FOR BEGINNERS, HOBBYISTS, AND EMERGING ARTISTS:
In 8 weeks, go from confused & overwhelmed with no results to creating confident portraits.Save time by using our guided system that eliminates overthinking, second-guessing, and fear of drawing the wrong things.
You want to learn how to improve your portraits but your free time is short.Knowing what to study, how to study it, and where to find resources - let alone fitting that into your schedule - quickly becomes overwhelming.What if there is a way to fit drawing practice into your schedule without sacrificing all of your free time AND get results?This bootcamp is for you if you:
- Spend too much time thinking about drawing rather than actually drawing.
- Don't know what to focus on in your studies.
- Get overwhelmed by all there is to learn.
- Struggle to balance art with other responsibilities.
- Worry there aren't enough hours in the day to improve.
- Thrive with accountability, structure and guides.And I bet, because of all of the above, you believe you're not a real artist!Here's the truth. Portrait improvement doesn’t need hours of nonstop practice or a complicated strategy.You need a clear, structured plan that’s easy to follow and fits your life. A plan that will eliminate overthinking, second-guessing, and fear of drawing the wrong things - the real time-wasters!The methods you'll learn in this bootcamp are applied to portraiture but can be replicated repeatedly with any topic you wish to learn.Drawing is important to you, even with your busy schedule, so why muddy up the paint with worries and doubts?
Nearly 70% of artists I speak to struggle to find a study system that works with their schedule. It’s not about dedication—they’re eager to improve.When they do make time, their efforts often fall short because the process lacks structure, repeatability, and clear progress. Instead of saving time, it feels like running on a treadmill: you’re working hard but not getting closer to creating the art you love.This leads to:- Burnout: Hours spent on studies with no creative fulfillment.- Lack of Direction: Forgetting why you started drawing in the first place.- Fear of Failure: Avoiding personal projects because they won’t be “perfect.”Our Portrait Drawing Bootcamp breaks this cycle. We teach a system that balances structured learning with creative application, helping you not just master the fundamentals but use them to create art you love.By the end, you’ll feel confident in your portraits and ready to approach any artistic challenge with clarity and excitement.
It's time to change the way you approach art.You may be reading this, worried you won't be able to commit.You're here for a reason. You want to commit not only to your learning, but to end this cycle of creative searching. You're tired of the guilt when you can't draw and the shame you feel missing another day of practice. The expectations you have for yourself are so high that starting feels impossible and even when you do, there's no end in sight.You hate the emotional rollercoaster that drains what's left of your energy, and even in the midst of suffering you can't help but feel like it's your fault.
And it’s never too late — you’re not out of time, no matter what fear might tell you.Our approach helps lower the unrealistic expectation that you should be putting in hours and hours of time right away -- because that's what the pros do, right?But this is part of the problem.This expectation forces us to compare ourselves to other creatives beyond our skill. And comparing your beginning to someone else's middle or end is just being unfair to yourself.In this program, you'll start by making a realistic commitment to yourself, not just for developing your creative skills, but for you.Do this for you.When's the last time you did something for yourself?
Let’s dive right in.While this bootcamp is designed to help you develop your portraits, know that you will leave this experience feeling confident in your entire approach to learning art fundamentals.The only way you won't see success with these methods is if you don't participate in the lessons or draw.Learn how to draw every feature of the human head so you can easily capture lifelike expressions and anatomy.Create on a flexible schedule so you can improve your drawing skills, no matter how busy your life is.Adopt a learning strategy that embraces learning AND play so you can draw what you want while you practice. No more waiting to feel "ready".Discover how to pick topics to study so you can focus on areas that truly matter to your growth as an artist.Master the skill of deconstructing subjects so you can simplify learning into smaller, manageable pieces and tackle any artistic challenge.Participate in team-building experiences to forge lasting connections with other artists.Gain accountability through your peers and interactive lessons with Sylessae to stay motivated and on track throughout the course.

‣ Support from someone who truly understands your creative mental battles—guidance from an artist who’s faced the same challenges and knows how to overcome them, walking alongside you every step of the way.‣ Learning tailored for your busy life—designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule, no matter how hectic things get.‣ Thoughtful reflection questions—crafted to help you rediscover the joy of drawing, even when challenges arise.‣ Carefully curated reference materials—so you can focus on creating without worrying about scrolling through AI riddled search engines.
*Live lessons and study sessions and accountability groups are only available via the Live Bootcamp Experience. The curriculum includes recorded-only versions.
Total time needed weekly to complete the curriculum:
6-7 hours- 5x/30-min study sessions
-5x/30 minute portrait practice sessions
- 1-2 hours for live lessons
- 5 min daily reflectionDesigned for results even on a busy schedule.
Unlock the secrets of the face with live, weekly lessons in this fun, step-by-step curriculum!From eyes to ears (and everything in between), you’ll gain the skills—and confidence—to make your portraits truly come alive.
Stay motivated and make real progress with weekly drawing assignments that immediately put your new skills to work.By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with 7 stunning portraits, 40 focused studies, techniques to continue studies confidently, a new relationship with your peers and a solid foundation in portrait drawing.
While we’ll teach you how to give yourself constructive feedback, nothing beats a fresh pair of eyes! That’s why we'll host live drawing reviews at the end of each week.We can’t review everyone’s work, but every critique is packed with tips and insights that everyone can benefit from.
Making new friends is tough—we get it. But this accountability group gives you the perfect excuse to connect with like-minded artists!Share the journey, swap ideas, and cheer each other on while staying motivated and on track.

TrueRef is creating THE best art reference material on the internet—no retouching, never AI-generated, just authentic humans. That's why we've partnered with them to bring you references that can be used for the bootcamp and beyond.2410 images will be provided with your enrollment--a $60 value!
| PACKS INCLUDE: |
| - Starter Poses: Aaron |
| - Starter Poses: Idrissou |
| - Modern Noir: Neri |
| - Creature Poses: Brianne |
1. Direct Reference Method - Most people copy reference material without much thought. I'll get you thinking actively with a checklist of questions to ensure you develop your visual library—no more mindless copying.2. Imaginative Development - Drawing from imagination is a skill that STILL requires an understanding of reality. I'll introduce you to a method that allows you to learn from your reference, practice recalling what you just drew, so you no longer need to always rely on reference.3. Self Feedback Tactics - Let's be honest, we don't always have someone looking over our shoulder, making sure we're drawing in the right way. You'll be prepared for that with tactics that keep you checking your work without another set of eyes!4. The Break Down - Just drawing what we see leaves a few gaps in our learning. With the Break Down Method, we'll learn how to identify individual shapes in our subjects to reconstruct and rebuild what we see.5. Fill In The Blank: Master Study - You want to learn from the masters, but it's so daunting to begin! Using our master study method takes some of the pressure off when trying to learn from your favorite artists.6. Style Discovery - Style takes time to develop, but you don't have to guess second if you're on the right track. Using our style discovery study method, you can start discovering what your style is.

If you have little time to draw, you've probably come to view art as something that's difficult, not very relaxing, and weighed down by loads of pressure.We need to rebuild our relationship with art. Every week, you'll be presented with some questions to help rekindle that joy you once had for art--before all the exhaustion, overwhelm, and pressure set in!These questions will also help you:
- begin to trust that your studies won't feel like wasted time.
- be more objective in your self-feedback.
- build creative confidence to tackle any challenge you might face in drawing.
Your success is my mission—that’s why I do what I do. With nearly a decade of professional drawing experience and thousands of one-on-one student sessions this year alone, I’ve poured everything I’ve learned into this carefully crafted curriculum.I’m so confident you’ll see results that I offer a massive money-back guarantee.If you complete the course, stick to the homework and study lessons, and still don’t see improvements in your work or creative confidence, I’ll give you a full refund. All I ask is your honest feedback to help make the next bootcamp even better.This bootcamp isn’t just about teaching—it’s about reaching more students and making a bigger impact, even with my limited time. Your input helps me refine the experience and empower more artists like you.Thank you for trusting me with your growth—and for helping me make this program the best it can be.Requesting a refund means that you will lose access to all course materials.
IvyBlade (@ivybladev.bsky.social) | ★★★★★
The bootcamp was a pleasant, charming and intensive 8 weeks of learning, artwork and experiencing growth both as an individual but also as a community! The structured character of the learning process, themed weeks with live sessions and chance to share your highs and lows with likeminded members was everything and more than I could hope for!Sylessae is a great teacher, full of passion, understanding, wit and humour. There was never a dull moment during our sessions and all this fun is only the cherry on top of the main thing and that is the learnings!All the introduced methods felt very well thought and meanigful. I have ones I enjoyed more and ones I enjoyed a tiny bit less of course but none of them ever felt like "a waste of time" or "something not worth considering". They broadened my effective tools of practicing art and creating pieces while allowing me to dive deeper into observing, studying and DRAWING at the same time. They are designed with customisation in mind so I could always challenge myself more or tone the difficulty down if I felt the need for a breather.I feel like an important aspect of the bootcamp was the fact that it also directly influenced and positively changed my art approach and mindset surrounding it. Not only did I learn how to practice more effectively and draw better but also how to feel better about trying and experimenting with the process.One other thing that I valued a lot about the bootcamp is the idea that despite the 8 weeks being already over this is only the beginning of our journey. The event leaves all of us with a lifelong access to all the materials and recorded classes, 6 repeatable and practiced study methods to continue our growth, a group of friends to keep sharing and improving together, a changed perspective on creating and finally a direction to move forward.I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Miggy (@MiggyMasenko.bsky.social) | ★★★★★
I started my art journey back in high school and was consistent then, but over the years as life starts to happen, I just ended up getting "too busy" to work on it again.I'd dabble here and there on it but never consistent.I'm 33 now and got tired of benching something I had once enjoyed.
I took a leap and invested in this bootcamp with Sylessae, she gave me the feeling of someone who understood my struggle of art.I didn't know what to expect in the beginning, but each day there was a lesson (except for one for breaks if you choose to take one) averaging 30 minutes and sometimes longer. Honestly, the time flew by before I knew it and I wanted to learn more.
Sylessae breaks these lessons down to its simplest form, from the basics of structures and shapes and then building from that foundation.One of the beauties of this bootcamp is that whether you choose to follow along the live sessions during the week or self pace the curriculum. You decide how much challenge you wish to give yourself, at its core, all you really have to do is show up and draw and I think that's a design of Syl not just for the bootcamp, but for long after it is finished.She not only supplies the tools but also an enlightening perspective on how to approach art and to be real, she not only encouraged curiosity and experimentation, but she made it fun.
That's something I didn't get from past art teachers, and not once did she discourage anyone's thoughts or observations, she welcomed it and sometimes would even include it in the lesson.Which leads to another beauty of the bootcamp, the community.
Art can feel like a solo journey, but being apart of a collective journey with others felt much more impactful.
Getting to share the struggles and successes with others who are also trying to improve was something I'm grateful was included, so you are not alone!I've come out the other a better artist and a better student and could not be more grateful that I decided to take a risk on this and that Sylessae created this bootcamp and gave so much of her energy each day to make this a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for learning.Even though the bootcamp is over, you are setup for success afterwards.
This is only the beginningEasiest 5 stars I will ever give
Dan (@yazirian.bsky.social) | ★★★★★
I always wanted to draw, and I never really did. I don't truly know why. I don't feel like I was especially bad at it or anything. Priority, accountability, practice (and lack thereof) all played factors. And I haven't had an art class in... oof. 28 years? Then I happened on the bootcamp from somewhere on bsky, and for whatever reason decided it sounded right, and it was the right time for me.It would be difficult to overstate how true that ended up being. This course was exactly right. Sylessae's approach was ideal for me, just spot-on. It has everything I needed to succeed: a sound plan, concrete skills, immediate feedback and results, a fun and supportive community of other students, a good but flexible pace. All of it and more.The classes and studies are thoughtful, specific, and set up a series of meaningful things to do to keep seeing improvements. One of my very favorite new skills is how to find, see, understand, and change problems rather than just look at something I was doing and feel vaguely unsatisfied with it. This and more, all applied in an iterative approach, and every one of these studies came fully prepped with materials.Did I mention how good of a presenter Sylessae is too? So easy to learn from. Clear, approachable, confident, responsive.I did not spend one minute of this 8 weeks unhappy about any of it at all, perfect record, and that's 6 nights a week. I'm more interested in continuing going out than I even was coming in; the course only added more momentum.Unreservedly recommended!
Sebastian (@sebastianyue.bsky.social) | ★★★★★
Before starting Sylessae's Postrait Drawing Bootcamp, I had no prior background in art and no idea where to start learning to draw. When I joined the class, I found a comprehensive and beginner friendly experience. Sylessae did a great job of breaking down the fundamentals and teaching in bite-sized chunks. The weekly portrait assignments kept me motivated and focused enough to practice consistently.Syl encouraged a positive space for students to give and receive constructive criticism, which allowed me to learn from the more experienced artists in the group and develop my visual analysis skills. It was also nice to learn in a community that acknowledged the highs and lows of making progress. Everyone supported each other and cheered each other on, which was great.I'd recommend the bootcamp to anyone looking to grow their portrait drawing abilities, but especially to beginners like myself who are looking for a starting point. Syl was a kind and thorough teacher and I'm definitely going to look out for her future classes.Before & After Piece: https://bsky.app/profile/sebastianyue.bsky.social/post/3lkyxbndrso2k
Titoxd (@rocketdancing.bsky.social) | ★★★★★
Sylessae's portrait drawing bootcamp is a highly effective, structured program for a beginner to learn art, and for intermediate and advanced artists to further practice and expand their skills. The course introduces a study framework that is continuously reinforced throughout the duration of the course, and that can be straightforwardly applied to art learning after the bootcamp.As with any large learning endeavor, half of the problem is determining what to learn, and when to learn it, so that the experience does not turn into a "boil the ocean" task that dissuades anyone from undertaking it. Sylessae structured the course so that a primary topic is focused on for a week with sufficient detail for the students to try their hand at it. Then, as the different study methods are implemented by the students, questions naturally begin to arise; but there are ample opportunities for students to ask questions, explore solutions on their own, and experiment with discovering answers that work for them under Sylessae's guidance.As part of every session, students are asked to reflect on how they felt about the lesson, on what they learned, about what they understand, and about what they want to try the next time. This ask->examine->attempt->understand cycle is the core pedagogical loop of the program. As the week ends and a new subject becomes the focus, the material from previous weeks continues to be reinforced by serving as a building block for future topics.
Sylessae also fostered an environment that allowed participants to give and receive feedback from each other, as well as support and celebrate each other's progress. I believe that this supportive community is what makes the biggest difference in the outcome of the bootcamp compared to other art courses I have taken in the past.To close, the bootcamp has a solid didactic foundation, a supportive, collaborative atmosphere, and empowers its participants to future success. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Stevie (corvanablack.bsky.social) | ★★★★★The portrait bootcamp was a well thought out dive into learning to draw portraits. Sylessae did a wonderful job introducing, and then reinforcing, her methods, as well as giving us an understanding as to why we were doing the things we were doing. Every method was well thought out, and even if it wasn't your favorite it still had valuable aspects that you could pull into your learning repetoire.The addition of reflection to the daily work was something I was honestly a bit skeptical of at first, but found myself loving quite quickly. Writing these things down immediately after, or even during, my studies helped me to not forget what I was thinking about once some time had passed. And being able to go back to them later and see where I maybe needed to focus in the future has helped me to progress even more than I thought I was able to.The weekly breakdowns were really great, and gave us all enough time to get a fair handle on whatever the subject was without us also feeling like we'd been doing the exact same thing for a million years. I also really appreciated that the study sessions were so short, as I struggle with the concept of time due to my ADHD and often think things need to take much longer than they truly need to. Having the proof that just half an hour is enough time really helped, and made it easier for me to get myself to pick up my pen. It was "just" half an hour, afterall!But the thing I found the most valuable was the community that Syl fostered in her students. Everyone was so warm and helpful, cheering you on even when you felt hopeless. The support was so invaluable to me, and I don't think I would have done half as well without it.I've been trying to learn to draw for almost a decade now, struggling for the vast majority of that time to gain any sort of competence. I'd managed some things here and there, but overall I was pretty stuck, and because of that I would stop trying for months at a time. The amount of improvement I managed with this bootcamp is no small feat for me as an artist, and I believe is a huge testament to Syl's teaching. She made learning both easy and enjoyable, and gave me tools that I can use when learning anything else I set my sights on.
Petya (@pp-petya.bsky.social) | ★★★★★
I initially signed up for the bootcamp (curriculum only), as I felt I had hit a brick wall in my art. I was unhappy with my character's faces, I felt like the always looked off in some way but I couldn't quite put my finger on why that was and didn't know how to get past it.This bootcamp was the exact thing I needed to get past this struggle. The lessons in this bootcamp gave me new ways to approach drawing faces, which really helped me move towards more realistic and less uncanny faces. Furthermore, the study methods introduced during the bootcamp are an amazing tool for learning and developing my art, even beyond just portraiture, and will stick with me for the rest of my art journey!I specifically purchased the curriculum only version of the bootcamp, which was ideal for me, as life has been quite chaotic so it would not have been possible for me to follow with the live lessons. This version of the camp is an excellent, self-paced option, where it never felt like I missed out on any learning, and Syl does an excellent job at teaching and not skipping over anything for the curriculum-only folks.While the curriculum-only version lacks the group-based feedback from peers, I personally did not mind that as I'm not the most social person anyway. However, even despite this I never felt discouraged to post my progress in the general chats available to the curriculum students, and love to see what other post there as well.Overall, I would say that this bootcamp was well worth the money I spent on it and I will most definitely keep returning to it over and over to re-consolidate the things I learned.
Cakey (@cakey39 bluesky/twitter) | ★★★★★
I was incredibly nervous going into this bootcamp, as I'd never signed up for anything like it. As someone who struggles to get herself to draw and is terrified of interacting with people, I was really unsure if it was for me - but Sylessae always came across really well and approachable in her online presence (as well as making breathtaking artwork), so I wanted to give it a try!The curriculum itself was so useful - the topics each week were broken up into manageable lessons, with some great tips and observations from Sylessae. They were very educational in learning anatomy, as well as general illustration techniques.The study sessions each week were also honestly more in-depth than I expected - having the ability to ask questions, observe Sylessae's problem solving skills and have a friendly group to give you some accountability was genuinely so much fun. I also loved each of the study methods, and they were presented each week really well!Being split into timezone-based groups was a wonderful idea too, and for me personally, made the bootcamp so much more enjoyable. You really felt like you had a team of people to chat to, ask for advice, give feedback to, and to support throughout the journey. Everyone in my team (and the rest of the bootcamp) contributed to such a friendly, constructive environment.I was also surprised with how much feedback Sylessae gave throughout the whole course - if I had any issues, questions or got completely stuck, I never once felt alone in figuring things out!Sylessae is both a wonderful artist and teacher, and this bootcamp experience really highlighted her expertise in both areas. I feel like I learnt so much, and wouldn't ever hesitate to join more bootcamps in the future.Very highly recommended!! Would give 6 out of 5 stars if I could!

By the end of this bootcamp, you’ll walk away with:‣ Powerful, time-saving techniques that streamline your learning process, helping you work smarter, not harder, in every creative session.‣Creative structure that's sustainable even on a busy schedule. You may be juggling a busy life, but your art won't get in the way.‣ A series of 7 portraits showcasing your artistic growth week by week—a tangible, visual portfolio piece to reflect your dedication and improvement.‣ 40 documented study sessions you can proudly share on social media to highlight your progress and commitment, attracting followers, collaborators, or even potential clients.‣ A versatile foundational skill set that applies far beyond portraits—fueling your creativity in character design, illustration, splash art, avatars, and more.‣ Unshakable confidence to keep learning and advancing on your own, with the knowledge that you’ve mastered the essentials to propel you forward.If you embrace our guidance and draw consistently—regardless of how you feel—you’ll establish a strong foundation for creating believable portraits. This doesn’t just refine your skills; it opens doors to exciting possibilities. Enhance your current client work, elevate your personal projects, or even turn a passion into a profitable career.Stop doubting your options and start drawing. The future is yours to create.
Curriculum only
For those who like a self paced experience.
| Lifetime Access To Recorded Portrait Curriculum With 8 Lessons & 40 Recorded Study Sessions |
| 7 Portraits Projects Showing Weekly Progress |
| 40 Structured Studies To Avoid Aimless Drawing |
| Fall in Love With Your Portraits & Build Confidence |
| Bonus: 1200+ TrueREF references ($30 value) |
| Bonus: 6 Reusable Study Methods + Demonstrations for Each |
| Bonus: Reflection Question Checklist To Build A Positive Relationship With Your Art |
LIVE Bootcamp Experience
For those who want to grow with their peers in a live, guided experience, with access to Sylessae.Limited to 100 students.
| Attend Live Portrait Curriculum With Access To Q&A and Live Critiques ( Sundays @ 11 AM EST ) |
| Daily Live Study Sessions With Sylessae ( Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday @ 7:30 PM EST ) |
| Lifetime Access To 8 Recorded Live Lessons and 40 Recorded Study Sessions |
| Accountability Groups With Your Peers |
| 7 Portraits Projects Showing Weekly Progress |
| 40 Structured Studies To Avoid Aimless Drawing |
| Fall in Love With Your Portraits & Build Confidence |
| Bonus: 2400+ TrueREF references ($60 value) |
| Bonus: 6 Reusable Study Methods + Demonstrations for Each |
| Bonus: Reflection Question Checklist To Build A Positive Relationship With Your Art |
LIVE Bootcamp Experience: Access to all events for the entirety of 2025
For those who want their education planned out for them for the entirety of 2025. You're ready to commit. You're ready to become the artist you were always meant to be.Limited to 100 students.
| Access The Full Bootcamp Experience AND All Bootcamps Hosted in 2025 |
| Attend Live Portrait Curriculum With Access To Q&A and Live Critiques ( Sundays @ 11 AM EST ) |
| Daily Live Study Sessions ( Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday @ 7:30 PM EST ) |
| Lifetime Access To Recorded Portrait Curriculum With 8 Live Lessons and 40 Recorded Study Sessions |
| Accountability Groups With Your Peers |
| 7 Portraits Projects Showing Weekly Progress |
| 40 Structured Studies To Avoid Aimless Drawing |
| Fall in Love With Your Portraits & Build Confidence |
| Bonus: 2400+ TrueREF references ($60 value) |
| Bonus: 6 Reusable Study Methods + Demonstrations for Each |
| Bonus: Reflection Question Checklist To Build A Positive Relationship With Your Art |
‣ Uncertain of what to study
‣ Feel like you will never make it because you're not "talented"
‣ Frustrated with your portraits
‣ Lack of consistency
‣ Slow progress
‣ Lonely on your art journey
‣ No clear path forward
‣ Fear being a starving artist
‣ Master your portrait drawing skills
‣ Tackle future studies fearlessly
‣ Develop and refine your skills with structure and clarity
‣ Take control of your creative path - whether you're a hobbyist or building a foundation to go pro
‣ Ignite a passion for drawing
‣ Build consistency and tap into your true motivation
‣ Forge meaningful connections
‣ Accelerate your artistic growth


Hey, I'm Jess—but most people online call me Sylessae. I've been helping creatives rekindle their love for their craft for many years. It's important to me that students feel empowered on their journeys and with a decade of art-making and marketing behind me, I'm going to be your guide.PORTFOLIO | SOCIALS

TrueRef delivers monthly figure references for artists of all kinds—no retouching, never AI-generated, just authentic humans.TrueRef, created by Abbey Esparza and Sergio Angel, is a request-driven artist resource designed to provide artists with high-quality figure references.Their mission is to capture the full diversity of humans, all in full resolution and crystal clear quality, creating a library where we can all feel a little seen.TrueRef: Chicago-made, artist-bred, artist-led.
When will the bootcamp start and end?
The bootcamp will begin January 19th, 2025. Our last live lesson will be on March 9th, 2025. The lessons will be recorded and accessible for life.How will I access the curriculum?
The lessons will be available to watch, at your own pace, via videos hosted on Stan. These videos are not for direct download and require internet service to access.REQUIRED MATERIALS:
- Discord for group discussion and access to recorded lessons
- Zoom for live meetings (free version is fine)
- Drawing Tablet & Digital Software (options are listed below under Materials And Preparation)OR- Pencil and paper if you're working traditionally. While there are a few digital tools you won't have access too, the lessons are fundamental to drawing and not exclusive to digital tools.COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Is the bootcamp suitable for beginners, or is prior experience required?
- The bootcamp is specifically designed for beginners or people looking to refresh their skills. This bootcamp requires no prerequisite drawing skills.Will we learn different mediums?
The entire course is taught via digital art. Your skills in drawing will be transferable to traditional mediums, should you wish to work this way too.Does the course focus more on realism, stylization, or both?
- This course helps build foundational drawing skills and relies on using real life reference to understand the approach. While this course doesn't focus heavily on stylization, it will help you understand the fundamentals of portrait drawing, which you can then use to strengthen you're stylized illustrations in the future.How are the lessons structured (lectures, demos, hands-on practice)?
Each lesson demonstrates how to draw each element of the face. The subsequent homework then focuses on taking what you learned in the lesson and applying it to weekly drawing sessions.LOGISTICS AND SCHEDULING
How long is the bootcamp and what time are the sessions?
The bootcamp is virtual, spreading across 8 weeks with 1 live lesson a week and 5 live drawing sessions.Live lessons: Sundays @ 11 AM EST
Drawing Lessons: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday @ 7:30 PM ESTCan I access recordings if I miss a lesson?
Yes! Lessons are recorded and accessible even after the bootcamp ends. The live drawing sessions are also recorded, but are only available for the full bootcamp experience.MATERIALS AND PREPARATION
What materials or tools are required?
This is a digital artist bootcamp. You can work with a pencil and paper, but some of the digital tools are not accessible with traditional mediums. Many of the fundamentals taught, however, are transferrable to traditional drawing mediums.
Sylessae uses a Wacom Cintiq Pro, but it is not a requirement for participation. If you are looking to get into digital art, some great, affordable alternatives are XPPen and Xencelabs.Are references included in the course fee or do I need to buy them separately?
References are included! We have partnered up with TrueRef to bring quality reference material to our students.Do I need any software?
Sylessae uses Photoshop CC for her illustrations. Many of the tools that she uses in Photoshop are accesible in other programs. If you are on a budget, Krita is a free option. Other great paid options are Clip Studio Paint or Procreate.
I would also recommend downloading PureRef (there is a free version if you are on a budget) to organize and save your reference material.SKILL DEVELOPEMENT AND OUTCOMES
Will I be able to draw realistic portraits by the end of the bootcamp?
Yes! You will understand the placement of all of the facial features, their proportion, as well as the shapes that make up their forms. Like all things, consistent practice will continue to improve your development. By the time you leave this bootcamp, you'll have to resources to continue practicing with confidence.Are there opportunities for 1-on-1 feedback or mentoring?
While there is group given feedback, this bootcamp doesn't include 1-on-1 mentoring. If that is something you're interested in, you can read more info here.How will my progress be assessed or measured?
You are taught self assessment skills to be able to guage your progress, which are useful for the life of your creative journey. There are also live critique sessions, to which you can submit your work. While not everyone's work will be chosen, those that we do review will benefit everyone by addressing common mistakes and ways to fix them.Will there be assignments or practice exercises between sessions?
As part of the bootcamp, you are expected to complete your weekly studies and weekly portrait drawing. These are both independent and guided sessions.ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Are there options for advanced or follow-up bootcamps?
Yes! Our follow up bootcamp will encapsulate portrait painting, which requires a strong understanding of portrait drawing. If you would like to get on the waitlist for this bootcamp, click here.Will there be opportunities to showcase my work, such as in an exhibition or online gallery?
Yes! Students are encouraged to share their progress throughout the bootcamp. Some students will have their work showcased on this page alongside their socials!Are there any networking opportunities with other artists?
This bootcamp is a great opportunity to get to know peers in the creative space. Grow together and draw together.Is there an alumni group or continued access to course materials after completion?
You will have lifetime access to recorded materials as well as any updates to the lessons for no additional cost.MISCELLANEOUS
What is the maximum class size?
The maximum amount of students we can allow is currently 100 students.
Are there any prerequisites for joining, such as submitting a portfolio?
Because this is a beginner friendly course, there are no prerequisites to joining.
Join the waitlist for the next live event:
For questions, concerns, and refunds, please send us an email.
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