing detail, finishing, and professional presentation). Techniques for adding fine details, highlights, contrast tweaks, and finishing touches to narrative artwork. Industry Insight: Contracts, Rights, and Social Media—basics of copyright ownership, image licensing, contracts, and using social media/websites as a modern digital storefront. Class showcase and group review: sharing final narrative pieces in a supportive environment. |
Bring your chosen art mediums.
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Key Takeaways
Technical Mastery: Hands-on experience with graphite, ink, gouache and watercolour.
Completed Final Piece: A fully realised traditional illustration based on a short story, passage, or poem.
Industry Readiness: Practical knowledge of how to format a portfolio, query publishers, pitch to authors, and navigate basic illustration contracts.
