Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Digital Illustration

Art is the way humans express themselves freely without worrying about getting judged. The process mainly involves creativity and skills to turn their idea or fantasy into real art on canvas. Therefore, it encompasses a broad spectrum of styles and techniques. However, the way people draw is changing in today’s modern world. It is called digital illustration.

In comparison, digital illustration is slightly different to drawing on paper. The main difference is the media, paper and device. For that reason, not all designers are already good at using the technology. Thus, learning this skill is important in today’s modernisation as many businesses, organisations, and companies are forced to use digital media to illustrate their brand.

What is a digital illustration?

Digital illustration is the process of creating an artwork by using software, tools, and devices in order to bring artistic vision. Therefore, it needs additional skills to excel in this type of art. It is not limited to drawing the picture only, but also encompasses techniques of digital painting, such as vector art and character design.

With that in mind, having digital art skills is not only for refining your portfolio or doing client projects. It allows you to create many creative opportunities. This is because you use tools, techniques, and shortcuts in the process of making digital artwork to speed up your workflow. Thus, it allows you to open an art commission or do freelance work as an artist.

In final words, digital illustration is a visual artwork that uses digital tools. This can be stylus pens, illustration software, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as mastering various methods in digital painting. As a result, it allows artists to create images on a digital platform easily and beautifully because of those tools.

Course Brief

The Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Digital Illustration aims to help graduates and creative professionals who want to enhance their skills in visual design through digital tools. Therefore, this programme combines technical skills in art and principles that must be followed. Thus, preparing learners to produce an illustration by using popular devices and software.

Additionally, this course will let students explore a variety of techniques in digital drawing. Starting from concept art and design character is to be used for commercial purposes. With that in mind, learners will be ready to create art for publishing, advertising, or multimedia platforms. As a result, they can develop a professional portfolio to showcase their skills and unique creative style.

Programme Outline

The outline of the Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Digital Illustration programme encompasses basic illustration concepts. It includes composition, perspective, colour theory, and visual appeal. Therefore, students need to be proficient in the software that will be taught in this course. This session will allow learners to develop original character and visualise ideas for many projects. Here are the details!

Principles of Illustration

• Illustration history and genres
• Drawing fundamentals and visual storytelling
• Sketching and ideation techniques

Digital Art Tools & Techniques

• Mastering digital brushes, layers, and effects
• Vector and raster-based illustration
• File formats and output for print and digital

Character & Environment Design

• Anatomy and gesture in digital illustration
• Costume and prop design
• Backgrounds and worldbuilding

Concept Art & Storyboarding

• Developing visual concepts for narratives
• Sequential art and panel composition
• Pitching ideas visually

Editorial & Commercial Illustration

• Creating covers, spreads, and spot illustrations
• Visual branding for products and advertising
• Collaboration with publishers and agencies

Professional Practice

• Project planning and time management
• Pricing and contracts for digital illustration
• Building an online presence and client network

Final Project

• Producing a complete illustrated project
• Presenting work to a panel of industry experts

Entry Standards

The Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Digital Illustration is designed for a Bachelor’s degree graduate in graphic design, fine art, or related fields. However, this course is also open for those with professional experience and a strong creative portfolio. For international participants whose English is not their primary language, they must compile an IELTS 6.0 or above to join this programme.

Types of digital illustration styles

Digital illustration has many styles for those who want to learn the techniques they prefer. It is especially useful for those who want to become a specialist in a certain style. Thus, allowing them to become Digital Illustrator, Concept Artist for Games, Animator, and many more. Here are the details you can choose!

1. Realism: This style focuses on creating artwork that looks close to real life. Therefore, an artist uses accurate proportions, lighting, and texture. Additionally, this type is mainly used to visualise the product and a fine art project.
2. Fantasy art: This digital illustration style aims to bring imaginary worlds to canvas. The fantasy is broad in its array of mythical creatures, epic scenes that are popularly used in game concepts and book covers.
3. Anime/Manga: This one is a Japanese-origin style. Mainly draw a character that is expressive, with dynamic poses, and there is unique storytelling to be delivered to the audience.
4. Cartoon: This type of digital illustration style mainly comes in simple forms with bright colours and playful expression. Thus, making it great for children’s books and animations.
5. Caricature: This one is humorous, highlighting features of a person. That is why it is popular in editorial illustrations, satirical and event art.
6. Retro: As one of the digital illustration styles, retro is also popular. It is inspired by vintage aesthetics and typography. The design trends from the past decade are frequently used in posters.
7. 3D illustration: Just like its name, this type makes realistic images using 3D software. That is why it is popularly used in animation, special effects, and product design.

Digital illustration online course

The Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Digital Illustration equips participants with advanced skills in digital art. It focuses on mastering software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate. It develops the ability to create characters, visualise ideas, and produce artwork for advertising and related fields. It also provides the essential expertise needed to build a strong professional portfolio.

If you are joining this course with the College of Contract Management, you can learn directly from the expert industry as a digital illustrator. Therefore, you can expect the best learning source from end to end because the College provides you with high-quality online lectures. The class is also flexible, so you can join the session at any time that suits you. Now, what are you waiting for? Enrol today and join us!

The schedule for the Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Digital Illustration will be provided after your registration and payment are successfully completed. Once your enrolment is confirmed, you will receive all the necessary course details and gain access to Moodle, our all-in-one learning platform. If you have any questions or need assistance at any stage, the CCM Support Team is ready to help you via live chat or email.