Art of Illustration

On this 10-week course, you'll explore the world of illustration, from brief to concept to final artwork, with the aim of developing your personal style of image making.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

When does it run?

You can study this course in either the autumn or spring term. Choose your preferred term when booking.

Autumn term 2023

Wednesday 4 October – 6 December 2023

Spring term 2024

Wednesday 17 January – 20 March 2024

How long is the course?

10 Wednesdays

What time will your classes be?

18.00-21.00

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus.

You'll be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Who's this course suitable for?

This course has been developed for aspiring artists aged 18+.

Perfect for anyone who's interested in developing their illustration skills, learning new techniques and gaining confidence when it comes to communicating visually.

It's suitable if you're a beginner or if you've some previous experience with illustration and wish to develop your skills further.

Do you need previous experience or qualifications?

No previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£329

What's included in this price?

Any additional materials and resources not listed in the 'what to bring' section. See below.

Are there additional costs?

Please be aware you'll need to bring your preferred drawing equipment with you. This may incur an additional cost on top of your course fee if you need to purchase any equipment. Refer to the 'what to bring' section below for full details.

What should you bring to class?

A4 or A3 sketchbook
Laptop or iPad with either a drawing tablet/Apple Pencil
Photoshop/Procreate/similar digital painting programs
Drawing pencils
Drawing pens
Coloured pencils or pens
Watercolours or inks
Watercolour brushes
Eraser
Sharpener
Pair of scissors or a craft knife

Why should you choose this course?

Learn new skills to develop your illustration style and creative voice
Come away with enhanced confidence in your observational skills
Experiment with different mediums
Explore ways to tackle a brief and create interesting solutions
Discover new ways of working with industry standard software
Learn a wide range of fundamental illustration skills and techniques
Receive expert support and guidance from your industry professional tutor at every turn
Leave with increased confidence and the skills to continue creating beyond the course
Study in an encouraging and friendly setting alongside 12 like-minded creatives

About this course

On this short course you’ll look at different approaches to art, design and illustration to help inform the development of your artwork and to understand illustration in the context of visual culture today.

You’ll use time-honoured tools, cutting-edge contemporary software, and develop a variety of techniques to allow you to explore new ways of image making and develop your personal style.

You’ll be encouraged to visit and record exhibitions and collect images and materials to inspire your practice. Sketchbooks will be used to help build your confidence in the process of visual problem-solving, drawing, gathering research and thinking through ideas. By the end of the course, you’ll have a bank of visual knowledge, curated to your own interests and style, that will lead to new ideas and exciting outcomes.

In your sessions you’ll have the opportunity to develop your illustration practice using the creative process, including mind-mapping, research, and development, in order to create illustrations with confidence while responding to a variety of briefs. 

Narrative illustration 
Illustration for picture books and publishing
Decorative illustration (products and packaging)
Visual sequencing 
Editorial illustration 
Using drawing, digital, and analogue painting, collage, linocut and more 
Working to a brief 
Using Photoshop and/or Procreate

Possess improved artistic and illustration skills
Understand fundamental illustration principles
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Feel confident approaching illustration in a range of mediums
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Be encouraged to experiment and explore your ideas, remembering that there's no right or wrong way to be creative
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course
Leave with a sketchbook of experimental and finished works in a variety of mediums

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance.

After this course, you could:

Continue to harness your creativity and develop your illustration skills further; explore our full range of Art, Design, Drawing and Painting short courses
Broaden your creative horizons and try your hand at a range of disciplines; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses
Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby

You'll study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
Our tutors are industry professionals, so you'll learn from the best
We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
You'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included and supported
Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity