Creative Techniques for Cover Illustration

Learn to draw, paint, and retouch original illustrations filled with visual metaphors, from the initial sketch to the finished edit

• Introduction
• The Visual Concept
• Creating the Cover
• Showcasing the Artwork
• Final project

“I’m fascinated by the way a beautifully illustrated cover can grab my attention and speak to me—as though it were inviting me to escape into the world hidden within its pages.”

Illustrator Julia Breckenreid specializes in creating thoughtful illustrations that have seen her work with clients including The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Random House, and CBC Television.

In this online course, Julia teaches you the creative process behind designing and painting artwork with a strong purpose and narrative intention. From mood boards to color palettes, learn how to use ink, watercolor, and photoshop to create an illustrated cover of a fairy tale from start to finish. Foster curiosity and engage viewers with unique and outstanding art.

• About Me
• Influences
• Illustration and Storytelling
• Ideas and Mind Mapping
• Thumbnail Sketches
• The Mood Board
• Developing the Idea and Refining the Sketch
• Colour Roughs
• Transferring the Drawing
• The Painting Process 1
• The Painting Process 2
• Scanning and Retouching
• Formats for Sharing Online
• Social Media
• Creative Techniques for Cover Illustration