Becoming an Illustrator - Nat Geo (16+)
Illustrate a Nat Geo brief—respond to research, pitch ideas, and deliver final editorial artwork
Service Description
Thursdays – Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 12:00–3:00 PM | 4 Sessions | Ages 16+ | Max 10 students Step into the role of a professional illustrator hired by National Geographic. In this four-week project class, students will respond to a mock editorial brief from a Nat Geo art director, based on fictional—but research-inspired—discoveries in fields like archaeology, paleontology, biology, or botany. You’ll work directly with your “scientist” client (the instructor) to develop 1–3 finished illustrations. The process will mirror real client work: interpreting research, creating thumbnail concepts, refining under feedback, and executing final pieces on a deadline. Medium is up to you—gouache, acrylic, graphite, ink, digital, mixed, whatever you prefer. The Instructor will help you with this too if you prefer. This class emphasizes storytelling, visual clarity, and working under direction to a deadline—all essential for editorial and narrative illustration. All skill levels welcome. This could be a super fun way to get a feel for illustration or a deeply educational experience for those looking to build a portfolio piece. Sketching supplies available, Final illustration supplies not provided. 🗓 Class Breakdown 🟡 Week 1: Briefing & Thumbnails - Receive your mock Nat Geo assignment via email (Class Hand-out) - Review “research” with your scientist-client (Instructor) - Brainstorm concepts, plan out storytelling needs - Begin thumbnail sketches + composition studies - Homework: at least 10-15 thumbnail options 🟡 Week 2: Critique & Sketch Refinement - Group review of thumbnails - Individual feedback sessions on narrative clarity, design, and visual hierarchy - Choose direction and begin refined sketches - Homework: develop tight comps of selected sketches 🟡 Week 3: Medium, Method & Execution - Review sketches - Demo/discussion on medium choice, color planning, pacing final execution - Begin final artwork if you haven't - Homework: continue work on final(s) 🟡 Week 4: Final Artwork & Group Critique - Work session for final polish - Final presentation and guided critique - Reflection on illustration pipeline and adaptation under art direction
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
Booking Policy To secure your spot in a workshop/class full payment is required at the time of booking. Cancellation & Refunds Full refunds are available within 24 hours of booking. No refunds will be issued after 24 hours of booking. If the workshop is canceled by Morrow Studios, you will receive a full refund. By enrolling, you agree to these terms and acknowledge that spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment.
Contact Details
1816 Broadway Ave, Mattoon, IL, USA
2172732074
MorrowStudiosArt@gmail.com