Cinematic Digital Illustration with Photoshop
A course by Izzy BurtonDirector, Artist, and Author
A course by Izzy Burton, Director, Artist, and Author
Explore composition, color, and lighting to create compelling concept art inspired by photographic references
Through digital illustration, you can bring cinematic worlds to life. Creating those immersive universes is Izzy Burton’s specialty. She is a director, artist, and author known for her ability to tell stories through characterful illustrations. Izzy has worked on everything from film direction to children’s book illustration for clients including Cartoon Network, the BBC, McDonald's, Nickelodeon, Disney Advertising, Lego, and Penguin Random House.
In this course, she shares the tools and knowledge needed to turn a photographic reference into a compelling piece of concept art using Photoshop. Dive into the world of digital illustration and create cinematic scenes inspired by your surroundings.
What will you learn in this online course?
28 lessons & 15 downloads
Composition
14 minutes, 39 seconds
Design for Storytelling
11 minutes, 40 seconds
Colour and Lighting
18 minutes, 8 seconds
Texture Is Life
13 minutes, 22 seconds
Sketching Your Layout - Line vs. Shape 1
20 minutes, 7 seconds
Adding Texture and Colour Variation 1
14 minutes, 51 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin by getting to know Izzy, your teacher for this course. Discover her creative journey to becoming an artist along with the influences that have inspired her career, from music to nature.
Learn how to find a good photo reference for your illustration. Then dive into composition and the importance of values in building strong pieces of art. Izzy shares how to design with storytelling in mind before discussing color, lighting, texture, and bringing your imagined world to life through characters.
Select your photo reference and begin sketching your layout. Add texture and color, then learn how to work lighting into your image to focus the viewer’s eye. Discover all the details needed to make your scene tell a story. Then, breathe life into your illustration with lifelike objects like washing lines and plants before putting the finishing touches to your piece.
To finish the course, Izzy shares her advice for exporting your image and sharing it on a platform of your choice. She also discusses best practices for using social media as an artist before looking at how to challenge yourself and continue your artistic journey.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create a cinematic illustration based on a photographic reference in Photoshop.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn more about illustration and the processes behind creating concept art.
Requirements and materials
Basic knowledge of Photoshop is required for this course.
You will need access to a drawing tablet with Photoshop installed.
Reviews
- 6 months ago
Super recomendado, muy interesante como lizzy piensa en las composicones y la maneras de contar las historias con su arte
- 7 months ago
A true masterful artist: from little tips to big tricks, this instructor explains everything in detail and simple to follow.
- 8 months ago
Ottimo!
- 9 months ago
Excellent course! Truly enriching to see a master at work and to learn from her!
- 9 months ago
excelente curso!!!!!
Since graduating first in her class and winning the Best Final Year Film award, Izzy has worked on everything from short film direction to children’s book illustrations. Most recently, she began working for Netflix Animation as a Lead Background Artist. She was also recognized as one of Animation Magazine’s Rising Stars in 2018 and has worked for clients including Cartoon Network, the BBC, McDonald's, Nickelodeon, Disney Advertising, Lego, and Penguin Random House.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Preparation and How I Work
- Why Photo Studies?
- Composition
- Design for Storytelling
- Colour and Lighting
- Texture Is Life
- Your World, Your Character
- U3
From Photo to Cinematic Illustration!
- Selecting Your Reference
- Sketching Your Layout - Line vs. Shape 1
- Sketching Your Layout - Line vs. Shape 2
- Adding Texture and Colour Variation 1
- Adding Texture and Colour Variation 2
- Lighting 1
- Lighting 2
- Lighting 3
- Lighting 4
- Rendering Details 1
- Rendering Details 2
- Rendering Details 3
- Rendering Details 4
- Breathing Life into Our Environment 1
- Breathing Life into Our Environment 2
- Finishing Touches 1
- Finishing Touches 2
- U4
Export, Share, Repeat!
- Exporting Your Artwork
- Sharing Your Work Online
- What’s Next?
- FP
Final project
- Cinematic Digital Illustration with Photoshop
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.
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FAQs
You’ll learn how to create cinematic illustrations, develop backgrounds for animation, use digital painting techniques, and enhance storytelling through lighting, color, and texture. The course covers concept art, nature-inspired painting, and integrating characters into narrative-driven environments.
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate-level students with some experience in illustration or digital art, looking to expand their skills in cinematic storytelling, visual development, and digital painting for animation and illustration projects.
You’ll need a digital painting program such as Adobe Photoshop, a drawing tablet or stylus, and a computer capable of handling digital art software. Basic familiarity with digital art tools is recommended for the best learning experience.
Prior experience with digital art or illustration is recommended, but you don’t need to be an expert. The course builds on foundational skills and introduces advanced techniques for storytelling and cinematic illustration in animation.
You’ll learn background art techniques, including composition, value structure, atmospheric depth, and integrating handcrafted textures. The course teaches you how to design environments that support narrative and visual storytelling in animated films.
Yes, the course covers combining concept art and illustration to develop compelling visual stories, including designing environments, adding characters, and integrating narrative cues to support animation and children’s book projects.
Absolutely. The course includes specific lessons on creating illustrations for children’s books, focusing on narrative, character integration, and crafting engaging, story-driven scenes using digital painting techniques.