Digital Fashion Illustration

Short Course

12 Weeks

Course Overview

This 12-week intensive program equips students with industry-relevant skills in digital fashion illustration, combining artistic creativity with cutting-edge technology. Using school-provided graphic drawing tablets, students will master digital tools to translate fashion concepts into professional-grade illustrations. The curriculum progresses from foundational sketching to advanced techniques like fabric rendering, dynamic presentation, and portfolio development. Emphasizing hands-on projects, students will develop a unique visual style. By integrating traditional design principles with digital workflows, this course prepares students for diverse roles in fashion, from design houses to digital content creation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

Technical Proficiency: Operate graphic tablets, pressure-sensitive styluses, and industry software (Procreate, Photoshop) to create precise illustrations .
Apply advanced digital tools: custom brushes, layer management, and non-destructive editing workflows .
Understand how to render realistic textures (lace, fur, leather, denim) and materials using digital shading and lighting techniques .
Develop a signature illustration style adaptable to diverse fashion genres (e.g., bridal, sportswear, avant-garde)
Be able to produce a digital portfolio showcasing 8–10 original illustrations, including motion-based formats (GIFs/videos) for digital platforms .
Apply industry workflows: client brief interpretation, trend research, and visual storytelling through mood boards .

Topics cover

Week 1: Introduction to digital tools: graphic drawing tablet setup, and basic brush techniques .
Week 2: Fashion figure drawing: 9-head croquis, pose dynamics, and digital line-art refinement .
Week 3: Color theory: creating custom palettes, layering, and blending modes for skin/fabric .
Week 4: Fabric rendering: lace, chiffon, and sheer materials using texture brushes and layer effects.
Week 5: Advanced materials: leather, fur, and denim via light-reflection studies and custom brushes.
Week 6: Footwear/accessory illustration: technical detailing (e.g., stitching, hardware).
Week 7: Garment draping: digital manipulation of folds, gathers, and silhouettes.
Week 8: Collection development: thematic cohesion, color stories, and textile mixing.
Week 9: Motion illustration: creating GIFs/videos for social media and digital showcases .
Week 10: Client-focused projects: interpreting briefs, editorial styling, and trend adaptation .
Week 11: Portfolio development: curating illustrations, creating a digital lookbook, and branding .
Week 12: Industry insights: guest lectures, portfolio reviews, and career pathways .

Course Features

Tools Provided: Drawing Graphic Tablets.
Projects: Real-world assignments (e.g., bridal look, sportswear line, fabric-rendering challenges).
Career Support: Portfolio showcase + certificate of completion .