Illustration for Personal Projects

Ideal for those who have completed our Introduction to Illustration course, or those with prior knowledge.  

You will create a personal illustration project that pushes your creative limits. You will be guided to transform a story, poem, or original concept into a cohesive series or book and to explore both narrative and non-narrative approaches.

You will be supported to test ideas with a mix of traditional and experimental techniques, refine your vision and develop a project that captures your own unique voice as an illustrator.

You will be taught in specialist art and design studios and through practical demonstrations, one-to-one tuition, group discussions and critiques. This course will feature field trips to locations in or around Edinburgh (your teacher will confirm the itinerary in class).

You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here. Please do not purchase any materials until your course is confirmed to run. 

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.  

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:  

1. Develop a series of illustrations based on a personal concept or an existing text, supported by relevant research and contextual references;
2. Confidently use a range of established and experimental techniques to explore, refine, and communicate visual ideas, developing a distinctive artistic voice;
3. Develop and communicate ideas through visual storytelling, combining creative experimentation with project planning and self-direction, valuable in publishing, advertising, design, and other content-driven industries. 

The course is suitable for those who have completed our Introduction to Illustration course or those with some prior experience. This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and enthusiasm for creative exploration. This hands-on course requires no formal background in art or design.  

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy. 

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and an enthusiasm for creative exploration. While no formal background in art or design is required, learning is hands-on and a willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here. Please do not purchase any materials until your course is confirmed to run.

There is no recommended reading with this course; however, your course teacher will guide you to relevant sources.

Reading, listening and communication skills are essential. You must be comfortable learning in English. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.