A comprehensive all-in-one course that helps you bring ideas to life—taught by an illustrator behind 30+ published books.
A course taught by Adam Gustavson
A Hands-On Guide to Creating Your First Children’s Book with Adam Gustavson
Illustrating a children’s book is an exciting but complex journey. From designing engaging characters to mapping out dynamic page compositions, it requires more than just great drawing skills—it’s about visual storytelling, consistency, and crafting illustrations that bring a story to life.
This live, interactive online course prepares you to start and confidently complete your first children’s book illustration project.
Through hands-on assignments, direct feedback, and expert guidance, you’ll develop a step-by-step plan to move from idea to finished artwork. It gives you the skills to plan and launch your project on your own after the course.
Live Class Meetings
Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 pm PT (8:30-10:30 pm ET)
Difficulty
All Skill Levels Welcome
Mediums
Digital or Traditional
Course Dates
TBD
Price
$499
Adam Gustavson’s paintings and drawings have appeared in over thirty highly praised and award winning books for children, as well as magazines, educational materials, advertising campaigns and galleries. He holds an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and a BFA from Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ.
His career in art education has led him to serve on the faculty of Seton Hall University and Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. Since 2014, he has co-owned the Renaissance Art Studio in Millburn, NJ, with his wife (and manager) Denise, offering individual art lessons in a variety of media.
Classes are live & fully interactive with lectures, demos, and guest artists.
Jump into our private community—share your work, get pro feedback, and swap ideas with artists like you.
Drop into live critique sessions for direct, no-fluff feedback and real talk with a crew of professional artists.
Instructor: Adam Gustavson
Illustration
Workshop
All Skill Levels
A comprehensive, hands-on guide to creating your first children’s book.
Length: 5 weeks
Instructor: Ashly Lovett
Workshop
All Skill Levels
A hands-on guide to planning and launching a successful crowdfunding campaign
Length: 4 weeks
Instructor: John English
Illustration
Workshop
All Skill Levels
Learn and master the steps to drawing the human form with confidence, skill, & expression
Length: 4 Weeks
Instructor: Sterling Hundley
Illustration
Workshop
All Skill Levels
Strap your sketchbook to a rocket—bring ideas to life & discover your artistic voice.
Length: 5 weeks
Instructor: Edward Kinsella
Illustration
Workshop
All Skill Levels
Design & illustrate impactful cover art for films, posters, books, and albums
Length: 5 weeks
Instructor: Adam Gustavson
Illustration
Mentorship
Beginner
Establish fundamental skills for advanced drawing and painting techniques for various visual arts industries.
Length: 10 weeks
Instructor: Ashly Lovett
Illustration
Mentorship
intermediate
Develop a process for creating compelling and engaging original stories, a critical component of visual narrative.
Length: 10 Weeks
Instructors: Dale Stephanos & John English
Illustration
Mentorship
Advanced
Build your portfolio, identify your dream illustration clients, and pursue a career doing what you love.
Length: 10 Weeks
Instructors: Ray Bonilla, Cassandra Kim, & John English
Gallery Arts
Mentorship
Beginner
Equip yourself with tools and skills to build a career and thrive as a working fine artist.
Length: 10 Weeks
Instructors: Ray Bonilla, Cassandra Kim, & John English
Gallery Arts
Mentorship
Intermediate
Equip yourself with tools and skills to build a career and thrive as a working fine artist.
Length: 10 Weeks
Instructors: Ray Bonilla, Cassandra Kim, & John English
Gallery Arts
Mentorship
Advanced
Networking opportunities, finding gallery representation, and learning how to sell your art is the backbone of this course.
Length: 10 Weeks
Instructors: Adam Gustavson, Ashly Lovett, John English, Dale Stephanos, and more.
Program
Mentorship
All Skill Levels
Networking opportunities, finding gallery representation, and learning how to sell your art is the backbone of this course.
Length: 3 courses, 10 weeks each
Instructors: Raymond Bonilla, Cassandra Kim, & John English
Program
Mentorship
All Skill Levels
Networking opportunities, finding gallery representation, and learning how to sell your art is the backbone of this course.
Length: 3 courses, 10 weeks each
