Skillshare is an online community of video classes. You can get a free month’s access by clicking here. I love it – you can get a class from some of your favourite designers and get an insight into their process, and they are all doable. The skill level needed varies a lot so you will be able to find something that suits you. Each class has a little project that you work along with so it’s perfect if you are building a portfolio, or even just fun for design exercises.
There are loads of different creative projects listed but I’m just looking at the illustration related ones now – here are some of my favourite classes to get you started:
Drawing Collections: Illustrating Stories through Taxonomies with Kate Bingaman-Burt
I first came across Kate Bingaman Burt in the #28tomake Creative Live classroom. She is really enthusiastic, funny, and lovely. I noticed this class after it was posted for ages (I might have skipped over it as I didn’t know what “taxonomies” meant!). She sets simple drawing tasks and she gives very practical advice about getting work done, and how to tell stories through your drawings. Like the best teachers, she makes you feel like you can do it!
Illustrating Patterns: Creating Hand-Drawn Wallpaper with Julia Rothman
Julia Rothman is an amazing illustrator. Follow her on instagram here. In this class she shows you how to make a pattern on paper and then photocopy it into a wallpaper. Such a nice idea and fun to do.
Another incredible illustrator – such a treat to get an insight into how Roman Muradov works. This teaser will give you a good idea of what’s in the class:
Calligraphy I: Writing in Classic Modern Script with Bryn Chernoff
This class is like a drawing meditation. You learn how to use your calligraphy pen and how to practise writing beautifully.
Lettering for Designers: One Drop Cap Letterform at a Time with Jessica Hische
What I love about skillshare classes is that the teachers give you an insight into their work. This one is based on drawing drop cap letters for book design and references Jessica Hische’s Penguin Drop Cap project.
There’s loads more good ones too but this should get you started. Let me know in the comments which ones are your favourites so far. Enjoy!
Related Reading:
My Favourite online learning resources
Stetchbook Explorations with Lisa Congdon
Drawing Workshop with Julie Merriman
Trial Versions of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator