Master the art of Dark Fantasy Illustration, together
This 5-week course offers an open, supportive and inclusive creative space where creatives of all levels can experiment, learn and develop their Dark Fantasy illustration skills with personal guidance from an experienced teacher
Dates: Tuesday 13th of October – Tuesday 10th of November 2026
Duration: Five weeks, with one 2.5-hour class per week
Time: 20:00–22:30 Amsterdam time (CEST/CET)
Classes: each Tuesday night
Location: Live online via Zoom
Levels: This course is a warm and inclusive gathering for learners from beginner to pro, with assignments adapted to each level. A little drawing experience (even a bit of high school sketching) will help you get more out of the course.
Days: Tuesday 13 Oct, 20 oct, 27 oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov
List of materials provided before the course starts
Language: English, with Dutch translation available
Class size: Minimum 12, maximum 23 students
All classes are recorded and made exclusively available to students in this class. Perfect for catching up on a missed class.
WhatsApp group to stay in touch and share inspiration
Extra technique assignments for those who request them
Course Details
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What you’ll learn
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This week, you will be introduced to classical line-and-ink illustration using East Indian ink. We’ll start with exercises to loosen your hand, explore style and get out of your head, followed by your first storytelling and illustration assignment. Each student can adapt the assignment to their own level and comfort.
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This week, we will explore how to tell a story using contrast, style and composition.
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Through live storytelling and inspiring assignments, you will learn how to plan, sketch and build an intricate illustration, giving you the skills to create the artwork you envision.
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This week, we will dive deep into symbols and archetypes and explore how they can be used to tell a story. Which compositions belong to which archetypes? Which rules are made to be broken, and which illustration traditions can support your story and personal style? We will close the course by taking time to reflect on one another’s work.
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Meet your teacher
Ailisha Shannon is an illustrator, artist and educator who has taught art since 2009, specialising in visual storytelling and traditional illustration. Her dark fantasy illustrations appear in Melissa K. Roehrich’s New York Times bestselling Legacy series, as well as in the deluxe editions of The Aesymarean Duet and The Esprithean Trilogy by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox, amongst others. She is one half of the illustration duo
Studio Duco. Working entirely by hand with traditional dip pens and East Indian ink, Ailisha creates supportive, immersive classes rich in storytelling that help students develop their skills and discover who they are creatively.
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Join the Dark Fantasy Illustration course, today
This 5-week course offers an open, supportive and inclusive creative space where creatives of all levels can experiment, learn and develop their Dark Fantasy illustration skills with personal guidance from an experienced teacher
Payment options

