Order of classes?
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Hi everyone. I've been dabbling in and out of the classes watching them and I need to do more of the homework. I'm so easily distracted. Do you think that there is an order that is best to follow? How much time do you spend on the classes per week? Homework? I'm wondering if I should combine the assigments with Third Thursday somehow. If I'm studying perspective, use perspective in my Third Thursday piece, etc. Does anyone else do that? Thanks.
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@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen Good question..I think the answer will be different for everyone, depending on what their weaknesses and interests are.
For example, someone who’s newer to children’s book illustration would really benefit from the classes covering fundamentals - Creative Composition, Light and Shadow, Working With Color, and Children’s Book Illustration, for example… but if you’ve got a reasonable foundation then other more specific classes might help bring your level up. Or if you’re new to digital work and that’s what you want to learn then the digital painting/Photoshop ones should be your first step…Or if you really have a hard time with colour then Color & Light would be a good one, etc..
Personally, yeah like you suggest at the moment I’m using 3rd Thursdays as an opportunity to experiment and to work on stuff which needs improving…then I’ll pick lessons to watch to help with that. It helps keep me motivated that way instead of ploughing through something ‘because I should’… if I have a goal and a deadline to learn it by then it helps me.
But then there are also new courses popping up for which I didn’t need a specific reason (Drawing in Perspective, Marco Bucci..)…so no hard and fast rules for me. Just keeping going and practising is the main thing
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@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen I think Dulci is right, it's going to depend on the artist, their level, and what they're trying to do with their art.
I've only worked through about 8 classes so I can't comment on them all. I've done most of the fundamental classes, some were helpful, some weren't, mainly because I've learned most of it through other classes and studies. That said, you can never go wrong with the basics, and a refresher can never hurt. As you work through them or look at the material I think you can get an idea of whether or not you'll need it.
I will suggest "How to Draw Anything" by Jake Parker. Drawing is such an important part of art, even if you paint, so it's good to learn or refresh. I personally learned A LOT from that class. I think no matter what your level is this class will be beneficial.
For people who are ready for more than just the basics, "Creative Composition" is amazing. I just starting the "Illustrating Children's Books" as well, even though that's not the direction I'm going with my art (I'm interested in comics), I think there's a lot of good information and exercises to take away.
I guess I should also mention that I LOVE watching the critique sessions. I learn a lot from those, and it helps me analyze what I'm going in my own art, whether it's mistakes or things that are working.
Oh, I should mention that I do keep sketching paper with me and work on stuff while I'm watching the videos and working through the classes. It's much easier to retain what you learn if you actually apply it.
Take the classes that interest you, or that will benefit your work. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Have fun!
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Thanks. I appreciate both of your comments Shannon and Dulcie. I was just looking the over and thinking of trying out the creative composition class. I can probably benefit from them all though. I need to do more daily sketching I think too. I have done some of the work in some of the classes but I will try to complete one this time from start to finish.
