The actionable blueprint to nailing down a illustration
Step-By-Step
Unique Personal
Style
The actionable
blueprint to nailing down a
Illustration
Step-By-Step
Unique Personal
Style
Understands the importance and benefits that come along with having a unique and identifiable Illustration style. You know what you like, and what you don’t when it comes to illustration, but find yourself lost in the sea of styles, trends, and techniques, unable to find and settle on your own signature style.
You're a creative who...
This course is for you if:
You're a self-taught illustrator who wants to stake your claim in the illustration world by becoming more memorable and recognized through your work.
You're a seasoned professional that has filled your portfolio and feed with client work, and struggles to find the time to dedicate to developing your own unique style.
You're a budding illustrator who wants to gain visibility, and credibility, however, you feel like you wouldn’t even know where to begin when it comes to figuring out your personal style.
Illustration Style Academy
Teaching you the steps to uncover and develop a unique, personal character illustration style that is immediately recognizable, memorable, and sets you apart from the crowd.
introducing...
Choose Your Study Path!
Every one has a different learning style, and that's why I offer two different options for taking Illustration Style Academy:
Mentorship
Self- Study
This option is for people who prefer a self-motivated study experience. You will have access to the full Illustration Style Academy Course, however you will not have access to the Slack group or feedback and critiques from me.
In this study path you get 1:1 access to me for feedback and critiques of your homework. I provide in-depth walk-throughs/ demos via video. You have Slack access to me for any questions or assistance you need during the course.
By the end of this course you will have:
>>
A fully fleshed-out Character Illustration Style ready to implement and deploy.
An understanding of the unique aspects that make you, you, and the understanding of how to represent these visually.
Greater exposure to a range of stylistic techniques, helping you understand what makes sense for your own style.
A sneak peek at the course:
Creating your Character Prototype
07
Exploring Your Character Details
06
Developing Facial Features
05
Defining Body Proportions
04
unpacking your taste
03
uncovering aesthetics
02
welcome
01
(click the module to view more info)
In Module One we set you up with all that is needed to ensure that you get the very most out of your Illustration Style Academy journey.
We will dive into the three big mindset shifts that stop most illustrators from finding and developing their unique illustration styles.
We also go through the format and structure of the entire course so that you know exactly what to expect. You will be introduced to the tools and materials you need during the course, as well as receive your invitation to connect in the Slack Channel.
01
Welcome
MODULE ONE
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Module 2 is all about getting to the core of who you are in order to help us start to define elements that we can weave into our illustration style to help create something that is truly unique to us.
We will go through a process that involves uncovering your defining characteristics, then we will start to match visuals to these characteristics, unpack the recurring themes, and then finally create a “Style Manifesto”.
Your Style Manifesto is another foundational element of your illustration style. It helps you decide which visual elements could start to define your style.
02
Uncovering Your Aesthetics
MODULE two
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In module 3 we explore a range of different art and illustration styles throughout history. We do a deep dive to explore the recurring visual features of each style to understand our own tastes and preferences.
In this module, we will learn how to properly and ethically draw inspiration from other artists, without falling into the trap of copying.
You will get the chance to reflect on all the artists and illustrators that inspire and excite you, in order to help further build out your Style Manifesto.
03
Unpacking Your Taste
MODULE three
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In module 4, we finally put pen to paper to begin to define our character’s body proportions. We take everything that we’ve learned within Illustration Style Academy to this point in order to begin to breathe some life and personality into our character.
We will explore different approaches to character design, as well as how to develop a character persona, which will directly feed into design decisions when it comes to our body sketches.
In this module, we kick off a series of exercises that build upon one another as we work our way through the rest of the course.
04
Defining Body Proportions
MODULE four
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In Module 5, we dive into exploring and developing our character’s facial features. Similar to the previous module, we will go through everything we’ve learned about ourselves and our style in order to decide on which facial features will work best for our character.
We also dive into facial expressions, exploring how characters convey and communicate emotion.
05
Developing Facial Features
MODULE five
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In this part of the course, we explore some additional character details, including how to approach Hair, Hands, and Feet.
I provide detailed examples of how to best approach these elements of your character, in order to help further develop and elevate your character.
06
Exploring Your Character Details
MODULE six
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In the 7th and final module of Illustration Style Academy, we go through the process of creating your character prototype. This is a fully developed and completed version of your character that you can use to kick-off and build your newfound personal illustration style.
We start off this module by exploring some additional visual features of our characters such as color palettes, shading & detail, as well as fill and stroke.
We then dive into selecting the medium and software that are most appropriate for us and our styles.
And then decide on the scene and environmental elements of our illustrations. To wrap it up we dive into the process of building out our character prototype.
07
Creating your Character Prototype
MODULE seven
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Through the exercises in the modules, Natasha helped me name and claim my style, which had just been waiting to be polished off. This course proves that you can bust the myth that finding your style takes years and years of practice.
Natasha helped me create a solid character design foundation that I could truly be proud of because I also felt secure in knowing that I had the freedom and power to change the color palette, details, etc. as my style inevitably evolved in the future. There was always room to play and space for growth.
CAMILLE D.
Testimonials:
Testimonials:
Even as a trained graphic designer, I struggled to figure out a consistent illustration style with a central character in mind. I resisted the idea of going back to school to learn illustration and wanted to become "self-taught".
With Natasha's help, I was able to take away a unique and repeatable process that I can apply to my drawings and came up with a foundational character that was true to my core values. She was my second pair of eyes in sharing profound feedback and giving language to the qualities I didn't notice before. I recommend her to anyone who wants to explore taking a deeper step into learning illustration!
BONNIE C.
Testimonials:
I have been struggling to find my own style and making my way through the whole process of simply beginning. I have been going back and forth trying to figure it out, and find inspiration, for a long time. I loved all of the examples Natasha gave in her materials! She broke down the whole process and shared her own process right after providing all the knowledge.
It was great to hear from an artist, that those small struggles I have been facing are a normal part of the process. Natasha provided me with so much knowledge and inspiration. I encourage everyone who is struggling with finding their style, and navigating through all of the possibilities out there, to take this class. It is an amazing tool and Natasha is by your side through the whole process!
KRASIMIRA T.
Testimonials:
Prior to the course, I never really thought to study my own tastes and aesthetics by finding patterns and common themes. I found the process extremely helpful and insightful when it came to building my own illustration style. It made me more comfortable in being myself and more confident in incorporating my influences in my work. I also appreciate the examples provided especially on the different illustration styles that developed throughout art history. I found it helpful to compare and learn from existing styles... The process encouraged me to put aside my biases, study what elements are unique to each style, and take inspiration from there.
FRIEDA C.
SO, WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Illustration Style Academy
- 6 Modules showing you EVERYTHING you need to do to find and develop a unique and personal character illustration style, to help you and your work stand out from the crowd.
- 3 months of access to the members-only Illustration Style Academy Slack group in which you can connect with me for help and guidance, and feedback/ critique for all your homework assignments (For Mentorship students only)
- Practical exercises that will help you uncover your unique aesthetic, and guide you in translating it into your Illustration style.
- In-depth lessons that dive into distinct illustration styles throughout history, that encourage critique and reflection to help inform your own style.
- Workshop-style lessons that dig into the various elements and components of a character, such as body proportions, hands, and facial features, enabling you to decide what is right for your own character style.
- Guidance in the various techniques, visual elements, and mediums that will help you further develop and build out your personal style.
What are you waiting for?
Sign up for immediate access!
styles and trends...
uniquely you!
Stop the endless jumping between
Uncover a style that is
Money Back
I am super confident that you will love and thrive in Illustration Style Academy, but if for any reason the course isn't meeting your expectations, I offer a 100% money back guarantee if you change your mind or decide you would like a refund before opening module 3 to 7.
That means that you can go through Module 1 (The intro materials) and Module 2 (Uncovering your Aesthetics) and If you decide its not for you, I will happily refund your investment!
My
Guarantee
Getting clear on my personal illustration style has been an absolute game-changer for me.
I’ve experienced firsthand what it feels like to be bouncing around different styles, getting a little too “inspired” by other illustrators, and not knowing how to create something unique to me. It wasn’t until I really went about doing some deep personal reflection to understand what was at the core of who I was, that I was able to build a body of work that I feel is truly unique to me.
And I want to share exactly how I got there with you, so you can do the same too!
Wherever you are in your illustration journey, you owe it to yourself to at least take a risk-free plunge to see what you begin to uncover about yourself.
Imagine how it would feel to be recognized and celebrated for a very specific style, that only you have, I believe you can get there, and I can’t wait to show you how!
i Can't Wait for you to
have a question?
Join Me!
nataszko
FAQs
I'm not sure my illustration skills are up to scratch, should I first focus on getting better before I enroll in this course?
You are perfectly positioned to dive into this course! You have a blank slate to work with, and nailing your personal style first is going to help give you more clarity as you improve your skills.
Uncovering your aesthetics and taste are core to who you are as a person, and the sooner you do the work to uncover yours, the better!
In Illustration Style Academy we stay clear of any specific software/ mediums until the 8th module. We do this, because we first want to develop a style that is true to us and who we are first, and then figure out the best software to achieve it.
In the 7th module, we will talk about selecting mediums, and from there you will be asked to create your "Character Prototype" in your selected medium/ software.
If you already use a certain software, feel free to stick to it, but if you haven't committed to one yet, I recommend waiting until module 7 to make a final decision.
Not at all, paper and pencil will work just fine (in-fact, that's all I used to use when I was first starting out).
In module 4 we will do some sketching, so whether you decide to use pencil on paper, an iPad, or any other tablet, it all works!
Yes, this course is right for you! You're lucky, you have a blank slate to work with, and nailing your personal style first is going to help give you more clarity as you improve your skills.
In module 7 we decide which software is best for us, then actually start to create our first proper illustration, and so in this section, there may be a steeper learning curve if you're just starting out.
But I believe you can totally do it! i'll be here to support you, and guide you. You'll be so glad you made the decision to unpack your style at the beginning of your illustration journey, rather than waiting till later.
You will have access to the Illustration Style Academy Course for as long as it exists, and this includes and new additions and improvements that I make to the course!
I will teach you the steps to uncover and develop a unique, personal character illustration style that is immediately recognizable, memorable, and sets you apart from the crowd- saving you from the frustration and confusion that comes from endlessly jumping between different styles and trends.
