Learning design on your own is slow and frustrating
Does this sound familiar?
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Find designing to be a vague subject based on intuition
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Not getting interest from potential clients
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You're not getting what you need from free tutorials
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Not reaching the level of realism that you want
I'm Diana Cearley, illustrator and instructor, and we'll breakdown design together
Costumes and design have always been a favorite subject. As a fantasy illustrator, the years spent studying historical clothing, movie costumes, and design principles have proven invaluable. Unfortunately, most people see design as a vague subject that can only be judged and improved on feelings and intuition but that doesn't have to be the case. We'll cover the topic with straightforward instruction and actionable steps that I use every day as an illustrator and concept artist.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

FIGURES & POSING

INTERPRETING PROMPTS

DESIGN IN PRACTICE

PAINTING & PHOTOBASHING

CREATING TURNAROUNDS

PRESENTATION
PROCESS

01
Get the Course
From the store you will choose either the regular self-study version or the premium version with feedback. If this is your first course at Academy, you'll be prompted to create a site profile during the checkout process.
02
Start the Lessons
After logging into your site profile, watch the lesson videos, download the provided assignment files, then complete the assignment worksheets.
03
New Art and Skills
Share your new character made during the class on your social then apply your new skills and understanding for both personal and professional characters.
TAKEAWAYS
Clarity
Learning how to translate design ideas into clear steps will reduce your trial-and-error time and increase your confidence
Skills
There is no better investment an artist can make than in their skills which can be used for all future character projects
Character Sheet
You will end this class having learned the entire process and with a full character sheet to show off on your socials and in your portfolio
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
"level up your concept art"
"If you're looking to level up your concept art skills, then look no further! Diana and Clint are fantastic. I found myself smiling through every class session."
"class was fantastic"
"The class was fantastic and I learned so many new things I can utilize in all my artworks!"
"Worth every penny!"
"I am so impressed with the content and quality of these classes. I have a bachelor in fine art and the Swatches classes have been more helpful than any college level class I have ever had! Worth every penny!"
"best online art school"
"This class was by far the best online illustration course I've ever taken. I've taken courses at CGMA and mentorships from other artists and I've never gotten so much out of a class as I have with Clint and Diana. I highly recommend taking any of their classes."
FAQ
Is this course a good practice before Fantasy Illustration? Yes, the skills you learn in this intermediate class will directly build into doing the full scenes from the Fantasy Illustration course.
Can I complete this course while working full-time? The regular self-study version of this course can be accomplished at any speed so there is no pressure. Many students who successfully go through the premium version with feedback, are working adults. The assignments are designed to be doable in about 15 hours per week.
The price is higher than other courses I’ve seen, why? Our course produces better lasting results than other courses which are often hastily put together by skilled artists who unfortunately aren’t accomplished teachers. Those courses often rely on vague theory and intuition (without tailored assignments) rather than clear, actionable instruction (with tailored assignments). Because we are so critical about the quality of our curriculum, it means you enjoy a more streamlined course with less fluff, more actionable teaching, and lasting results that make students say it’s one of the best courses they’ve ever taken.
How do I know if I'm at the right level for this course? This course is intermediate difficulty and students should already have skills in the following subjects: foundational drawing, basic shading, foundational figure and anatomy, and prior experience with digital painting is recommended. Serious art students should find the class and homework enjoyable, yet challenging. Hobbyists will likely find the assignments more intensive and regimented than they are used to. If you are still unsure if you have the skill necessary for this class, please contact Clint at clint@swatchesacademy.com and include a link to your online artwork, and we will let you know.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Two options for this course may be available; the self-study and the premium version with feedback. They both use the same recorded lessons and course files but the premium version with live instructor feedback is only offered seasonally.
IMPORTANT INFO: Preparation and Specs so you're ready to start. By registering for the course with feedback, you are agreeing to follow our common sense Code of Conduct.
BONUS ($50 value): Everyone who registers for this course (both self-study and feedback versions) gain access to the Custom Career & Portfolio Strategy Kit to help create a time-saving art career plan, and dynamic portfolio.