Dark Fantasy Illustration - Live Online Course - Starts 20th of October

€260.00


Quick read

• 5-week live and interactive online course
• Dates: Tuesdays, 20 October–17 November 2026
• Time: 20:00–22:30 Amsterdam time (CEST/CET)
• Location: Live online via Zoom
• 12.5 hours of live classes
• All levels welcome: assignments adapted to your experience
• In-depth personal feedback
• All classes recorded exclusively for students
• Class-exclusive WhatsApp group to share progress & inspiration
• Maximum 23 students


Quick read

• 5-week live and interactive online course
• Dates: Tuesdays, 20 October–17 November 2026
• Time: 20:00–22:30 Amsterdam time (CEST/CET)
• Location: Live online via Zoom
• 12.5 hours of live classes
• All levels welcome: assignments adapted to your experience
• In-depth personal feedback
• All classes recorded exclusively for students
• Class-exclusive WhatsApp group to share progress & inspiration
• Maximum 23 students

Step into the shadows…
Create illustrations filled with fantasy, mystery, folklore & storytelling

Where ink, texture and line become visual stories alive with myth, folklore and mystery.

About This Course

“This immersive five-week course invites you into the world of dark fantasy illustration, where ink, texture and line become visual stories alive with myth, folklore and mystery. Using classical illustration materials and techniques, working with ink dip pen and pencils, you will learn how to create mysterious visual stories and worlds of your own.

This course welcomes all levels, with assignments adapted to suit your experience, whether you are exploring illustration for the first time or developing your artistic practice or portfolio. There is no pressure to perform—just space to draw, tell stories, experiment and explore together.

You’ll leave with practical skills, creative tools and a clear understanding of dark fantasy illustration, alongside new inspiration, personal feedback and a creative community of your own.” — Ailisha Shannon (Illustrator of New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling fantasy books)

Course Information

  • 5-week live and interactive online course

  • Dates: Tuesdays, 20 October–17 November 2026

  • Time: 20:00–22:30 Amsterdam time (CEST/CET)

  • Location: Live online via Zoom

  • Duration: 12.5 hours of live classes, with one 2.5-hour class each week

  • All levels welcome: This course is a warm and inclusive gathering for beginners through to professional artists, with assignments adapted to your experience. A little drawing experience—even some high-school sketching—will help you get the most from the course.

  • In-depth personal feedback throughout the course

  • All classes recorded exclusively for students, making it easy to catch up on a missed class or revisit a session

  • Class-exclusive WhatsApp group to share progress and inspiration, stay connected and meet your fellow students

  • Class size: Minimum 12 and maximum 23 students

  • Materials list emailed before the course begins

  • Language: English, with Dutch translation available

  • Extra technique assignments available upon request

  • “Ailisha’s classes have given me an incredible insight into how to put my imagination on paper.

    There are no rules and no judgements when you come to class. I started this class as a complete beginner amongst very talented individuals, but Ailisha made sure to guide me and tailor each class to every level. The class not only provides a space every week to focus on your artwork but also encourages a welcoming and supportive environment, often accompanied by a nice cup of tea! I cannot recommend this experience enough, with the perfect mix of improving your own skills and being part of a lovely artistic group of individuals.”

    - Juliette

  • “Ailisha has a great way of challenging you, while creating a vibe that is supportive, comforting and inspiring.

    This class couldn’t have come at a better time; I wanted to get myself out of a major creative block, and the course has definitely pushed me in the right direction. While I already had quite some drawing experience, this class made me get out of my comfort zone, gave me new perspectives and challenged me in a way that got me working hard and loving it again!”

    — Marjolein

  • “I took two drawing classes already, and found myself discovering a new talent.

    Ailisha teaches with such patience and love for art.
    It’s a delight to join in every week. Levels can be different, but there is much to learn for everyone!”

    — Matea

  • “Tuesday night has become my absolute favourite of the week since starting Ailisha’s drawing classes!

    I have learned so many tips and tricks to better understand and improve my drawing and the use of new techniques. Ailisha knows how to help me at my own level, whether that is by showing me an example of how to draw clouds or challenging me to just keep going and eventually create that kick-ass piece of work. She also comes up with the coolest drawing assignments each week, creates a lovely atmosphere in class and is a really cool lady overall! But my favourite thing about this class is connecting with lovely people all over the world, sharing stories, drawing inspiration and cups of tea.”

    — Melissa

  • “The class is a creative, informal and safe space where you can draw, chat and learn.

    Ailisha always finds new and interesting themes to develop in different techniques, is very happy to answer your questions or help you out when stuck in a difficult spot. What I appreciate the most is the opportunity to meet new people from around Europe, share my passion for illustration and always learn something new, not just from the teacher, but from the other participants as well.”

    — Sebrina

  • “Ailisha’s drawing courses are a great way for me to get my creativity flowing.

    Through group and personal assignments, I learned more about my own style and direction, and Ailisha challenged me to go deeper into why I am making what I am making. The atmosphere in the online class is great! It is a safe space to share creative work and motivate each other. This class is an accessible way to make more art. There is always room for technical questions, but there is also room to say you ‘just feel stuck’ and ways to deal with that. And lastly, there’s a lot of fun, light, and good banter as well!

    Ailisha is always willing to go deeper into your questions and to explain things, sometimes getting back to you about it in the next class. There are no dumb questions. Overall, the class is really fun, helpful and a great way to learn more about your own art”

    — Babs

What you’ll learn

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.

Get to know your teacher

Get to know Ailisha Shannon, her art, illustrations and how she teaches on Instagram.

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