Ed Li Intro to Illustration Mentorship

Write your awesome label here.
Program Overview
Join experienced Vis Dev artist and freelance illustrator, Ed Li, in this Illustration Foundations Mentorship focusing on the core principles of illustration. 

Enjoy a regular weekly schedule of personalized critiques and lectures in a small, class setting.

Develop the skills and insight necessary to become a freelance illustrator working in your choice of traditional or digital mediums. Develop your personal style and create compelling visual narratives as you enhance your technical skills in drawing, composition, and color, and explore conceptual thinking.
Teaching Sample
Interactive Learning
16 Classes: 32 learning hours total. 

Personalized Feedback: Receive critiques on class assignments and relevant personal projects in live sessions.

Private Discussion Board: Connect with fellow students and your mentor all in the Sentient Community.

Complete the Program: Enroll at the beginning of the program, and enjoy the companionship of a steady group of peers who complete the program by your side.
Critique Sample
Interactive Learning
16 Classes: 32 learning hours total. 

Personalized Feedback: Receive critiques on class assignments and relevant personal projects in live sessions.

Private Discussion Board: Connect with fellow students and your mentor all in the Sentient Community.

Complete the Program: Enroll at the beginning of the program, and enjoy the companionship of a steady group of peers who complete the program by your side.

Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

Program Details

It's all about mastering the art of illustration! This mentorship is perfect for aspiring illustrators seeking expert guidance. Let Ed provide you with fresh perspectives on your work, enhancing your technical skills in drawing, composition, and color, and exploring conceptual thinking through visual art. Learn to build a professional illustration portfolio with assigned research and illustration projects throughout the course. Class sessions will include demos, lectures, slides, and individual and group critiques on projects. Engage in individual projects with in-class critiques and discussions, with student work evaluated on research, process, presentation, clarity of intention, inventiveness, organization, interpretation of directions, individual effort, and class participation. 

PROGRAM CHANGE: Format: This is a 8 week program
2 Hours Weekly Live Group Sessions/ Critiques / Class Recordings / Bonus Demos / Private Community Discussion
Tuition: $350 per month ($700 collected over a two month period)
Class Time: Mondays 5-7 PDT/ 6-8 MDT   Class Begins September 2.


What if I can't make it to live sessions?

Each live session will be recorded and uploaded to the course for you to rewatch. At the end of the four month program, students will enjoy a fifth month free where they can rewatch all of the lectures and critiques from the live classes, plus any additional lectures and demos Ed provides throughout the session.

What if I need to leave the program early?

This program is a commitment of four months. However, we understand that occasionally personal emergencies may prevent an artist from unexpectedly continuing with the program. If you are an artist enrolled in a mentorship program and need to end your enrollment, please email julie@sentientacademy.com

This should, however, be a worst case scenario as accepting one of the twelve seats in this program prevents another artist from participating. 

I am confused about how much this program costs!

We treat this mentorship like a subscription. The program will require four monthly payments of $400 dollars each. The full price of the program is $1,600.

How long will I have access to mentorship recordings?

Students will have access to mentorship recordings for the duration of the program plus one month after the program ends. At the conclusion of that time period students will no longer have access to the mentorship recordings as Sentient will be preparing for a new term and a new student group. This practice is consistent with optimal learning. Sentient Mentors do not advise students to become overly focused on the same lectures and critiques for a long period of time as this ultimately hinders growth and confidence. 

If a student quits the program early they will lose access to the recordings at the end of their pay period. Please email the sentient team if you are uncertain as to when that will take place for you.

September

Intro to Illustration: History & Cultures
Become familiar with the narratives of the past

Drawing Techniques and Composition
Streamline your sketching process

Traditional vs. Digital Illustration: Materials
Get the 411 on materials

October

Conceptual Thinking & Storytelling
Start thinking in a whole new way

Representation vs Expression
Understand the relationship 

Editorial vs Story Illustration 
Learn to excel in both

Album Covers vs Poster Designs
Formulate eye catching arrangements

November

Graphic Design Styles in Illustration
Grasp new styles quickly

Color Theory and Application
Master chroma and it's implementation 

December

Color Theory and Application Continued
Master chroma and it's implementation 

Portfolio Review and Final Projects
Get personal and group critiques on the ultimate portfolio project
Meet your instructor

Ed Li

Ed Li is an experienced visual development artist with a strong background in the Animation and Gaming industries. A graduate of ArtCenter College of Design with a major in Illustration, he has illustrated for Marvel and Disney Publishing and worked as a concept artist at Activision, Blizzard, and Neversoft. His animation work spans roles at DreamWorks, Walt Disney, Netflix, and Sony, contributing to films like El Dorado, Spirit, Sinbad, The Princess & the Frog, and Planes. An educator as well, Ed teaches Sketching for Environment at Concept Design Academy and has taught at ArtCenter. He is also a member of the Society of Illustrators and Spectrum.

More courses by Ed

Try these next