Illustration classes

[acidic]

Hi all,

This is my first post here, and it's a tad OT. I was hoping some of you might be able to recommend any illustration courses. Let me give you some background info...

Every year, my employer gives us money to pay for work-related training courses. I usually end up taking some weekend courses pertaining to specific software applications, but this year, I want to go for something a bit more creative. When I was in college, I really wanted to study illustration, but I chose graphic design because I felt it was more practical career-wise.

So what I'm looking for are short-term illustration classes that meet for one to a few weekends (e.g. Extended learning type classes). I'm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, so ideally, class(es) should be local. However, I wouldn't mind traveling for a class that takes place over the course of a week or less.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[n2design]

SF, You're in the middle of it all. I would recommend an adobe certified class. I've been to a few here in Florida and they are very helpful. I've never been to the basic classes but I'm sure they are just as informative. I'm sure San Fran has any kind of creative classes you would ever want. How awesome is that you get to live in the Graphic Design Mecca and have Free training class from you job. LUCKY!

[PrintDriver]

Illustration, not illustrator.

Around here the tech high schools usually offer a night course or two for drawing, watercolor, cartooning, calligraphy, etc. It's up to you to take the class seriously as sometimes you get a bunch of scrapbookers to contend with. And all different ability levels.

Or try a local community college with an art program and see what they have for night classes in illustration, drawing, or life drawing. More expensive though.

[acidic]

Thanks for the replies so far. There are some universities around here that offer extension classes (e.g. weekends and nights), but I haven't really found anything that interests me. Most of these courses have more to do with the technical aspects of commercial art (e.g. software courses, color management, etc). I did come across a one week class on Childrens Book Illustration in London that took place this summer, but I wasn't able to attend it due to scheduling conflicts.

I've considered local community colleges, but I don't really want to commit a full semester for illustration. As for community colleges, here in California, tuition is only $26 per unit and are generally considered to be some of the cheapest alternatives available (most classes are 3 units). Not that it really matters, as my work is paying for it :).

Thanks again! I'll keep looking around.

[Logo-Mechanix]

I would lookk a life drawing courses as well, it really helped me. Learning to illustrate from reality is the way to go in my oppinion.

[Drorain]

As for community colleges, here in California, tuition is only $26 per unit and are generally considered to be some of the cheapest alternatives available (most classes are 3 units). Not that it really matters, as my work is paying for it :).

Thanks again! I'll keep looking around.

S'cuse me...did you say 26 bucks WTF? thats amazing