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Looking for online courses that deal with concept art/art fundamentals?
Saw a post that asked for recommendations, and I wanted to ask mine here!
I'm 17 and looking for classes or courses (free preferred, but anything priced is okay under 100$) that deal with concept art or art fundamentals in general.
I'm currently taking an anatomy course off of Udemy, as well as a painting fundamental course as well. I'm just looking to maybe get better at the basic fundamentals + perspective, but overall anything that can help me get better with illustration. : )
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5 answers
Updated
June’s Answer
What a great question! As an artist who is mostly self taught, I absolutely understand the desire for cheap and easy to understand courses!
Depending on if you do digital art or not, some of these strategies may work better than others:
1. Youtube - Yes, I know you've heard this one a million, billion times, but there are so so many artists out there that give great tutorials! For example (because you mentioned perspective), find videos about Kim Jung Gi (who was an incredible artist), especially by dr. draw. He talks about it very well and talks about the theory behind it. He goes from 1-point perspective to 5 point. Another great perspective video is "Perspective For Beginners" by Proko.
2. Websites - This is something you've also probably tried. But if you haven't, I strongly recommend using a bunch of them. Artist's Network has some free resources on a bunch of different things (including perspective). I would also sign up for email lists... (sometimes we must embrace the spam)
3. Email Lists - This is my hot take. I *LOVE* email lists. I love emails. Sometimes they are entirely useless and give you no tutorial of substance, or it's just an advertisement for "premium". I am a very broke artist, so I will not be paying any websites any amount of money. Here are some that I'm signed up for: Anime Art Academy (I can't express how unhelpful I found this one, but if you are willing to pay money to draw anime girls and get advice (actually good advice too) from professionals...well, this is your paradise.), Gumroad Artists (GUMROAD!!! this is a digital artist's best friend. You can find different brushes/stamps for your procreate art! I'm sure there's also brushes for other applications too. I follow a lot of these artists, thus getting emails about new brush releases, and sometimes they even throw in a tutorial. The best thing about most of these brushes? You can get a free version of most of them! And if you want some simple packs? Only $5 (maybe more). I reccomend checking this out, even if you don't do digital art. It is SO so inspiring.), Your Faves.
Let's talk about that last one. Artists have other artists they look up to. Whether it be Claude Monet in painting, or Akira Toriyama for action manga/comics, we all have at least one. As artists we look at other peoples art and react in either "Oh wow, that's cool! What an interesting technique." or like a gremlin "I want to devour this deliciously colored piece of art." As someone guilty of both, I understand we crave art styles we aren't sure we can replicate, but we really want to. SO! Find your favorite artists, find their socials or websites, and analyze! Take a long hard look, scrounge around for links they have, and subscribe to them! If they have an email list, SIGN UP FOR IT! You can get excited looking at your emails when you eagerly wait for the next email on their art prints, brushes, tutorials. Maybe they're making a new video and you get a sneak peak. It is incredibly worth it.
TLDR; go on a search engine and search up "drawing [thing you want to learn]", guaranteed you will find videos, websites, and so many tutorials. If you find someone you like (whether it be the way they teach, the comforting tone of voice, technique etc) give them a follow. Keep up with your feed and soak in all that juicy information!
- J. S.
Depending on if you do digital art or not, some of these strategies may work better than others:
1. Youtube - Yes, I know you've heard this one a million, billion times, but there are so so many artists out there that give great tutorials! For example (because you mentioned perspective), find videos about Kim Jung Gi (who was an incredible artist), especially by dr. draw. He talks about it very well and talks about the theory behind it. He goes from 1-point perspective to 5 point. Another great perspective video is "Perspective For Beginners" by Proko.
2. Websites - This is something you've also probably tried. But if you haven't, I strongly recommend using a bunch of them. Artist's Network has some free resources on a bunch of different things (including perspective). I would also sign up for email lists... (sometimes we must embrace the spam)
3. Email Lists - This is my hot take. I *LOVE* email lists. I love emails. Sometimes they are entirely useless and give you no tutorial of substance, or it's just an advertisement for "premium". I am a very broke artist, so I will not be paying any websites any amount of money. Here are some that I'm signed up for: Anime Art Academy (I can't express how unhelpful I found this one, but if you are willing to pay money to draw anime girls and get advice (actually good advice too) from professionals...well, this is your paradise.), Gumroad Artists (GUMROAD!!! this is a digital artist's best friend. You can find different brushes/stamps for your procreate art! I'm sure there's also brushes for other applications too. I follow a lot of these artists, thus getting emails about new brush releases, and sometimes they even throw in a tutorial. The best thing about most of these brushes? You can get a free version of most of them! And if you want some simple packs? Only $5 (maybe more). I reccomend checking this out, even if you don't do digital art. It is SO so inspiring.), Your Faves.
Let's talk about that last one. Artists have other artists they look up to. Whether it be Claude Monet in painting, or Akira Toriyama for action manga/comics, we all have at least one. As artists we look at other peoples art and react in either "Oh wow, that's cool! What an interesting technique." or like a gremlin "I want to devour this deliciously colored piece of art." As someone guilty of both, I understand we crave art styles we aren't sure we can replicate, but we really want to. SO! Find your favorite artists, find their socials or websites, and analyze! Take a long hard look, scrounge around for links they have, and subscribe to them! If they have an email list, SIGN UP FOR IT! You can get excited looking at your emails when you eagerly wait for the next email on their art prints, brushes, tutorials. Maybe they're making a new video and you get a sneak peak. It is incredibly worth it.
TLDR; go on a search engine and search up "drawing [thing you want to learn]", guaranteed you will find videos, websites, and so many tutorials. If you find someone you like (whether it be the way they teach, the comforting tone of voice, technique etc) give them a follow. Keep up with your feed and soak in all that juicy information!
- J. S.
Ty for your advice!
And also I've never thought about signing up for email lists (which is really smart won't lie LOL)! Honestly, I've been looking for some networks that offer sources for tutorials/studies, and I'm constantly straining the internet for any random google docs that might have links to websites that probably take ages of search results to find. But I will certainly check out Gumroad more and probably sign up for those emailing lists : )
Leilani
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Hi Leilani,
Online courses are fantastic, but exploring local opportunities for in-person learning can be an invaluable resource! From your profile, it seems you’re in San Antonio? A quick Google search shows that the teen program at UTSA looks amazing. When I was in high school, I started taking art classes at my local community college and other adult education community centers. The professors were incredibly skilled, with years of experience, and I can’t recommend community colleges highly enough. The classes are affordable, and the in-person, individualized feedback makes a world of difference.
Here are some links:
https://www.utsa.edu/pace/community-art/youth/teen-studio.html
https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/academics/programs/fine-and-performing-arts/art/
Good luck!
Online courses are fantastic, but exploring local opportunities for in-person learning can be an invaluable resource! From your profile, it seems you’re in San Antonio? A quick Google search shows that the teen program at UTSA looks amazing. When I was in high school, I started taking art classes at my local community college and other adult education community centers. The professors were incredibly skilled, with years of experience, and I can’t recommend community colleges highly enough. The classes are affordable, and the in-person, individualized feedback makes a world of difference.
Here are some links:
https://www.utsa.edu/pace/community-art/youth/teen-studio.html
https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/academics/programs/fine-and-performing-arts/art/
Good luck!
ty! and you are more than right :) I've considered taking some of these classes and maybe I can find time once our break is over. I'll see if I can find anything else similar that might be in-person and cater to what I'm looking for in my city!
Leilani
Updated
Greg’s Answer
Although it's a bit pricier than $100, you should definitely consider exploring BYU's Independent Studies program. Check it out here: https://is.byu.edu. The beauty of this program is that it's fully accredited for both college and high school level courses, giving it a high degree of credibility. This implies that any courses you decide to take are likely to be recognized and accepted for credit transfer at a wide range of colleges or schools. It's an investment in your future that could open up a world of opportunities for you!
tysm! Would you have any other resources like this that offer classes such as these for art related subjects (particularly multimedia arts?) I'll definitely consider taking these courses!
Leilani
There are a number of institution and colleges that offer such courses BYU happens to be one of the largest and most cost effective for accredited courses.
Greg Kearney
Updated
Hwee’s Answer
Here are some great resources and courses (free or under $100) to help you improve your fundamentals and perspective in illustration:
Free Options
1. Drawabox
Focus: Perspective, line control, and fundamental drawing skills.
Cost: Free (with optional paid critique).
Link: drawabox.com
Why: Perfect for mastering perspective and the fundamentals of construction drawing.
2. Ctrl+Paint
Focus: Digital painting fundamentals and techniques.
Cost: Free (optional premium content available).
Link: ctrlpaint.com
Why: Accessible lessons for beginners learning digital art and painting basics.
3. The Etherington Brothers Tutorials
Focus: Perspective, composition, and storytelling in art.
Cost: Free (hosted on their social media and blog).
Link: Etherington Bros Blog
Why: Packed with quick, digestible art tips.
4. Proko (YouTube)
Focus: Anatomy, gesture, and figure drawing.
Cost: Free (paid courses available).
Link: Proko YouTube Channel
Why: Great for in-depth lessons on anatomy and figure drawing.
Paid Options (Under $100)
1. Udemy Perspective Courses
Recommended Course: "How to Draw and Sketch for Absolute Beginners" by Joseph Stevenson.
Focus: Perspective drawing and illustration basics.
Cost: Often discounted to $15-$20.
Why: Complements your current Udemy courses and focuses on perspective.
2. Skillshare Membership
Focus: Classes on drawing, painting, concept art, and perspective.
Cost: Free trial, then $36 for three months.
Link: Skillshare
Why: Tons of high-quality art courses by professionals, including perspective and fundamentals.
3. Modern Day James - Fundamentals of Perspective
Focus: Comprehensive perspective techniques for artists.
Cost: $10/month on Patreon.
Link: Modern Day James Patreon
Why: James teaches technical perspective with an artistic focus.
4. Marc Brunet - Art School for Digital Artists
Focus: Art fundamentals, perspective, and digital tools.
Cost: $90 for the Fundamentals module (one-time).
Link: Cubebrush
Why: A structured course designed for beginners to advanced students.
5. Domestika Courses
Recommended: "Basic Principles of Drawing People" by Gabriel Picolo.
Focus: Figure drawing, anatomy, and expressive characters.
Cost: $10-$30 (depending on discounts).
Link: Domestika
Why: Affordable and engaging lessons from professional artists.
These resources cover a wide range of art fundamentals, and many offer both free and paid options to fit your preferences.
Free Options
1. Drawabox
Focus: Perspective, line control, and fundamental drawing skills.
Cost: Free (with optional paid critique).
Link: drawabox.com
Why: Perfect for mastering perspective and the fundamentals of construction drawing.
2. Ctrl+Paint
Focus: Digital painting fundamentals and techniques.
Cost: Free (optional premium content available).
Link: ctrlpaint.com
Why: Accessible lessons for beginners learning digital art and painting basics.
3. The Etherington Brothers Tutorials
Focus: Perspective, composition, and storytelling in art.
Cost: Free (hosted on their social media and blog).
Link: Etherington Bros Blog
Why: Packed with quick, digestible art tips.
4. Proko (YouTube)
Focus: Anatomy, gesture, and figure drawing.
Cost: Free (paid courses available).
Link: Proko YouTube Channel
Why: Great for in-depth lessons on anatomy and figure drawing.
Paid Options (Under $100)
1. Udemy Perspective Courses
Recommended Course: "How to Draw and Sketch for Absolute Beginners" by Joseph Stevenson.
Focus: Perspective drawing and illustration basics.
Cost: Often discounted to $15-$20.
Why: Complements your current Udemy courses and focuses on perspective.
2. Skillshare Membership
Focus: Classes on drawing, painting, concept art, and perspective.
Cost: Free trial, then $36 for three months.
Link: Skillshare
Why: Tons of high-quality art courses by professionals, including perspective and fundamentals.
3. Modern Day James - Fundamentals of Perspective
Focus: Comprehensive perspective techniques for artists.
Cost: $10/month on Patreon.
Link: Modern Day James Patreon
Why: James teaches technical perspective with an artistic focus.
4. Marc Brunet - Art School for Digital Artists
Focus: Art fundamentals, perspective, and digital tools.
Cost: $90 for the Fundamentals module (one-time).
Link: Cubebrush
Why: A structured course designed for beginners to advanced students.
5. Domestika Courses
Recommended: "Basic Principles of Drawing People" by Gabriel Picolo.
Focus: Figure drawing, anatomy, and expressive characters.
Cost: $10-$30 (depending on discounts).
Link: Domestika
Why: Affordable and engaging lessons from professional artists.
These resources cover a wide range of art fundamentals, and many offer both free and paid options to fit your preferences.
Ty!!! I'll check out some o these sources and see what I wanna pay for out of the priced ones. I have heard of Cubebrush and Domestika being really good sources! : )
Leilani
Updated
Haiyan’s Answer
You can find some free classes that's suitable for beginners on YouTube. Good luck. : )
Ty! I've definitely done my fair search on YT, but there's probably more videos I just haven't discovered yet. : )
Leilani