Drawing 101: Introduction to Digital Illustration
A course by Jean FraisseGuiding artists in AI-driven value creation
A course by Jean Fraisse, Guiding artists in AI-driven value creation
Explore the foundations of illustration by learning the techniques to draw from observation and from your own imagination
Drawing is a skill anyone can pick up. Apart from understanding the theoretical aspect, it is all a matter of practice. Illustrator Jean Fraisse, a firm believer that talent can be learned, is here to teach you the principles of drawing in digital illustration.
Discover the narrative power of drawing by creating illustrations from observation and imagination. Explore lines, angles, and shapes to create striking drawings in your own style.
This is Jean Fraisse’s fifth course at Domestika. If you are interested in learning about color theory in digital illustration, see Color Theory: How to Apply It to Your Images. If you’d like to learn how to design characters for animation, take a look at Introduction to Design of Characters for Animation and Video Games. You can find all his courses here.
What will you learn in this online course?
21 lessons & 19 downloads
What Is Drawing?
10 minutes, 36 seconds
Every Single Thing Is Made Out of Simple Shapes
18 minutes, 48 seconds
Angles, the First Secret of Drawing
15 minutes, 40 seconds
Proportions, the Second Secret of Drawing 1
13 minutes, 40 seconds
Copying Architecture 1
7 minutes, 53 seconds
Copying Architecture 2
20 minutes, 59 seconds
What's included in this course?
As a veteran Domestika teacher, Jean begins the course sharing a different side of his artistic journey. He explains that his abilities didn’t come naturally, but rather through consistent practice. With time and dedication, he developed the skill set that led him to become a concept artist of a leading animation studio in Mexico.
Go through the fundamentals of drawing and learn about Jean’s approach to drawing. Jean breaks down the complexity of drawing by demonstrating how everything is composed of various simple shapes. Begin your digital illustration as you practice drawing different shapes while keeping angles and proportions in mind.
Next, learn about perspective and how to convert a two-dimensional drawing into 3D by adding another axis. Explore the concept of a horizon in your illustration before learning about vanishing points and converging lines. Apply the previous concepts into drawing architecture and the human body from observation. Then, learn how to apply light and shadow to your sketches.
Take your illustrations to the next level by adding your own design. Jean explains three principles of design to apply to your drawings: layering, the rule of 3, and counterbalancing. Discover Jean’s creative process when drawing from imagination based on a theme or concept. Wrap up the course by learning other illustration techniques like duplicating, reshaping, exaggeration, and deforming that you can apply to your artwork.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create two digital illustrations, one from observation, and the other of your own design.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in learning digital illustration or improving their drawing abilities.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience is necessary.
All you need is a computer with Adobe Photoshop or a similar software.
Reviews
- 2 months ago
Good course on the fundamentals of drawing.
- 3 months ago
Ta bueno
- 3 months ago
creo que para iniciar es un gran curso porque explica super bien con los ejercicios y todo para empezar, aun no lo acabo pero si te impulsa a seguir
- alvarosuarez2112PLUS3 months ago
Excelente
- 4 months ago
bueenisimooo
Influenced by renowned figures like Gary Vaynerchuk and Tim Ferris, Jean has developed a robust understanding of the value system essential for thriving in the digital age. His expertise extends beyond art creation to encompass strategic business thinking, leadership, and market analysis. Jean's insights are drawn from foundational texts and YouTube channels, providing clarity and a methodical approach to both art and entrepreneurship. He is committed to helping fellow artists understand their role in the evolving art market and equipping them with the skills to adapt and succeed in today's rapidly changing environment.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
How to Get Better at Drawing
- What Is Drawing?
- Every Single Thing Is Made Out of Simple Shapes
- How to Actually Draw
- Angles, the First Secret of Drawing
- Proportions, the Second Secret of Drawing 1
- Proportions, the Second Secret of Drawing 2
- U3
Understanding Basic 3D
- How to Convert a Square Into a Cube
- The Horizon Explanation and How It Solves It All
- One-Point and Two-Point Perspective
- Copying Architecture 1
- Copying Architecture 2
- Copying the Human Body 1
- Copying the Human Body 2
- Applying Light and Shadow
- U4
How to Create
- A Basic Understanding of Design
- The Elements of a Good Sketch
- Let’s Create Something
- Duplicating and Reshaping
- Exaggerate and Deform
- FP
Final project
- Drawing 101: Introduction to Digital Illustration
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course is designed for intermediate artists who already have some drawing experience and want to build advanced skills, though ambitious beginners may still benefit.
You'll need basic drawing materials such as pencils, pens, paper, and optionally digital tools like a tablet or Photoshop for digital exercises.
You will learn observation techniques, perspective, proportions, line control, simplification, character and animal drawing, and how to build your visual library through daily practice.
The course teaches strategies to reduce drawing stress, build confidence, and develop resilience by focusing on practice and mindset rather than innate talent.
Yes, you’ll learn to develop your imagination and visual library, enabling you to create original art from both observation and memory.
Yes, there are targeted exercises for hand control, drawing straight and curved lines, and building confidence in your strokes.
Yes, the course includes techniques for animal drawing, capturing personalities, and creating caricatures with expressive features.