In this course I will take students through the methods I employ to create a black and white illustration using traditional paper and ink media. Along with demonstrating step by step the working methods I use, I will also give my thoughts on some of the broader topics surrounding picture making and design. I will discuss what I think are the strengths of working through a project using traditional media and why I believe it is still the key foundation to visual creativity as well as the importance of keeping a regular sketchbook.

• In the first section I will discuss the materials used, including brush pens and fineliners, as well as the paper types used.
• In the second section we begin the process by making a series of quick thumbnail drawings to explore different ideas around a similar theme. After producing these thumbnails we will narrow to one concept and make a quick preliminary study to finalize the composition.
• In the third section I will begin by laying out the loose pencils, just getting the larger masses down and indicating the composition.
• Section four is where the first detail are applied and the pencils are refined to the point where they are ready for the inking process.
• Section five is the beginning of the inking process, starting with the area in the foreground of the illustration.
• In section 6 the inking process continues on the middle ground focal point of the composition and I will discuss using different pens for different line weights.
• Section 7 comprises the middle ground of the rendering and is broken down into sub chapters. Here I will use many different pens and markers to help sell the illusion of depth and detail.
• In section 8 I will add the finishing touches, using white gouache paint, as well as any other small refinements as well as summarizing my thoughts on the process.