You know the fundamentals, but are unsure what comes next
Does this sound familiar?
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Tired of getting turned down for industry commissions​
- You feel like you reinvent your process every piece
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Struggle to shift from standalone characters to full scenes
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Intimidated by lighting scenes, and color schemes
We're Clint and Diana Cearley, fantasy illustrators, and we'll be your instructors
Our focus as teachers is explaining art theory in understandable ways which combine with assignments that will get you noticeable improvements. As illustrators for Magic: The Gathering, we've learned what clients are looking for, and what key points amateurs often get wrong that holds them back. We'll teach you what those are, how to approach them correctly, and help you illustrate your own fantasy scene from a brief.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Studies & Prep
Setting Scene Lighting
Professional Mindset
Reliable Workflow
Character Design
Pushing the Render
TAKEAWAYS
Reliability
Skip the trial-and-error approach to workflows that wastes time, use the exampled process that reliably produces quality results
Mindset
Painting skills aren't the only difference between hobbyists and pros; be challenged to think, and problem-solve like a pro
Limit
After pushing yourself in the course to achieve higher quality, you'll have a new expectation of what you know you can achieve
PROCESS
01
Get the Course
From the store you will choose either the regular self-study version or the premium version with feedback. If this is your first course at Academy, you'll be prompted to create a site profile during the checkout process.
02
Start the Lessons
After logging into your site profile, watch the lesson videos, download the provided assignment files, then complete the assignment worksheets.
03
New Art and Skills
Share your new character made during the class on your social then apply your new skills and understanding for both personal and professional characters.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
"completely worth it"
"This class is completely worth it; not just for students, but also for working professionals looking to upgrade their work and optimize their process. Clint & Diana are superb teachers; the individual critiques were in-depth and always encouraging, pushing us to improve at every step."
"definitely recommend it!"
"The fantasy class was really useful to learn a reliable process and to push ourselves on a big illustration. Clint's and Diana's feedback was always extremely useful and to the point, and having their advice on the industry and other professional aspects was invaluable. I learned a lot and can definitely recommend it!"
"year of concept art school"
"I learnt more in this 8 week class than in a year of concept art school, at a sixth of the price."
Student work made during the course
FAQ
I want to work for Magic: The Gathering, is this the right course? Yes! This course was designed for advanced students who want to create character scene illustrations like those seen in Magic: The Gathering, and other fantasy games.
Can I complete this course while working full-time? The regular self-study version of this course can be accomplished at any speed so there is no pressure. Many students who successfully go through the premium version with feedback, are working adults. The assignments are designed to be doable in about 15 hours per week.
How do I know if I'm at the right level for this course? Students should already be capable of: painting an accurate photo study, sketching a proportionally accurate figure and portrait, understand 2-point perspective, and shading basic forms accurately without reference. We will not be covering basic drawing, painting or other fundamentals. If you have not had training in drawing, anatomy, perspective, and shading, then this class is likely above your skill level. If you are unsure if you have the skill necessary for this class, please contact Clint at clint@swatchesacademy.com and include a link to your online artwork, and we will let you know.
READY TO GET STARTED?
There are currently three options for this course, which all use the same recorded lessons and course files.
IMPORTANT INFO: Preparation and Specs so you're ready, and Schedules for premium Feedback versions.
By registering for the course with feedback, you are agreeing to follow our common sense Code of Conduct.
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BONUS ($50 value): Everyone who registers for this course (both self-study and feedback versions) gain access to the Custom Career & Portfolio Strategy Kit to help create a time-saving art career plan, and dynamic portfolio.
