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Topics you will learn
- How to generate ideas
- Visual thinking
- Enhance storytelling with mood, emotion, & tone
- Conveying narrative through a single image and a series of images
- Visual problem solving
- Storytelling and composition
- Visual communication
- Working with an art director
- The books every illustrator needs to read
- Fundamentals of visual storytelling
Live Class Meetings
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm PT
Course Length
10 weeks (23 Live Classes)
Mediums
Digital or Traditional
Class Mentor
Nate Sweitzer
Nate Sweitzer is a Chicago-born Illustrator — his work illustrates human stories through conceptual solutions and textural mark-making. He specializes in publishing, editorial, and poster illustration. His work has been awarded and featured by 3×3 Magazine, the American Illustration Awards, the Society of Illustrators, Illustration West, and the One Club for Creativity. His clients include Mondo, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, NPR, ProPublica, Sports Illustrated, The New Republic, and Forbes.
Course Outline
Week 1: Introductions, Identifying problems & communication in visual storytelling
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 2: Sketching & thumbnail skills for visual storytelling
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 3: Guest Artists
Guest Speakers:
Saturday & Sunday Zoom Meeting
Students meet both Saturday and Sunday for two separate Guest Artist events. Guest artists will present work, share process, and technique via demonstration and on occasion will provide group critiques to select students.
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 4: Visual Storytelling Development: Your Visual content & Library
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 5: Developing a drawing process
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 6: Guest Artists
Guest Speakers:
Saturday & Sunday Zoom Meeting
Students meet both Saturday and Sunday for two separate Guest Artist events. Guest artists will present work, share process, and technique via demonstration and on occasion will provide group critiques to select students.
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 7: Painting Process and techniques for Visual Narrative
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 8: Guest Artists
Guest Speakers:
Saturday & Sunday Zoom Meeting
Students meet both Saturday and Sunday for two separate Guest Artist events. Guest artists will present work, share process, and technique via demonstration and on occasion will provide group critiques to select students.
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 9: Mixed Media Character Design
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)\
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Week 10: Ideation & Visual storytelling training
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Part of every mentorship course
Live Guest Speakers
Each semester we bring in working professionals to share their experience, process, and perspective with the school.
Guest Artist
George Pratt
Painter & Visual Storyteller
Guest Artist
Sara Kipin
Illustrator & Character Designer
Guest Artist
Eva Toorenent
Illustrator & Concept Artist
Guest Artist
David Palumbo
Fantasy & Editorial Illustrator
Guest Artist
Dariusz Kieliszek
Concept Artist & Illustrator
Guest Artist
Charlie Griak
Filmmaker & Illustrator
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Learn-by-doing Assignments
Students create and refine finished work worthy of a career-ready portfolio. Jumpstart your process and fast-track the your skills.
Student Testimonials
This course provided me a window through which I saw how professional illustrators work. Observing our teachers, listening to the guest speakers, participating in the study halls to share our work all helped me to have a realistic expectation on what it takes to become a professional artist. I’d recommend anyone who considers making a living as a visual artist to take part in Visual Arts Passage!
This was a deep dive that really helped me push boundaries. I was encouraged to experiment with mediums and styles, developing habits and finding alternative approaches to composing professional art.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course right for me?
Ideation & Visual Storytelling is the second course in the Illustration Program. This course is the perfect 10-week long bootcamp for artists who already have a foundation of skills, but are working to develop their abilities with visual narrative and personal voice.
It's the best course for students who have already attended Process: Skill & Craft or relatively advanced illustration students. We do not recommend beginner artists start with Ideation & Visual Storytelling.
Can I attend this course if I haven't attended the first course in the Illustration Program.
In most instances, we recommend starting with the first course in the program. If you are an experienced artist, with substantial training or skills, you do have the option to test into more advanced courses. If you need help determining if you should skip the first course in the program, please send a link to you work to hello@visualartspassage.com and explain which advanced course you hope to attend.
What is the time commitment?
The Mentorship program is a "get out of it, what you put in" experience. That being said, our courses are structured to accommodate individuals with a busy schedule. We recommend setting aside a minimum of 3 hours for your live course and 2 hours to complete assignments and course work. We highly encourage students to commit more time if their schedule allows.
Do I have to attend the livestream or can I attend by only watching the recorded content?
We encourage students to attend the livestream whenever their schedule permits, however, this is not required nor is it essential to fully benefit from the personalized coaching and mentoring offered by this course. Every class we host is recorded and available on-demand after the broadcast. You will still receive personalized feedback on work submitted before the livestream.
Will I receive actual feedback from the instructing artist?
Yes! This course is designed truly as a mentorship course. Your mentor will review work you submit for the course and provide feedback during or after class to help you progress, improve and develop your skills and portfolio.
Can I download the recordings of class?
Yes, all classes are available for download during your enrollment as a mentorship program student.
Can I take this course at the same time as other Illustration Program courses?
We recommend students enroll in only one mentorship course per semester. We highly recommend taking mini-courses, such as Color Theory or Figure Drawing in addition to Mentorship courses.