Digital Illustration

You’ve always loved doodling, and drooling over a perfectly-drawn comic. We’ll help you digitize your drawings, so you can do the same. This course will give you the software, theory and business skills you need to build a career as a successful, confident, and profitable digital illustrator.

You’re creative and artistic, drawing on any spare piece of paper. Working in an office doesn’t fill you up. Is there something you can do that plays to your strengths — and lets you make money?

You’re accomplished at creating art on paper or canvas. Maybe you even have clients. But when they want a change, or you make a mistake, can you do it without starting from scratch?

You’re a web designer, and you’ve got the perfect images in your head — but you don’t always find them online. How can you customize your websites so they’re unique and pull off the vision you want?

We’ll show you

We’ve taught dozens of students, and we’d love to turn you into a pro digital illustrator, too.

Here’s how we do it:

Support is a huge element of our students’ success.

We’re always there to answer questions, even after the course is over. We’re also invested in continuing education so you keep learning, and even help our grads find jobs!

We give you options for learning.

Classes are available online and via USB, so you can learn in the way that works best for you. Oh, and both options include bonus resources, swipe files, and fonts + images to download and use.

We don’t let you slack off (but in a nice way).

We don’t let you slack off (but in a nice way). We want our students to gain everything they can from this course. We keep you on track with our accountability system, and check in by email and phone.

Let’s get the details

The who, what, where and when

In a nutshell
Start date: You can start this course throughout the year
Format: Online or via USB/downloads
Time investment per week: 8-10 hours
Length of course: 6 months
Instructor
Esti Saposh

Esti has been drawing for as long as she can remember. Always known as the class artist and resident notes doodler, she started her formal art training in high school. She then attended Image, a prominent 2 year digital illustration program which combined theory and technical skills.

Esti‘s work is featured in Mishpacha, Circle Magazine and Artscroll, among others. And she’ll teach you the exact techniques she uses to achieve impressive results!
Job and Salary
Average beginning rate:
$25-$40/hour, freelance
Sample project rates:
$175-$225: Book covers
$70-$120- One comic strip
$140- Magazine cover
$120-$220- per Book illustrations
$50-$80- Simple magazine illustrations
$85-$115- Product design
Typical positions include:
Freelance: take on your own clients.
In-house: handle all the illustration needs of one company
Collaborate: join forces with a writer or graphic designer
Agency: work with the creative team at a marketing agency

Start date: You can start this course throughout the year

Format: Online or via USB/downloads

Time investment per week: 8-10 hours

Length of course: 6 months

Esti Saposh

Esti has been drawing for as long as she can remember. Always known as the class artist and resident notes doodler, she started her formal art training in high school. She then attended Image, a prominent 2 year digital illustration program which combined theory and technical skills.

Esti‘s work is featured in Mishpacha, Circle Magazine and Artscroll, among others. And she’ll teach you the exact techniques she uses to achieve impressive results!

Average beginning rate:
$25-$40/hour, freelance

Sample project rates:
$175-$225: Book covers
$70-$120- One comic strip
$140- Magazine cover
$120-$220- per Book illustrations
$50-$80- Simple magazine illustrations
$85-$115- Product design

Typical positions include:

Freelance: take on your own clients.

In-house: handle all the illustration needs of one company

Collaborate: join forces with a writer or graphic designer

Agency: work with the creative team at a marketing agency

Part 1

Manga / Clip Studio

Get a handle on the tools every illustrator uses

Part 2

Theory

A deep dive into the basics (and not so basics) of design

Part 3

Photoshop

Become proficient in the software many illustrators enjoy using

Part 4

Business

BSetting you up for a successful, profitable, and rewarding career

How to use the tablet
Learn your way around the drawing tablet so you’re steady and confident

Illustration software
Get to know the software you’ll be designing on

Tools
Become proficient at using the illustration tools to create your desired effects

Adding text
Learn text placement for comics, books, and other projects

Perspective
The foundation of illustrations that look right. You’ll learn different ways of doing things — and what you should always avoid.

Color
You might be used to blending and shading on paper (or canvas), but it’s different when digital — though still just as important!

Light
Learn where to position the light source in any illustration, and the important part it plays in setting the scene.

Character development
Digital illustrators constantly need to come up with new characters, and here’s where you’ll learn how to make them look perfect.

Characters for comics
Become fluent in the specific character styles used in comics, as well as developing some of your own!

Design for books
We’ll teach you everything you need to know to illustrate books, including different styles of illustration and where they’re usually found.

Portraits
Discover how to draw real, live people in cartoon style, as well as various others.

Anatomy

Illustration tools in Photoshop
How to illustrate in Photoshop

Pricing
What’s the magic number that makes clients — and you — happy? No need to fumble, we’ll teach you the formula.

Proposals
There’s an art to effective proposals that makes them more likely to be accepted, and you’ll learn it here.

Contracts
Learn what to include so that you and your clients are protected, and you’re not just making rules up on the fly.

Systems and processes
You know how to illustrate, now learn what you need to know to run an effective illustration business.

Marketing tips
You do great work, but how are people supposed to know that? Gain insights into how to sell yourself.

Collaboration tips
Get tips on how to make the teamwork work when you’re collaborating with other professionals such as writers, designers, and art directors..

Modules

Part 1

Manga / Clip Studio

Get a handle on the tools every illustrator uses

How to use the tablet
Learn your way around the drawing tablet so you’re steady and confident

Illustration software
Get to know the software

Tools
Become proficient at using the illustration tools to create your desired effects

Adding text
Learn text placement for comics, books, and other projects

Part 2

Theory

A deep dive into the basics (and not so basics) of design

Perspective
The foundation of illustrations that look right. You’ll learn different ways of doing things — and what you should always avoid.

Color
You might be used to blending and shading on paper (or canvas), but it’s different when digital — though still just as important!

Light
Learn where to position the light source in any illustration, and the important part it plays in setting the scene.

Character development
Digital illustrators constantly need to come up with new characters, and here’s where you’ll learn how to make them look perfect.

Characters for comics
Become fluent in the specific character styles used in comics, as well as developing some of your own!

Design for books
We’ll teach you everything you need to know to illustrate books, including different styles of illustration and where they’re usually found.

Portraits
Discover how to draw real, live people in cartoon style, as well as various others

Anatomy

Part 3

Photoshop

Become proficient in the software many illustrators enjoy using

Illustration tools in Photoshop
How to illustrate in Photoshop

Part 4

Business

Setting you up for a successful, profitable, and rewarding career

Pricing
What’s the magic number that makes clients — and you — happy? No need to fumble, we’ll teach you the formula.

Proposals
There’s an art to effective proposals that makes them more likely to be accepted, and you’ll learn it here.

Contracts
Learn what to include so that you and your clients are protected, and you’re not just making rules up on the fly.

Systems and processes
You know how to illustrate, now learn what you need to know to run an effective illustration business.

Marketing tips
You do great work, but how are people supposed to know that? Gain insights into how to sell yourself.

Collaboration tips
Get tips on how to make the teamwork work when you’re collaborating with other professionals such as writers, designers, and art directors..

What you get during the course

Support and feedback

7 months of email support + feedback on projects

Online or USB access

Learn from the comfort of your home with your preferred method

2 yrs rewatch access

Rewatch and review as often as you like within this time

Flexibility + accountability

Our proven system to help you stay on track

Bonus Over-the-shoulder tutorials

Watch how Esti Saposh takes you through her process from client brief to project completion.

Professional portfolio creation

Projects designed during the course show clients your skills

Plus the forever perks long after graduation

High level job leads

We support you on the journey to setting up a career

Live Design Power classes

Stay current on design trends with exclusive bimonthly classes

Student Slack community

Connect and gain from like-minded design enthusiasts

Power Your Edge podcast

Get early access to interviews with frum industry experts

You’re ready to work as a pro illustrator!

You have all the skills to take you from ‘artist’ to professional illustrator’.

You’re a software pro

You know the illustration software inside out. Go and use it!

You think like a designer

You know colors, character development, and how to generate ideas.

You have a professional portfolio

Designs created by you are your biggest salesman. Show them to the world!

You can run a business

You’ve got the processes and the smarts so you stand out as a professional.

You’re confident in your skills

You’ve received invaluable feedback from design pros and you know your worth.

Do you want to

design for companies you admire?

Some of the amazing brands our students work for

Want to become an illustrator?

If you’re willing to put in the work to make it happen, we can’t wait to teach you.

Total investment for Digital Illustration:

^$1899

Includes

First, I really appreciate your quick and detailed responses. Thanks for the positive feedback, it really keeps me going!

Your corrections are clear and simple on the video. I really feel like I’m gaining a lot. I’m definitely seeing that my illustrations are improving. Drawing on the program has become a lot easier, drawing in general is now more fun and accurate.

Thanks for helping me find my style and stretching me to work on harder things. The assignments are challenging yet fun, I love that you stretch my creativity and allow me to apply the skills I will need for the real world of illustration.

P.S. I teach and prepare for many hours. Your course has become my go-to for recharging and my motivation to finish my schoolwork!

Frimet, New York

View actual projects

They were illustrated by our students. Looking forward to having yours here too!

Bonus: Learn from the pros

Get tips and tricks from professionals you admire so you can be one too!

bonus 1

expert workshops

Hear from industry experts.

Each expert is carefully chosen to give you valuable knowledge that will help you stand out when you enter the field.

Enjoy unlimited access to all past workshops as well!

Creative director @ Mishpacha

Menachem Weinreb

Hear about Menachem’s process, the tools he uses, how he develops concepts and his unique style, and business tips. He’ll also share some of his illustrations, and what Mishpacha looks for when bringing on illustrators.

Book designer

Shanie Cooper

Shani will share how to create dynamic illustrations and will also talk about the collaboration between the illustrator and book designer. You’ll also hear what she looks for when hiring an illustrator for a project, so you’re well prepared!

Illustrating in Photoshop

Yocheved Nadel

Yocheved will draw, computerize and illustrate an image during the class! She’ll also share her process and the tips that have helped her succeed.

bonus 2

design power series

Enjoy unlimited access to monthly/bimonthly classes, just for our students and alumnae.

You’ll stay current on the latest design trends and gain valuable marketing and business tips from experts in their field plus our in-house instructors and mentors.

Here are some of our past guest experts (you’ll get access to their class recordings):

Choosing the right food packaging

Chevy Karp

Chevy works at On Time Packaging and will explain the design process in detail.

Using empathy in your sales process

Chani Kahan

Chani is a copywriter who specializes in NPOs, infusing her copy with warmth and empathy.

Getting results through mindset shifts

Faw Dworetsky

Fay is an entrepreneurial mindset coach who gets clients unstuck so they can see results in their business.

The science behind naming a brand

Ita Leaman

Ita is a conversion copywriter who focuses on naming companies, using best practices and psychology to drive sales.

Graphic Design in Congress

Sara Marizan

Sarah Marizan will tell you all about her fascinating job, designing at the House of Representatives (Congress) in Washington, DC.

Design Project Management

Chumi Bornstein

Business Marketing Manager, SoMad Partners

People Skills on Steroids: Negotiation Strategies To Ace Any Client Conversation

Chava Shapiro

Founder: Creative CEO Academy and Show me the Copy

Marketing campaigns + Designers

Shaina Weiss

Director of Marketing, Chemed Health

FAQ

(Yes, we’re mind readers on the side 😁)

What do I need to know before taking this course?

You should be artistic (we will ask you to submit some of your artwork as part of the application process).

Regarding computer skills — as long as you’re very comfortable using a computer, you’re good. Beyond that, we’ll teach you the software needed from the ground up.

Do I have the right personality for this course?

Digital Illustration is geared to creative people who have a drive to succeed and will work hard to make it happen.

If all you want to do is watch videos, you’re best off somewhere else.

What kind of computer do I need?

You need a computer with (at least):

I7 or up processor
32 GB RAM
Nvidia RTX series. (3060-Ti and others)
At least 1TB SSD
USB drive
Mouse (not just a trackpad)
at least 15-inch screen
The ability to play audio and videos

We also recommend email or internet access if you plan to send in your projects for comments.

For the USB package you will need a Windows computer, since the video files we send aren’t compatible with other models. (Sorry! You can still watch the videos online and get all other files by USB.)

How does the course actually work?

Each lesson is delivered in a video recording where you’ll hear the instructor talk while you view what she’s doing on her screen.

You can pause, rewind and rewatch. The lessons come with files (also included on the USB drive) so you can try out the skills on your own.

Most lessons have homework assignments so you can practice and create real illustrations. You’ll even have a chance to work with real clients!

You’ll have access to the course videos for two years.

I don’t have internet. Can I still access the classes?

Yup! We have two packages so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Online Package: You’ll receive your course login information by email within 24-48 business hours of registering. Your student portal will contain:

all course outline booklets
instructions and videos
lesson files

PLUS contact information for any questions; we’re here for you all the way.

USB Package: Your course materials are packed into our signature stylish folder, including:

A course outline booklet describing what we’ll cover in each lesson, along with that lesson’s homework assignment.
A QuickStart guide which walks you through the process of getting started with the course. (Of course if you have any questions you can contact us!)
Your USB drive, which contains all of the course videos, design videos, and all files discussed during the lessons so that you can follow along on your own computer.
You’ll also find a bonus section with lots of free downloaded images you can use in your projects, plus many beautiful free fonts
Various modules will be accessed through a monthly download link (you can be offline the rest of the time).

You will need at least email access to send and receive your project feedback.

Do you offer college credits?

In short: No.

During your time at The Bold Edge, you will get intense training in the essential software, design and business skills you need to succeed in the field.

Credits? Not needed to get a great job as a motion designer. You’ll graduate with a professional portfolio and the confidence gained from hands-on practice. And don’t forget, our dedicated job placement team will work on getting you jobs after you graduate.

How long will it take to complete the course?

It depends on how intensely you schedule yourself. The course could take you anywhere from 4-6 months.

When you sign up we’ll work with you to create a personalized schedule so you can pace yourself properly.

What happens if I have a question during the course? And what about afterward?

Glad you asked 😉. Support is one of the hallmarks of The Bold Edge courses. This course includes 10 months of support and project feedback. (OK, that’s not really accurate. We actually answer our graduates’ questions way after they finish the course, too!)

How will I find work?

This course has a lot of success converting raw talent into professional illustration skills. Businesses know this and reach out to us all the time when they’re looking for fresh talent.

We also have a dedicated Job Development team that networks, makes connections, and develops job leads for our students. Our team sends out daily emails with job leads, and regularly posts job openings that we find all over the world.

Over the past year alone, we have sent out over 366 job leads!

What will I complete the course with?

Aside from the technical knowledge of the illustration software and how to use a tablet, in-depth knowledge of key design topics and basic knowledge of the business of design, you’ll also have a professional portfolio of designs you’ve created, PLUS a valuable course certificate from The Bold Edge.

This course is an investment. How do I know if it’s a good fit for me before I commit?

Not sure if you should go all in? Take a test drive by watching a complete course lesson. Just contact us to get your first taste!