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Discover how to create professionally polished art for films, video games and publishing! With mentorship from an established artist and a curriculum focused on job outcomes, the Advanced Illustration Diploma helps you build critical job skills and a portfolio to impress employers.
Why study digital illustration at CG Spectrum:
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As a professional illustrator, your job is equal parts Director, Concept Artist, Painter, Cinematographer, and 3D Modeler. At CG Spectrum you’ll get hands-on experience putting these skills together to create the illusion of space in a 2D narrative moment.
You'll master complex illustration techniques and learn how to communicate effectively through art, creating compelling work that captivates and inspires. Meet your mentor online for weekly classes, get personalized video critiques of your work, and graduate with a portfolio of original creations!
Advanced diploma
9 months
20 hrs weekly
Advanced
Concept Art & Illustration Diploma or portfolio submission
Weekly online classes, feedback and support
Adobe Photoshop
Feb 1, 2021
Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our specialized expert-led illustration programs help you build practical job skills that serve throughout your career
Plan your studies around your work and family commitments
Learn from mentors who have worked on major films and games
Build practical, relevant job skills that studios are looking for
Options to help you pursue your passion and start working sooner
Discover how to use your human or creature figure to convey the story of your artwork. Explore advanced painting techniques to mimic traditional media, and practice fine art portraiture and digital painting. Examine how famous artists approached paint handling and gesture. Then experiment with composition to guide viewers to the action, and see how light, color and shape enhance your story.
Learn how to:
The end goal of a successful illustration is to accurately tell a story and sell a product. Explore various commercial markets and learn about creating book covers, card gaming art and marketing art for film and games. Experiment with hand painting, photo-bashing and 3D paint-overs. Assignments are treated like real commissions with hard deadlines so you learn to work under pressure.
Learn how to:
This final term is dedicated to getting you job-ready! With your mentor’s guidance, you’ll polish your best pieces for your portfolio. As a diploma student, you can access additional career development services to learn how to develop your competitive edge, market yourself, and make the best possible impression in front of employers.
Learn how to:
All diploma students receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's Career Development Manager.
All digital illustration classes are taught by industry mentors who have worked with major game developers, film studios and publishing giants
Eric Wilkerson is an illustrator/concept artist for film, TV, advertising, publishing, comics and games. Clients include Weta Workshop, Marvel, Upper Deck, Scholastic and Disney.
Read full bioMentor of Illustration
Known for Upper Deck: Ultra Spider-Man m
The most affordable way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.
Progress faster and enjoy more flexiblity with private mentorship. Ideal for busy schedules, career-changers, or artists upgrading skills or changing specialties.
(9 x payments)
Save 10%
(3 x payments)
Save 25%
(1 x payment)
(9 x payments)
Save 10%
(3 x payments)
Save 25%
(1 x payment)
With a focus on portfolio preparation, we help students build their competitive edge with high quality work that gets noticed. See what they are creating.
Our commitment to job-outcomes and focus on career development has helped graduates find work at studios all over the world.
CG Spectrum isn't only for people wanting to break into the industry, it's for professionals in the industry as well.
I am a concept artist at Paradox Interactive in Sweden, and I wanted to expand my illustration skills, so I decided to take the Digital Illustration Diploma. And I am loving it!! It is exactly what I needed, and my mentor Eric is modifying the feedback sessions to suit my needs. If you are a professional and want to learn a new skill, I would say go ahead! Expand your set of skills! I am already thinking of 2D animation after I am done with illustration.
Eric Wilkerson is truly an excellent mentor.
It is a pleasure to be in his class. Firstly, he is so knowledgeable and his tutorials are packed with valuable information. Secondly, he is very patient and always takes time to find the best solution for problems his students encounter. On top of that, he is an AMAZING artist!
Results of this course exceeded my expectations.
Eric Wilkerson is by far my favorite art teacher. He is patient, super helpful and encouraging. I had some self-discipline problems but when I started the Introduction to Concept Art & Illustration course, he immediately set me on the right path and I started drawing and learning every single day. He was always available if I had any questions or problems. His easy-going style and constant smile never made me feel bad when I made mistakes - on the contrary, it motivated me even more to work and learn from those mistakes.
We've built our courses based on industry input and focus on teaching skills studios are hiring for. The courses below form a complete study pathway designed to fast track your education so you can land your first job sooner.
Once you have completed the diploma, you may choose to specialize in either advanced concept art or advanced illustration. This pathway here is specific to a career in digital illustration. For a career in concept art, visit the Advanced Concept Art Diploma.
Each course can also be taken separately depending on your skill level and career goals.
Overview:
The Introduction to Concept Art & Illustration Certificate teaches you solid foundations, giving you an idea of what it takes to pursue a career in this field.
This course serves as the first term of the Concept Art & Illustration Diploma, so you’ll already be one-third of the way through the diploma if you choose to continue your journey.
Prerequisites:
Course Summary:
Overview:
The Concept Art & Illustration Diploma develops your skill level further with more complex techniques and a focus on producing the quality expected in film and game production.
Prerequisites:
Course Summary:
Overview:
The Advanced Digital Illustration Diploma takes your skills to an industry-standard level, with the final term focusing on career development and building your professional portfolio.
All diploma and advanced diploma students receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's Career Development Manager.
Prerequisites:
Course Summary:
Study options for all skill levels, from short introduction courses to full industry diploma programs.