Portrait Illustration with Analog and Digital Techniques

Start your course by getting to know a bit about Amy and how she made the jump from fashion design to illustration. See some of the clients she’s worked with throughout the years and learn about how she uses Instagram to showcase and sell her work.

Amy introduces you to the different materials you need to create your final project. She shows you where to find inspiration and some of her favorite online sources for reference images. Using Photoshop, prepare your selected reference photo by adjusting levels and start learning some basic watercolor techniques that will help bring your portrait to life.

Next, discover the basics of a great composition by preparing a rough collage of your final illustration in Photoshop. After printing out the image layout, Amy shows you how to use a lightbox for sketching the outline of your portrait before offering some tips on developing your final sketch.

Start creating the decorative elements that will make your illustration stand out and learn how to import your drawings into Photoshop. Using some basic tools, create layers to add color and texture to your project. Begin adding backgrounds and learn some of Amy’s tricks for adding depth to your work.

Finally, get some recommendations on printing your art using Giclée printing, the ideal method for reproducing work with exceptional amounts of detail. Wrap things up by getting some ideas on how to hand finish your final print, including paint, embroidery, and metal leaf techniques.