# Visual Development: Illustrate Imaginary Settings | Domestika

> A course by Lara Pickle · Illustration · Beginner
> 19 lessons (4h 30m) · 100% of the 74 student ratings are positive

Visual development involves building the aesthetic and atmosphere of imaginary worlds for media projects, from video games to animation. Larisa Bumb, better known as Lara Pickle on social media, is an illustrator specializing in this form of story-driven art. Her quirky, cartoon-style designs can be seen in animated shows like Nickelodeon’s _Pony_ and Netflix’s _Dead End: Paranormal Park_.

In this online course, discover the creative process behind illustrating visual environments. Lara teaches you how to develop concept-based compositions from start to finish and convey ideas through lines, colors, and texture. Explore your imagination and design artwork that sets the tone for a story.

## Who is this online course for?

Artists, illustrators, designers, animators, and anyone who wants to learn more about visual development for storytelling.

## What is this course's project?

Illustrate a room based on a character concept and prompt.

## Requirements and materials

Basic drawing skills and familiarity with Photoshop are required.

In terms of materials, you need a computer with access to Photoshop. A graphics tablet and stylus are also recommended.

## Content

### Introduction

Hello and welcome to this Domestika course! I'm Lara and I'm excited you decided to join me today.

In this first unit, I will introduce myself. Where do I come from? What things drive me to create, and what have I been working on so far? I will also share some of my favourite influences and explain how they inspire me and my work.

### Preparing the Project

Before we dive in, I will introduce the course project and talk about visual development. I will explain what the differences are between visual development (‘visdev’), concept art and production design, as well as what we can offer as visual storytellers when approaching a project.

Then, we will get to work, familiarising ourselves with the creative brief we will be working on.

### Creating the Room

Let's dive in! First, we will gather inspiration by doing some research and creating a mood board. We will use this information to create some thumbnail sketches and master sketches, before designing our room and its different elements. Lastly, we will add colour and light to our room for those all-important finishing touches.

### Additional Tips

Now that the artwork is done, I will talk about how to present your project to clients or in a portfolio, showcasing the best of it and the thought process behind it. I will also share some additional advice I would have loved to know when entering the industry.

## Audio and subtitles

**Audio:** English, Spanish (Latam), French, id, Italian, Portuguese, ro, Turkish

**Subtitles:** Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, ro, id

[Visual Development: Illustrate Imaginary Settings](https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/4505-visual-development-illustrate-imaginary-settings)