[dc]I[/dc] always want to get better at drawing. I practice, I buy books, I read as many comics as I can, and from time to time, I take classes (like the cartooning class I took with Lansing artist Dennis Preston).

This time, I’m taking a different kind of class: an online illustration class via Patreon, taught by cartoonist Danielle Corsetto (Girls With Slingshots).

corsetto patreon

Image via Danielle Corsetto’s Patreon.

I learned about Corsetto’s class via her Twitter. The class is different in that to take the class, you have to pledge at least $20 per month to her Patreon. I believe I read the class goes through April, so $80 for an art class with weekly assignments for a few months sounded like a deal to me.

The online class is a light version of the college course Corsetto teaches in real life. This means she shares the same exercises and homework she gives her students, and we don’t have to worry about grades and such (or taking notes).

I signed up for a few reasons:

  • I always want to improve my drawing.
  • I like Corsetto’s art.
  • I like Corsetto. She’s one half of the Coffee and Cider Podcast I listen to. The other half is Mr. Diesel Sweeties, Rich Stevens.
  • I wanted to try using Patreon as a pledger, to see how it works on that end, in case I set up my own in 2016 (I keep thinking about it).

Also, Corsetto’s list of subjects she would cover caught my eye:

 

  • inking & line width variation
  • economy of line (minimizing the amount of lines you use)
  • playing with color schemes
  • watercolor basics
  • Photoshop basics
  • drawing & coloring tricky lighting situations
  • character design
  • drawing the things you hate to draw
  • dealing with clients, negotiating contracts, tax basics

I had my first assignments last week, and I already really enjoy the class. I don’t necessarily want to share the lessons here (at last not in detail), but if you are interested, check out Corsetto’s Patreon.

While I might not share the lessons, I might share some of my drawings. Eventually. Corsetto encouraged students to do so on social media, using the hashtag #DanielleTeaches.

OK, time to draw.