Choose an era you love and a hobby or favourite pastime, pick one object that represents both, and turn it into a stylized illustration ready for a t-shirt, art print, or poster.

For Tom's full example, see his Project on the Class Projects page.

Steps:

Before learning the five principles, quickly sketch your chosen object as you'd normally draw it — you'll compare this later. — See Lesson 3
Practice each principle (Flattening, Abstraction, Customization, Exaggeration, Singularity) on your object in isolation, using the in-class exercises. — See Lessons 4–8
Draw your object from memory, letting the principles work together naturally rather than as a checklist. – See Lesson 9
Draw a set of different objects of the same type. – See Lesson 10
Choose your scope: a Basic version (one specific object, refined into a final illustration) or an Extended version (3–10 examples of the same type of object). – See Lesson 11
Finish your illustration to these specs: 8x10in at minimum 300dpi, saved as JPEG or PNG, max 4 colors, no background (or one solid color).
Share your finished piece in the Class Projects page — and share your "before" sketch from step 1 alongside it. Include any reflections or drawings you’d like to share from the process.

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Tom's Recommended Brushes and Tools

These are some of my favourite links and tools (Affiliate links). RSCO has been a generous partner in my classes — please consider buying one of the following brush sets or other great digital illustration products:

Risograph Brush and Texture Kit for Photoshop - RSCO

Risograph Brush and Texture Kit for Procreate - RSCO

Woodland Wonderland Brush Kit for Photoshop - RSCO

Astropad Studio - Turn Your iPad into a Graphics Tablet for Your Mac

Rock Paper Pencil - iPad Screen Protector and Pencil Tips — Feels Like Paper!

Melisa Ienco

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