New Live/Interactive Book Cover Illustration Class

Cory Shaw · 31 Dec 2017, 05:36

The description says there will be one video a week and a homework assignment, that seems reasonable, but can you estimate how much time a student should expect to give this course each week? I feel lame asking, but I want to give it my all if I sign up.

Laurel Aylesworth · 31 Dec 2017, 15:48

@cory-shaw As a parent of two little kids, this question isn't lame at all. I'm interested to know as well. Is this a live class or pre-recorded? One of the reasons I can't do live classes is my kids will be all_over_me during it. Remember the viral video of the BBC reporter at home getting video bombed by his family? Yeah, that.

Laurel Aylesworth · 31 Dec 2017, 15:56

@laurel-aylesworth Oh, just answered my own question, by actually reading the class description. Pre-recorded. Cool!

smceccarelli · 31 Dec 2017, 16:52

I have a couple more questions....

How many completed pieces are going to be created during the course?
Are you going to explore different genres and audiences (midgrade vs picture books, humorous, fantasy, adventure, etc...?)
Is the course going into type design and hand lettering in any way?

I have to be very conscious of investments as my illustration activity is still just barely covering expenses, but I am finding that assignments and/or competitions yield the best portfolio work....so I am considering this to give a next boost at my portfolio and maybe help to enter this part of the market, which is really very interesting....

Lee White · 2 Jan 2018, 09:01

@smceccarelli This will be a good portfolio generating class I think. Here's our rough breakdown of the weeks. It will focus on different age ranges for the assignments.

Week 1: Dynamic thumbnails and process

Week 2: Book Cover Design

Week 3: Book Cover Design (Due)

Week 4: Modern Classic Fairytale

Week 5: Modern Classic Fairytale (continued)

Week 6: Modern Classic Fairytale (Due)

Week 7: Covers + Interior Spot

Week 8: Covers + Interior Spot (continued)

Week 9: Covers and Interior Due (Due)

Week 10: Final presentations

Sarah LuAnn · 1 Jan 2018, 03:40

This class looks amazing, book covers is something I would LOVE to do more of for my portfolio, but its pretty much the worst timing ever (having a baby this month so I sincerely hope it will be offered again in the future :-).

smceccarelli · 2 Jan 2018, 09:01

@lee-white Ok, Im convinced. Ten weeks for four pieces with critique throughout is a great deal - so Im giving myself a belated Christmas gift....and just signed up.
Looking forward!!

(Sorry for the rogue formatting of the text - I have no idea why it`s doing this to me...)

Miriam · 2 Jan 2018, 09:52

@sarah-luann
Congratulations! I hope everything goes well for you!

Lee White · 2 Jan 2018, 14:25

@smceccarelli great! Can't wait to see you in there!

I think you are a really good fit for this class. Your work is strong and you are at a place where cover work could really improve your overall portfolio. : )

Cory Shaw · 2 Jan 2018, 19:15

I'm right on the edge of signing up, I just need to be pushed over that edge.

DOTTYP · 2 Jan 2018, 21:47

I was wondering would this class be very advanced and difficult or would artists at a lesser stage still benefit from this course.Also would we be expected to do all traditional art or digital in our work.Sorry for the silly questions.

Lee White · 2 Jan 2018, 23:53

@cory-shaw not sure if this will convince you, but it's filling up fast...

Lee White · 2 Jan 2018, 23:54

@dottyp it can be done digital or traditional. You should ideally have a good handle on drawing and painting. You don't need to be an expert though. I'd say this class is right at the sophomore/junior college level.

DOTTYP · 3 Jan 2018, 17:04

@lee-white Thanks Lee I am considering this or the Turbocharging Creativity course they both look amazing ,but running at the same time. I will have to make my decision soon.

Cory Shaw · 3 Jan 2018, 19:23

Alright, I signed up. Whew!

DOTTYP · 3 Jan 2018, 22:18

I signed up for the Book covers course .I am so excited cant wait!!

Lee White · 4 Jan 2018, 01:05

Can't wait to see you all in there! : )

julian beresford · 4 Jan 2018, 13:53

Hi @Lee-White I'm in the UK, do you know what time the live classers will be held?

MOO · 4 Jan 2018, 13:58

Well, I'm probably not to this level yet. Are all these new interactive classes only for digital artists? Thanks.

Lee White · 4 Jan 2018, 15:13

@julian-beresford There is no "live" time when the classes will be held. That's what is so cool about them. It works like this: The instructors upload/release the material each week at the same time, but you can watch it whenever you want. We have people from all over the world enrolling because time zones don't really matter.

Then, you have one week from then to upload your homework and we will do a video critique of it which you can also watch at any time. So far it has been amazing and flexible for our students.

@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen these classes are fine for digital or traditional. They are mainly about what you are drawing, not technique. Of course that varies a bit. Will's texture class should probably be done in photoshop or digitally. But it doesn't have to be.

Let me know if you guys have any other questions.