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=Welcome to the Class Wiki page! = We will be using this wikispace throughout the course to post your artwork, comment on others work, and to provide project information.

Since the dawning of the computer age, artists have explored new techniques to uncover the creative potential of the digital canvas. From illustrated books, comic books and graphic novels, editorial illustration, children’s books and fine art, digital illustration using Adobe Photoshop is quickly becoming the medium of choice for visual artists around the world. In this intensive class, students will learn basic and advanced illustration techniques using Photoshop, including creating flats for print, the amazing brush engine, layering textures and styles, incorporating photos into images, and so much more! Some familiarity with Photoshop is helpful, but not necessary. Bring your sketchbook, and plenty of drawings to scan, and get ready to explore the creative potential of Photoshop for illustration!
 * Class Description**


 * Download the class syllabus:**

**The Process of Illustration** As an illustrator, we work from the written word (or sound recording) to bring forth a visual response to the verbal. > This brainstorming can be quick notes, metaphors, ideas about natural world resources, etc. The only wrong way to brainstorm is NOT to brainstorm! > > >
 * 1) Brainstorm Ideas: Quickly jot down multiple ideas to solve this visual dilemma. Push yourself beyond the first idea to better your creative concepts.
 * 1) References: Thanks to the internet, do a search for images that will help you create your visual ideas. Is one of your characters wearing armor? Look up images of armor to get an idea as to how they fit on a body. Someone riding a dragon? Look up a photo of someone riding a horse for sitting reference, and a photo of a reptile for scale reference.
 * 1) Thumbnail Sketches: Start composing your artwork within a picture plane (also known as format). Format is critical as an illustrator! Know the shape of your picture plane! Do three or more thumbnail sketches to push your compositional ideas. No detail is necessary at this point, just compositions.
 * 1) Final Sketches: Finalize the thumbnail, and start adding details (using reference) to build your artwork.