Publish Your Book: Creating Movement and Energy in Your Characters (Part 3)
In this essential class for illustrators, students master drawing characters in motion, a key skill for creating engaging, story-driven art. Perfect for young artists ready to elevate their illustrations.
Lisa Albinus Illustration
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(655)
Star Educator
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Students will be expected to complete short assignments each week to reinforce skills learned in class. Homework will include practicing gesture sketches, drawing dynamic poses, and creating action sequences related to their characters. Additionally, students should set aside time to refine their character illustrations in response to feedback provided in class, ensuring they’re prepared for the next session. Total outside work will require approximately 1-2 hours weekly.Assessment
includedClass Experience
In Publish Your Book: Creating Movement and Energy in Your Characters, students will learn how to bring characters to life through dynamic motion and expressive gestures. Building on foundational skills from prior courses, this class focuses on illustrating movement in a way that enhances storytelling and adds depth to characters. Students will explore gesture drawing, dynamic poses, and action sequences, gaining the skills needed to make their illustrations feel vibrant and alive on the page. Throughout the four weeks, students will practice capturing movement in their characters, progressing from basic gestures to complex action sequences within scenes. Lessons are structured to balance technique-building with creativity, with a strong focus on storytelling. Each week includes interactive demonstrations, individual practice, and constructive feedback, creating an engaging, hands-on learning experience. With a supportive, step-by-step approach, I encourage students to experiment with energy and expression in their work. By the end of the class, students will have a deeper understanding of motion in illustration and a portfolio of action-focused character art that brings their unique stories to life.
Learning Goals
Develop the ability to illustrate characters in motion, capturing fluid, dynamic gestures that enhance storytelling.Master techniques for creating expressive, action-filled poses that convey emotion and character intent.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Movement and Gesture Drawing
Students will explore foundational techniques in gesture drawing, focusing on capturing the essence of movement to make characters feel dynamic and alive. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Developing Dynamic Poses
We’ll focus on creating bold, action-filled poses, emphasizing how body language conveys energy and emotion. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Fluid Motion and Sequential Drawing
Students will learn to illustrate sequences that show fluid, connected actions, adding a sense of continuity and realism to character movement. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Integrating Action into Scenes
In this final week, students will place their characters in a scene, applying motion and gesture techniques to enhance storytelling within an environment. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
This class requires completion of Publish Your Book: Character Design and Publish Your Book: Designing Dynamic Backgrounds. Students should bring a manuscript or character outline to class to build upon prior skills in character design and
Supply List
Learner Supply List: Manuscript or Story Outline: Students should bring a manuscript, story outline, or written character descriptions to class. These will be used as a foundation for designing their original characters. Sketches or Visual Ideas (if available): Any preliminary character sketches or visual concepts are encouraged, as they will help guide the character development process during the course. However, this is optional for those who have not yet started sketching. Basic Drawing Materials: Pencils, erasers, and sketch paper or a digital drawing tablet if preferred.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
655reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a seasoned illustrator in the industry, I have extensive experience in character design, children’s book illustration, and visual storytelling. I have illustrated several books and mentored many students in developing their artistic skills. With over 20 years of teaching experience, both in traditional and digital art, I bring a deep understanding of how to guide aspiring illustrators in bringing their characters to life. My focus on shape language, expressions, and storytelling through design helps students create characters that reflect their unique stories and visions.
This class is designed to leverage my expertise to support young creators in refining their craft, while nurturing their creativity and passion for storytelling.Reviews
Live Group Course
$28
weekly or $110 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-6 learners per class
