Photo by Alex Padurariu
SKILL BUILDING & FUN
Exploring different types of illustration can bring about a lot of learning curves and room for growth and improvement; to help you expand your skills and interest for art, we’ve compiled a list of various online resources for artists to explore their own style and get more immersed in the world of art!
ONLINE COURSES + TUTORIALS
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Proko
A website with a large selection of informative video tutorials & courses for artists, taught by artists & art instructors.
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The Etherington Brothers
Unique visual guides on various details for artists - eyebrows, skulls, foliage, rocks, cars, etc. Anything you have trouble drawing, the Etherington brothers have likely posted a free tutorial about it with either a rough overview of the subject as well as an additional zoom-in on various details. They post about character design, environmental art, composition, and so much more.
theetheringtonbrothers.blogspot.com
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Draftsmen
Two art instructors with an informative and educative podcast to offer listeners advice, refer them to new resources, share the love of art.
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Giant Google Drive
Google drive folders filled with resources and books for comic art, fashion, painting, animation, and visual development.
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Edmonton Public Library
The library has a variety of free in-depth online courses & tutorials for anything you search for.
https://www.epl.ca/learning-tools/courses-training/
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The Burned Out Artists Guide
A free resource towards dealing with burnout and creative block that focuses on providing mental challenges to overcome, rather than providing physical exercises to improve. 20+ page PDF. Created by freelance digital illustrator TNT (twitter)
https://ko-fi.com/s/2ce7c71353
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Artists Exposure & Growth Guide
A free resource to help content creators gain exposure by their own means rather than by sheer luck. 30+ page PDF. Created by freelance digital illustrator TNT (twitter)
https://ko-fi.com/s/39cd000516
Ctrl + Paint
Ctrl+Paint is a free learning resource dedicated to the basics of digital painting. Each bite-sized video covers a different concept, allowing you to learn complex subjects in manageable increments.
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Draw a Box
Drawabox is, at its core, a community of people developing their drawing skills. Our members range from total beginners, to self-taught artists seeking more structured ways to practice, to established artists looking to sharpen their skills.
Art & Animation Resource Sheet
Created by artist & animator Marie Lum (@puccanoodles); a large list of resources for digital artists interested in character work and animation.
PROGRAMS & DIGITAL TOOLS
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Handy Art Reference Tool (App)
HANDY is an artist's reference tool, consisting of several rotatable 3D limbs with a variety of poses useful for drawing. You can also customize and edit your own poses for hands, feet, and skulls. Available for purchase on Google Play & the App Store.
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Reference Angle
A website displaying a 3D model of a human head that you can tilt and turn for different angles, and will generate real photos of people with their heads at that angle for reference. Users can also choose facial expression, age range, & accessories for the reference.
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Just Sketch Me
A 3D model maker to create your own pose references with multiple characters and props. Basic use is free, but upgrading to JustSketchMe Pro will unlock additional assets. Available on iOS, Mac, Windows, & Android.
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Magic Poser (App)
A 3D model maker app. Users have the ability to change body type + additional physical characteristics and accessories for the models. Additional features can be unlocked with paid membership.