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Course Description

Illustration by Brian BritiganIllustration by Brian Britigan
Instructor: Brian Britigan

This course is offered online by Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) Continuing Education.

Students 18 and up encouraged to apply.

In this introductory course, get a behind-the-scenes look at how contemporary illustrators create work for books, magazines, and online publications. Step-by-step instruction demonstrates the process of turning text into visual concepts and rough sketches into finished illustrations. Using projects and exercises mirroring real-world illustration assignments, tackle narrative, conceptual, and aesthetic challenges to create clear and effective images. Hone creative thinking skills, artistic abilities, and understanding of the industry, and develop a personalized approach to illustration. Students may choose to work either in an analog or a digital format.

Class meeting details

This online course is asynchronous, meaning that there are no set class meeting times. Instead, the course is project-based, with 2 to 3 deadlines per week, and students can choose a time and place that works best for them to complete the work. Course activities may include readings, video demonstrations and tutorials, online discussions, projects, and critiques.

Instructor will have office hours throughout the course using Google Meet. Office hours are an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive feedback and guidance.

Required materials

Supplies

  • Pen or pencil
  • notebook or sketchbook
  • color media of your choice
  • selection of drawing tools

Students are welcome to work digitally using software of their choice.

Software
Adobe Creative Cloud, if working digitally.

Hardware
A phone, camera or scanner to capture and upload work. If working with Adobe Creative Cloud a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software.

Prerequisites

Previous drawing experience helpful, but not required. Students who choose to work digitally, prior experience with their chosen software is required. The class will not include software instruction, including Adobe Creative Cloud.

Additional Information

This course is offered in partnership with Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)

As an enrolled student you will receive MCAD user credentials to login to the learning management system, Canvas. This will be provided in an email approximately 4 days before the class begins.

MCAD Canvas Login Information

Contact MCAD Continuing Education atcontinuing_education@mcad.edu;or call 612.874.3765 for assistance with your account.

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
Introduction to Illustration
Type
Online
Dates
Sep 15, 2025 to Oct 26, 2025
Course Fee(s)
Tuition non-credit $600.00 Click here to get more information
Section Fees
Adobe Creative Cloud $250.00 Optional
Section Notes

Online courses are delivered in an asynchronous format through a series of tutorials and related assignments which students may complete at their own pace on our Learning Management System, Canvas. The instructor is available throughout the course time period for questioning and discussions. 

Important: Online courses have firm start and end dates. Each assignment has its own deadline. Extensions are not granted.

As an enrolled student you will receive MCAD user credentials to login to the learning management system, Canvas. This will be provided in an email approximately 4 days before the class begins. 
MCAD Canvas Login Information

By completing registration, it is acknowledged that the MCAD Class Policies have been read and understood,