Dark Fantasy Illustration - Live Online Course - Starts 13th of October

€260.00

Step into the shadows and explore the darker reaches of your imagination with Dark Fantasy illustrator and artist Ailisha Shannon. 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.

Through guided exercises, technical demonstrations, experimentation and personal feedback, you’ll learn to create expressive linework, atmospheric ink illustrations and compelling visual stories using traditional materials. Drawing inspiration from dark fantasy books, folklore and classic illustrated covers, you’ll develop ideas and illustrations that feel distinctly your own.

The 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 the inspiration and direction to continue your creative path.

Step into the shadows and explore the darker reaches of your imagination with Dark Fantasy illustrator and artist Ailisha Shannon. 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.

Through guided exercises, technical demonstrations, experimentation and personal feedback, you’ll learn to create expressive linework, atmospheric ink illustrations and compelling visual stories using traditional materials. Drawing inspiration from dark fantasy books, folklore and classic illustrated covers, you’ll develop ideas and illustrations that feel distinctly your own.

The 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 the inspiration and direction to continue your creative path.

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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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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  • “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

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

    “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

  • “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

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