Introduction to Illustration
Beginner Course · 4 Weekly Classes
Date and time
Wednesday, 9. September 2026, 19.00
Further dates
Overview
Beginner
No previous knowledge required for this event.
DE & EN
Our Instructor speaks fluent English and German.
Studio Zürich
4 × 2.5 hours
Weekly classes over 4 consecutive weeks
Multi-day Course
A structured learning journey over multiple sessions, where you'll learn new techniques and develop a solid foundation in the chosen art form.
Guide: Valeri
Valeri is our Kursentwicklerin & Kunstlehrerin
Description
Every picture has a story. What’s yours?
Illustration is where drawing meets imagination. It’s the art of communicating ideas, emotions and stories through images—whether you’re dreaming of creating comics, children’s books, concept art, manga, graphic novels or simply bringing your own characters to life.
In this four-week course, you’ll discover the foundations of illustration while developing your own visual style. Together we’ll explore how memorable characters are created, how compositions guide the viewer’s eye, and how gesture, expression and atmosphere can transform a simple drawing into a compelling story.
Throughout the course, you’ll experiment with sketching, character design, linework, inking and visual storytelling. Every class combines demonstrations, practical exercises and plenty of time to develop your own ideas while receiving individual guidance from your instructor.
There isn’t one “correct” way to illustrate. Some artists tell quiet stories with simple lines, while others create bold worlds full of movement, fantasy and adventure. This course is about discovering the tools and techniques that help you turn your imagination into images—and finding your own artistic voice along the way.
✏️ What to Expect
- A structured four-week introduction to illustration
- Weekly guidance from a professional illustrator
- Live demonstrations and inspiring artistic examples
- Character design, composition and storytelling exercises
- Plenty of individual drawing time with personal feedback
- A relaxed and encouraging environment where creativity comes first
🧠 What You’ll Learn
- Creating expressive characters and personalities
- Drawing faces, poses and movement
- Composition and visual storytelling
- Inking, linework and simple shading techniques
- Developing your own illustration style
- Turning ideas into engaging visual narratives
🤔 Is This Course Right for Me?
Absolutely.
Whether you’ve always wanted to draw comics, invent original characters, illustrate stories or simply develop your drawing skills in a more imaginative direction, this course is the perfect place to start.
No previous illustration experience is required. However, if you already have some basic drawing experience—or have completed our Introduction to Drawing Course—you’ll find it even easier to focus on storytelling, character design and developing your own visual style.
More Infos
Basic drawing experience is recommended, but not required.
If you’ve already completed our Introduction to Drawing Course, this is the perfect next step. If not, don’t worry—your instructor will guide you through the fundamentals while helping you build confidence week by week.
Throughout the course, you’ll work with a variety of traditional illustration materials, including graphite pencils, fineliners, pigment liners, markers, brush pens and other professional illustration tools.
We’ll introduce each material step by step, explain when and why illustrators use them, and help you discover which techniques and tools best suit your own artistic style.
No. We provide all the materials and equipment you’ll need throughout the course.
If you already own high-quality art supplies or would simply like to learn using your own brushes, paints or other materials, you’re very welcome to bring them along. Otherwise, just turn up and we’ll take care of the rest.
To make transport easier, we’ll keep all of your artworks and practice pieces safely stored in your personal folder throughout the course.
At the end of the final class, you’ll receive everything you’ve created during the course, including your finished projects and all your practice work.
The date shown during booking is the first class of your course.
All remaining classes take place on the same weekday, at the same time, over the following consecutive weeks, and normally at the same location.
Should there ever be an exceptional change of location, everyone in the course will be informed well in advance.
Our courses are generally scheduled on consecutive weeks, including public holidays. We find this creates the best learning experience and helps everyone maintain momentum.
Unless stated otherwise in the course description, classes will take place as scheduled, even if one of the dates falls on a national or public holiday.
Don’t worry.
If the same course is offered again and there are free places available, you’re welcome to join the missed class. Simply let us know by email beforehand.
In many cases, an even better option is to attend one of our Studio Classes. There, you can continue working on the project you missed while receiving support from the tutor. As Studio Classes are designed for independent projects, the tutor will assist you alongside the other participants working on their own artwork.
Our courses are taught by highly trained, active artists who combine their own artistic practice with teaching at Paint It Easy.
They’ll guide you through the course, share their knowledge and techniques, and help you develop your artistic skills in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
To ensure plenty of individual attention, our courses are limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
There is no homework.
That said, as with any creative skill, the more you practise, the faster you’ll improve. If you enjoy creating between classes, we can only encourage it!
Our courses are all about developing your creative skills, but we wouldn’t want to lose the Paint It Easy atmosphere.
Tea, coffee and water are always available during your classes, and before the very first session we usually celebrate the start of the course together with a glass of Prosecco—or a non-alcoholic alternative.
Cheers!
The natural next step is joining one of our Studio Classes. Studio Classes are designed for hobby artists who want to continue developing their skills while working on their own projects in a creative community. Your tutor is there to support and guide you whenever needed.
If you’d like to explore a different artistic medium, you’re also welcome to join one of our introductory courses. Or, if you’d like to continue in the same medium, our intermediate and advanced courses are the perfect next step in your creative journey.
What are PIE multi-day course?
Learn art in 4-6 weeks for sustainable learning
Learn more about PIE multi-day courses
Further dates for this PIE multi-day course
Private event
You can also enjoy this or similar events privately. To the event planner
Vouchers
Give the gift of a unique experience!
Buy voucher now
«One of the best places in the city to switch off with creative projects, good coffee and a warm atmosphere. The studio offers unique courses and workshops - with a great team that combines knowledge with fun.»
Salony Roongta
«The evenings in the PIE Studio are always wonderful. A place where you can give free rein to your creativity and connect with like-minded people. Don't miss the chance - become part of the community!»
Laura Company
«A great place to get a little happiness boost and be creative! Wonderful people and a great atmosphere - definitely worth a visit. I've already done several drawing and painting courses in the studio and I'm really pleased that there's now a café too!»
Valentijn Broeken
«Paint It Easy is my creative feel-good place in Zurich. Whether painting courses, open studios or brunch & paint - everything is just right here. Great team, relaxed atmosphere and always new ideas to try out!»
Ally Z
«We absolutely loved the Creative Café - delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere and the creative freedom to just get started spontaneously. We painted ceramics, got inspired and immediately wanted to try lino printing on our next visit!»
Janiza Ouarab
