About This Class
Step into the enchanting world of Whimsical Castle Spring Illustration in Affinity Designer! In this playful class, you'll take an exciting journey to boost your confidence in using various creative tools in Affinity Designer. We will use the pen tool, symmetry, the shape builder tool, layers, and geometry. To make your journey even more delightful, I've provided a handful of assets that will accelerate your progress. Repetition is key when it comes to learning software, and the deeper we dive, the more functions you will learn. Don’t worry, this is a step-by-step guide!
In Part 1 of this captivating adventure, we'll dive into the world of vectors as we prepare the foundation for our artwork. The best part? You have complete control over the final outcome, as the artwork remains fully editable throughout the process. With the assets provided, you will be able to get started, but I encourage you to create assets with me in class.
The magic doesn't stop with the creation of this all-vector illustration! In Part 2, we'll unlock the Pixel Persona to add depth, intricacy, and a touch of wonder to our creation. You will be the master of the transformation of a simple illustration into a delightful masterpiece. You can be as detailed or as stylized as you care to be.
Get ready to bring this sweet, fantastical illustration to life, from start to finish.
In this class I’ll walk you through:
- searching for and using inspiration
- drawing the individual vector shapes
- using vectors and creating compound shapes
- using the Shape Builder tool
- using geometry to create custom shapes
- methods for keeping the art fully editable for later adjustments
Do you like mixed-media work? Are you unsure of how to accomplish this in a vector based program only? Well, this class should reinforce some of the skills you have been learning in Affinity Dersigner using both the raster and vector personas. With the provided assets and the step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to complete this Part 1 in preparation for the Pixel Persona details you will be adding in Part 2 of the class!
What you will learn:
I started this course with one thing in mind - making sure that even beginners feel right at home. Imagine diving into a world where your creativity knows no bounds, and that's exactly what you'll get here. From the very first lesson, you'll notice that I've carefully crafted each step to guide you through the whimsical process of creating your own springtime castle illustration. You'll benefit from a structured layout that builds your skills progressively, ensuring that you're never overwhelmed and always moving forward with confidence and a dash of fun. Every tool and technique you'll need is broken down into bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest, so you can focus on unleashing your inner artist in a playful and supportive environment.
The key concepts I will include:
- recognizing and creating value areas using one color to show dimension
- working with both the Vector Persona in Affinity Designer
- working with layers and groups
- using your existing asset gallery
Learning mixed-media techniques will give you a challenging yet satisfying new set of skills. With mixed-media digital art there are so many ready paths of exploration. I can’t wait to see what you produce!
The Curriculum
- 226. AD 31 Part 1 Castle Spring Illustration Spring Illustration (1:26)
- Lesson 1 Inspiration and Archway (13:11)
- Lesson 2 Archway with Duplication and Geomtery (9:31)
- Lesson 3 Assets & Shapes to Build the Castle (11:03)
- Lesson 4 Finishing Touches and Background (9:36)
- Lesson 5 Filling Out the Background (12:27)
- Lesson 6 Final Prep for Part 2 - Adding Pixel Details (5:08)
- Lesson 7 Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up (1:50)
- Intro AD 31 Part 2 Whimsical Castle Spring Illustration - Pixel Persona (1:39)
- Lesson 1 Overview, Planning and Composition (10:43)
- Lesson 2 Using the Pixel Persona to Add Accenting (10:42)
- Lesson 3 Dimensioning Techniques for Windows (9:53)
- Lesson 4 Details to Finalize the Illustration (14:41)
- Lesson 5 Reviewing my Second Finished Castle (9:46)
- Lesson 6 Closing Thoughts and Mock Up Examples (1:09)
Your Instructor
I am Delores, a seasoned art educator and graphic designer whose journey spans over four decades, interweaving expertise in fine art, graphic design, and theatrical design. My artistic practice, deeply rooted in the serenity of nature's palette and an exploratory approach across mediums such as acrylics, inks, and digital platforms, enables me to mentor with a blend of traditional sensibilities and modern techniques. Affinity Designer has been a cornerstone in my digital repertoire, allowing for the creation of vibrant, whimsical illustrations like the captivating castles we will explore in this course.
As a Canadian educator, my commitment to nurturing budding artists is reflected through meticulously crafted lessons that aim to unveil your artistic capabilities and ignite a lifelong passion. After founding the School of Art in the wake of personal challenges, my resolve to empower students with practical, real-world insights and supportive coaching has only intensified. This course, "AD 31 - Whimsical Castle Spring Illustration in Affinity Designer," is a culmination of my dedication to art education—a space for us to engage, create, and grow together on this enriching artistic voyage.