COMD 3313, Intro to Illustration, FA25

Professor Sara G贸mez Woolley| Fridays 2:15-5:35 N1118

Dec 12聽| Week 14

December 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

WORK IN CLASS ON FINAL

To-Do Before Class

Final Project Proposal

  • Sketchbook

Activities

MORE CRITIQUE: EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION

LECTURE: POINT OF VIEW

CONTINUE IN CLASS : FINAL PROJECT: NARRATIVE ILLUSTRATION

STUDENT EXAMPLES Process Books

Due Next Class

FINAL PROJECT: NARRATIVE ILLUSTRATION TIGHT SKETCHES for FINAL PROJECT Final Project Work in Process: Identify 3-5 BEATS in your story that you feel would make great illustrations.

*Include Reference.

Character Sketches (Step 2)

READ: Artist Selfies EVERYBODY’S DOING IT!

LOOK AT LECTURES:

POINT OF VIEW

CHARACTER DESIGN

Dec 5聽| Week 13

December 5, 2025 / / 0 Comments

WORK IN CLASS ON FINAL

To-Do Before Class

Final Project Proposal

  • Sketchbook

Activities

MORE CRITIQUE: EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION

LECTURE: POINT OF VIEW

CONTINUE IN CLASS : FINAL PROJECT: NARRATIVE ILLUSTRATION

STUDENT EXAMPLES Process Books

Due Next Class

FINAL PROJECT: NARRATIVE ILLUSTRATION TIGHT SKETCHES for FINAL PROJECT Final Project Work in Process: Identify 3-5 BEATS in your story that you feel would make great illustrations.

*Include Reference.

Character Sketches (Step 2)

READ: Artist Selfies EVERYBODY’S DOING IT!

LOOK AT LECTURES:

POINT OF VIEW

CHARACTER DESIGN

Nov 21聽| Week 12

November 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

To-Do Before Class

Assignment 3, Editorial Illustration FINAL

READ: COLOR for Illustrators – Prof Gómez Woolley

  • Sketchbook

Activities

CRITIQUE: EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION

LECTURE: NARRATIVE ILLUSTRATION

NEW: FINAL PROJECT: NARRATIVE ILLUSTRATION

STUDENT EXAMPLES Process Books

Due Next Class

FINAL PROJECT PART 1 STORY PROPOSAL*

Character Sketches (Step 2)

Final Project Work in Process: Identify 3-5 BEATS in your story that you feel would make great illustrations. Explore these in 3-5 thumbnail sketches each.

*Include Reference.

Final Project, Part 1

November 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Story Proposal

_____________________________________

Reinterpret a classic folk tale or fairy tale through your own creative lens. 

STORY CONCEPT

Using the link below, choose a classic story such as a children’s fairy tale or folk tale that is in the public domain.

HINT: If you have a story in mind and are looking for the text, there’s a good chance this database will have it: eastoftheweb.com

Brainstorm different ways to reinterpret this story through your own unique lens. Try changing one or more of the main categories of story focus:

  • genre
    • cultural influence
    • mood
    • setting
    • update characters

Settle on a concept for your reinterpretation.

The story should still be easily recognizable.

INSPIRATION:

Clockwork Curandera – by David Bowles

American Born Chinese – Gene Luen Yang

Wicked – Currently in Theatres

ALICE – Tim Burton

Fables – Comic

Snow White: A Tale of Terror

RESEARCH

Though you are interpreting the story through your own personal artistic lens, it must be informed by thorough research and reference. THIS WILL BE GRADED.

Create a Pintrest Board for this project.

Begin by gathering information on the setting, including the time period, culture, and environment. Look for a reference for staging as well. You’ll need props such as clothing, architecture, furniture, plants, or animals. All of this must be accurate and carefully researched in the final illustration.  You’ll also need to begin considering characters for your story update.  Start researching references on this as well.

You are required to shoot original photo reference for this project.

This image library is an ongoing part of the project. You should supply new research images as you accumulate them.

You will submit your reference along with the final.

PART 1 STORY PROPOSAL

Write a summary of your proposed project to post to the open lab. Include the following:

  • What is the original story you are reinterpreting? Link to story.
  • An explanation of the changes you are making for your interpretation
  • a brief synopsis of your story.
  • a description of the characters and setting
  • demographic, and genre for this proposed book

Due NEXT WEEK:

Write a detailed Project Proposal and post it to the Open Lab. Include STORY CONCEPT, RESEARCH, and a link to the story you are proposing to update.  Post your proposal to the OPEN LAB.  TAG your post Final Project. Try to title your story.

________________________________________________________________________

Final Project BRIEF

November 15, 2025 / / 0 Comments

NARRATIVE ILLUSTRATION

Due Week 15

_____________________________________

Overall Description:

Create an interior illustration and a book cover for your story reboot.

For the interior, be sure to choose a dramatic moment in time that captures the mood, genre, and character of your story.

For the cover, consider carefully what design will convey the mood, genre, and tease the narrative of your story.

  • Final Art can be made using any combination of traditional drawing / inking skills and digital coloring.
  • Final art must make full use of value and read as a finalized piece of art work.
  •  Final art may be in Color or in Black and white.  Artists’ choice based on style. If in color, a limited palette is highly recommended.

Method: Create 2-3 concept sketches for narrative illustrations featuring the same character(s) in different moments in time from your story. Be sure the settings and situations are different. Use the characters you created for Part 1.

These illustrations by “golden age” illustrator Arthur Rackham are a great example of this. Here his version of Alice is depicted at various moments in the story and from different points of view.

NEXT: Incorporating feedback from your instructor and peers, finalize one of the sketches into a final illustration. This can be an interior illustration or a book cover.

CREATE values studies and color studies as part of process work.

  • Final Art can be made using any combination of traditional drawing / inking skills and digital coloring.
  • Final art must make full use of value and read as a finalized piece of art work.
  •  Final art may be in Color or in Black and white.  If in color, a limited palate is highly recommended.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK:

Please provide one PRINT-READY set and one WEB-READY set of the following:

Cover Illustration without type

Cover Design with type (unless the whole thing includes hand-drawn type)

ALSO include:

PDF Process Book, including all steps in the creation process.

Include a link to your reference material.

OCT 31 | Week 09

October 31, 2025 / / 0 Comments

To-Do Before Class

  • Sketchbook Exercise Week 8

Activities

WARM UP DRAWING: SPOOKY!

SKETCHBOOK SHARE

SHARE EXERCISE 8

CRIT TIME FOR MTA ARTS FOR TRANSIT POSTER PROJECT

IN CLASS EXERCISE: Editorial Illustration on a DEADLINE!

NEW: Assignment 3, Editorial Illustration Part 1– Brainstorming and ideation

NEW: Exercise 9 – Overheard in New York

IN CLASS EXERCISE: Editorial Illustration on a DEADLINE!

Due Next Week

  • NEW! Assignment 2, Editorial Illustration Part 1 – Brainstorm & Research  (NO THUMBNAILS!) Identify an article on a topic that is current and meaningful to you from a trustworthy news source.  Summarize the article.  Create a Word Web for the article.   Begin a Pinterest board of images related to the topic.     

Reading: What is Editorial Illustration

Week 8

October 13, 2025 / / 0 Comments

To-Do Before Class

  • Sketchbook Exercise Week 7

Activities

WARM UP DRAWING: TIME TRAVEL

SKETCHBOOK SHARE

SHARE EXERCISE 7 – INKED TEXTURES

STUDIO TIME FOR MTA ARTS FOR TRANSIT POSTER PROJECT

Discuss the Pace of Class Assignments– The turnaround time for the editorial assignment will be faster!

Review Assignments and Expectations for Next Week’s Class

Due Next Week

  • NEW! Assignment 2, Editorial Illustration Part 1 – Brainstorm & Research  (NO THUMBNAILS!) Identify an article on a topic that is current and meaningful to you from a trustworthy news source.  Summarize the article.  Create a Word Web for the article.   Begin a Pinterest board of images related to the topic.     

Reading: What is Editorial Illustration

OCT 10 | Week 7

October 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

To-Do Before Class

  • Assignment 2
  • Sketchbook Exercise Week 6
  • Reading Week 6
  • Discussion Week 6

Topic: The Wonderful World of INK

Activities

Warm Up

  • CHANGE IT UP!

Lecture: INTRODUCTION TO INK

Lecture

INTRODUCTION TO INK (part 2 of 2)

  • Tools and Materials
    • Dry Techniques
    • Line Weight
    • Creating Value in Ink Using Line

In Class Demo: VALUE STUDIES

Demo: Washes and Brushwork

LAB: in-class inking practice (complete for homework)

Review Assignments and Expectations for Next Week’s Class

EXTRA CREDIT: EDWARD GOREY TURNS 100!

EXHIBITION

Due Next Week

Exercise 7 – 3 x 3 inch Ink Texture study

  • Reading Week 7: QUIZ NEXT WEEK ON WEEKS 1-7

Illustrated_Poster_AssignmentDownload

Oct 03 | Week 06

October 2, 2025 / / 0 Comments

To do before class:

Sketchbook: continue visual vocabulary

DUE: Assignment 2 MTA Poster Illustration – Concepts & Thumbnails

Exercise 5: Digital Color Play!

Activities

Warm Up

Sketchbook

  • Small group sketchbook share

Discuss: Readings on VALUE and how it is used in illustration

Discuss: Exercise 5: Digital Color Play!

– How successful are your attempts to digitally color & finish your Pencil Art? Any Challenges?

  • Please continue to play with these colored versions of your botanical illustrations. We will take a look next week.

Critique: Assignment 2 – MTA POSTER Illustration

DUE TODAY: Concepts, Research & Thumbnails

Illustrated_Poster_AssignmentDownload

CONCEPT IS THE KEY! Take the time to come up with something unique. Remember our WORD WEBS from WEEK 1.

INSPIRATION:

MTA ART & DESIGN

ARTS FOR TRANSIT POSTERS

CALL for PORTFOLIOS

Demo: WELCOME TO INK!

LAB:

PRACTICE Inking

WORK IN CLASS on Assignment 2

Review Assignments and Expectations for Next Week’s Class

Due Next Week

NEW: Exercise 6 – Ink Warm Ups

NEW: Assignment 2, MTA Tight Sketches ( AND the 20+ thumbnails it took you to get to these designs.

*Remember, you are producing both the Square Poster and the Horizontal Art Card. – One can be a cropped version of the other – but even if it is, you must PLAN it so that both the compositions work.

Sketchbook:

This week, try drawing references and inspiration related to your project.

Try drawing from life in ink.

READ:

INK – an Introduction

INKING TIPS

INK TOOLS

Week 5

September 26, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Value in Illustration – part 2

To do before class:

Sketchbook: continue visual vocabulary

DUE: Assignment 1 Botanical Art- FINAL ART

Activities

Warm Up

Sketchbook

  • Small group sketchbook share

Critique: Assignment 1 – Botanical Illustration

Discussion

  • Discuss the weeks 1-5 course reading (there will be an assessment in week 7)

Lecture:

  • Review of Value
    • Pencil Techniques
    • Establishing Value Key
    • Mood
    • Lighting
    • Object hierarchy
    • Focal point

In-Class Demo 

Demo: REVIEW Digital Finishing Techniques for Pencil Art

Demo: Value Studies

INTRODUCE ASSIGNMENT 2: THE ILLUSTRATED POSTER:

Illustrated_Poster_AssignmentDownload

MTA ART & DESIGN

CALL for PORTFOLIOS

LAB: PRACTICE Digital Techniques = Make adjustments to Assignment 1

LAB: BEGIN Assignment 2

Review Assignments and Expectations for Next Week’s Class

Due Next Week

  • NEW: Exercise 5 – Value Studies
  • NEW: Assignment 2- MTA Research, Thumbnails, and Concept Sketches
  • READ: On Value, Part 2 by Prof Gómez Woolley
  • READ: CH 6 Dr. Jessica Boehman
  • Create a Pinterest of reference images for assignment 2

Week 4

September 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Value in Illustration

To do before class:

Sketchbook visual vocabulary

Exercise 2 –Pencil Sketching / Line Weight Practice

Practice Analog to Digital skills demo from class

READ: Visual Vocabulary

READ: CH 3-5 Dr. Jessica Boehman

Thumbnails and sketches for ASSIGNMENT 1 Botanical Illustration

Activities

Warm Up

Discussion

  • What is Visual Vocabulary? How does it relate to you?
  • Discuss the weeks 1-3 course reading

Sketchbook

  • Small group sketchbook share

Critique

Assignment 1 – Botanical Illustration
  • Thumbnails & Sketches

Lecture

Lecture: INTRODUCTION TO Value

  • Review of Value
    • Pencil Techniques
    • Establishing Value Key
    • Mood
    • Lighting
    • Object hierarchy
    • Focal point

In-Class Demo 

Demo: Digital Finishing Techniques for Pencil Art

LAB: Begin Exercise 4 Value Scales (complete for homework)

Work in class on Assignment 1, Botanical Illustration, due next week.

Review Assignments and Expectations for Next Week’s Class

  • READ: On Value Part 1 by Prof Gómez Woolley

Due Next Week

  • NEW: Exercise 4 – Value Scales
  • Assignment 1- FINAL ART – (USE GRAPHITE and a FULL RANGE OF VALUE)
  • READ: Expressive Line by Prof Gómez Woolley
  • Create a Pinterest of reference images for assignment 1

LOOK AT EXAMPLES of BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION FOR ASSIGNMENT 1

Botanical Illustration AssignmentDownload

Hello & Welcome!

August 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Welcome to COMD 3313 Introduction to Illustration!

On this site, you will have access to all materials presented in the online class, your weekly assignment pages, and additional helpful resources.  Here, you will also participate in class discussions and post images of your work in progress to share with your classmates.

To get a quick start, please check out HOW TO NAVIGATE THIS SITE.

Carefully read the directions below to get started. Also, please check out the UPLOADING INSTRUCTIONS POST on how to post to this site.

If you’d like to learn a little more about your professor, please feel free to check out my website!

Happy Drawing!

– Professor Sara Gómez Woolley

Getting Started:

Log in to your OpenLab account to join this course. Follow these instructions if you need help joining this course.

If you’re new to the OpenLab, follow these instructions to create an account and then join the course.

Remember that your username and display name can be pseudonyms, rather than your real name. Your avatar does not need to be a picture of your face–just something that identifies you on the OpenLab.

Questions

If you have any questions, please reach out via email or during Office Hours.

If you need help using the OpenLab, you can consult OpenLab Help or contact the OpenLab Community Team.

Week 1

August 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Class Info

  • Date: Friday, August 29th
  • Course Goals: To familiarize students with the field of illustration, including its basic working methods, industry practices, basic history, and philosophies. Artistic techniques will be taught as well; however, this is a class focused on concept generation and the creation of thoughtful illustrations, as opposed to a drawing or painting technical course.

To-Do Before Class

  • Join this Openlab Site
  • Get on Adobe CS
  • Review the Syllabus

Topic

WELCOME TO INTRO TO ILLUSTRATION

Objectives

  • To familiarize students with the objectives of the course.
  • To establish working practices and clarify expected outcomes.
  • To introduce the basics of illustration working practices.
  • To introduce concept generation techniques.

Activities

Course Structure and Expectations

  • Review academic policies & go over syllabus
  • What to Expect in Class – Course Structure
  • How to Navigate this Site
  • Introduce Weekly Discussions
  • Critique and Discussion best practices
  • Introduction to the required Weekly Sketchbook Practice
  • What’s the “Ideal Workspace” for this class? Where will I be completing my assignments?
  • Look at Required Supplies & Software

Lecture

  • What is Illustration?   
  • Illustrator as visual problem solver. 
  • Working Process: Where to begin?  Brainstorming & Research Techniques

Word Web Method of Brainstorming, for Japan Day, Central Park.
Key Words: Japan, New York, Central Park

In-Class Demo 

Bradlt Brald, Mint Magic 1986
  • Brainstorm concepts for a new illustration for MINT MAGIC TEA
  • Competitive Concept Generation in Small Teams

BEGIN Exercise Week 1: Thumbnails & Iterations in class

Review Assignments and Expectations for Next Week’s Class

Due Next Week

Lectures

August 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Week 1 Welcome & What to Expect

Ill-3313-Week-1-WelcomeDownload

Week 1 Illustration Process Part 1

Ill-3313-Week-1-Illustration-Process-Part-1Download

Week 2 Who’s Who in Commercial Art & Concept Development Techniques

Ill-3313-Week-2-Illustration-Process-Part-2Download

Week 3 USE OF REFERENCE (SEE WEEK 2)

Ill-3313-Week-3-Illustration-Process-Part-3Download

Week 4 Design Concepts in Illustration

Ill-3313-Week-4-Line-1Download
COMD-3313-Intro-to-Composition-1Download

Week 5 Value in Illustration

Ill-3313-Week-5-Intro-to-ValueDownload

Week 6 The Wonderful world of INK

Ill-3313-Week-6-PEN-and-INK-2Download

Week 7 The Wonderful world of INK part 2

Add lecture

Week 8 MIDTERM no lecture

Week 9 Editorial Illustration

Week-9-Editorial-IllustrationDownload

Week 10 Color in Illustration

Week-10-COLOR-Limited-PalateDownload

Week 11 Narrative Illustration

Ill-3313-Week-11-Intro-to-NarrativeDownload

Week 12 Telling the Story

Ill-3313-Week-12-Point-of-ViewDownload

Week 13 Character Design

Ill-3313-Week-13-Character-DesignDownload

Week 14 Faces and Expressions

ILL-3313-Week-14-ExpressionGuideDownload

Week 15 FINAL CLASS no lecture

Final Proposal Shani Shields

December 13, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Original Story: Beauty and the Horns (Page 28-50)

Synopsis:

The story of a man named Danilo who is warned by his dying father and all the men of his village to stay away from the “peerless beauty” in her castle, spurring him to do the opposite. In his attempts to win her he loses riches and many magical items until he discovers two sets of grapes which grow and remove horns. Tricking her into eating them, he baits her with a cure and finally breaks her curse by standing up to her.

Changes:

My retelling will re-frame the narrative into a critique of the structures of patriarchy as well as the ways in which women grapple for power within that structure via betrayal and manufactured ‘othering’ – making them just as capable of abuse. The Retelling will change:

– Danilo into a woman and depict her as an abusive stalker.

– The men in her village will also instigate this behavior and generally instigate and exploit women.

– The old beggar woman will be one of the Beauty’s bitter exes and framed as a traitor.

– The guards will exploit the Beauty for profit instead of genuinely protecting her.

– The Beauty and her maid will have a romantic bond.

– The maid will give the Beauty grapes on purpose to protect her, not to hide her own misdeeds.

– The two women will kill Danilo instead of the Beauty marrying him.

– They will see the horns as a blessing and live together as horned women.

  • Most of the repetition will be cut down/out.

Characters:

Dani: Enjoys war and killing. In having a wife she can not only obtain a servant but an endless vessel for her aggression.

Beggar Woman: Wants money at the expense of another woman.

Guards: Seek to profit off of Beauty’s vulnerability and desirability.

Maid: Wants to facilitate peace and act as a true companion to her mistress.

Demographic:

Young Adult (18+)

Genre:

Horror, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Lesbian

Book size:

9×12 vertical

*Changing my specs to 6.5×10 modeled after the “Sleepless” graphic novels

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