THE ART OF CREATIVE PRACTICING
In my courses, you'll always have my enthusiastic permission to take inspiration and copy the included exercises and illustrations as part of the creative process! After all, my intention is to help you become a better artist. By studying and replicating the course content, you'll acquire valuable techniques, develop a deeper understanding of telling stories without words, thoughtful compositional content, along with formulating essential processes that cultivate your creative voice. Practicing the art of copying, or what I like to call creative practicing, will help you establish a strong foundation and open the door to discovering your one-of-a-kind signature style. - Danielle
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
As we embark on this creative endeavor, I'll provide you with inspirational quotes, horoscopes, short stories, astrological tidbits, and helpful breakdown exercises that will inspire you to illustrate a series of colorful and detailed characters based on their astrological signs. By the end, you’ll know how to breakdown and build-up your very own characters.
All my courses include detailed videos and coordinating handouts and worksheets. In this course, the curriculum includes practice lessons, twelve start-to-finish projects, organizational tips, and tricks.
LET'S PLAY!
Join me as I use limited palettes, short stories, and astrological tidbits to explore how to breakdown character-building into focused practice, then assemble a series of girls in the most adorable ways. Once complete, you'll have new inspiration and watercolor-based drawing techniques to develop a multitude of characters with your own signature twist.
Random Opportunities.
Capricorn Girls lesson focus is all about creating "random opportunities to doodle "on her bitty art apron over her gorgeous frock.
Break it Down.
Each character lesson includes a breakdown of a specific part of a character. In this case, I'll include examples of shoes and foot placements.
True Strengths.
I share resources, including worksheets and tips, to help you identify your true strengths and get more out of your art after the course ends.
The Character Building Guild. The following is a sampling of the curriculum and a list of supplies for this course. Most of the supplies I use are artist-grade and are a more significant investment than student-grade. I highly encourage you to use what you have and take notes while watching the videos for the first time. Then, invest in the supplies that will truly enhance your own art.
XO, Danielle
Example Curriculum
Creative Essentials are the short list of basic supplies that I use in all my classes.
- Artist-grade watercolors (pan or tube)
- Watercolor-only brushes
- Artist-grade paper (140 lb., cold press)
- Mechanical Pencil (.3 mm lead) and white vinyl eraser
- White ink marker
- Tube of Artist-grade traditional white gouache
- Mixing palette (white porcelain dish works as well)
- Clear Jar/clean water
- Paper towels
- Table Salt
Course-specific Supplies are tools and materials that I use during this course. As always, I highly encourage you to use what you have, make notes, and only invest in what you really need to add to your creative toolbox.
- Clear Drying Glue
- High Flow Acrylic Paint (Golden Titanium White and Carbon Black)
- Lollypop Sticks (Wilton Lollypop Sticks)
- Mixed-Media Journal (Watercolor Dori from The Messy Nest on Etsy)
- Scissors
- Ultra-Fine Point Permanent Black Marker (Sharpie)
Please note that the supplies used in this course may not be available where you live or may have been discontinued based on the original course release date. If you’re having trouble finding a specific supply, you can try searching for art supply substitutions online. There are many resources available that can help you find alternative supplies that you can use instead. You’ll find the brand-specific creative tools and supplies that I currently use tucked away in all the corners, shelves, and drawers of my studio on the STUDIO page of my website.
Kind Words.
The Character Building Guild is a great starter course for learning how to illustrate your own characters with pencil and watercolor. There are SO many extras included to inspire - like coloring pages, step-by-step handouts of the characters, and my favorite, the What-If Stories! -Jessie G.
Meet your Instructor.
Hello, I’m Danielle Donaldson. With my trusty mechanical pencil (and eraser), a plethora of watercolors, a penchant for imagination-filled detail, and sprinkle of mixed media experimentation, we’ll adventure together and make some creative magic.
Helpful Handouts.
All courses include a coordinating Handout Packet in PDF format that serves as a tangible reference of the video content and includes insight into my creative process. It also provides an opportunity to continue growing your creative skillset after the course is complete.
CURRENCY. This course is priced in USD. REFUND POLICY. Because you have immediate access to the content of this course, I am unable to offer a refund. QUESTIONS? Send an email to support@danielledonaldson.com. Please allow 48 hours for response.
Frequently Asked Questions
For details about course access, downloading your materials, and technical support, please visit the FAQ’s page.