Two types of learning (& art class recs)

As I’ve been practicing illustration, I’ve come to rely on both synchronous and asynchronous learning.

One can learn at their own pace (anytime, anywhere) with asynchronous learning, which doesn’t demand that one be present at the same time as when the teacher is teaching or other students taking the course are learning. free Youtube tutorials subscription-based classes (Skillshare, Creativebug, or Masterclass), and one-off courses (Domestika, Teachable) are all examples of self-paced learning.

Async illustration learning I recommend:

• Concept Sketchbook by Lindsay Stripling

• Exploratory Sketchbook: Find Your Drawing Style by Sarah van Dongen

• Make Art That Sells (haven’t taken yet, but signed up for future course)

• Odd Bodies by Tom Froese

• Urban Sketching: Drawing What You See by Peggy Dean

• Principles of Colour, short & super useful video by Angela Pan

• Class101 if interested in learning from Asian artists, as it is a Korean platform

The advantage to asynchronous learning is the same advantage touted during the advent of smartphones—the flexibility! Accessibility! Limitless options! Because of the “low touch” required between the seller and customer—in this case, the teacher and student—it is easier than ever for teachers to share their knowledge and continue to do so for years after a short initial period of expending time and energy. Students too can have access to professionals that they couldn’t have dreamed of learning from without paying major amounts and traveling far distances. If something is taking long to process, students can pause and rewind. And nothing beats the convenience of having a Youtube video teach you how to unclog your toilet without a plunger at the very moment you need it the most (this hasn’t happened to me but I am dreading the day).

Much like smartphones, the downsides of async learning come with the distress of having too much freedom. I have bookmarked and bought several classes over the years that I have yet to take, thinking I have all the time in the world to get around to it. Or I will start the class and at the first feeling of disinterest, wonder if there is a better use for my time.

For these reasons, I much prefer synchronous, community learning. During these pandemic times they usually come in the form of Zoom classes, though an in person structure is most ideal. It is much harder to bail on these kinds of classes—not only are there real human beings doing the class at the same time as you, but you also likely paid more for the course since you are paying for the teacher’s time. This investment and external accountability is huge in solidifying one’s commitment.

Synchronous illustration learning I recommend:

• Any Small Fry workshops

• Any of Lindsay Stripling’s painting classes

• Continuing education classes at 92Y, SVA, RISD

The best part of synchronous learning is meeting others with the same goal as you (hello community!) I love meeting artists and illustrators who live over the world, some with different styles and subject matter that I couldn’t even fathom, others more similar to me, all inspiring in various ways. It also helps to establish a stronger connection with the teacher and potentially find a new mentor, or at least ask all my tangentially related art/business questions that I didn’t know who or how to ask.

The beautiful thing about the art/illustration community is that there are lots of fun drawing sessions to attend—not a course per se, but still a way to learn new skills and techniques from other community members and more importantly show up for your own practice.

Drawing sessions I recommend:

• Illustrator’s Circle by They Draw

• Emma Carlisle’s Patreon

• Drawing Life Glasgow (time zone does not work for me but I see lots of artists on IG go to these)

• Happy Medium (in person figure drawing in NYC in a gorgeous space)

Ultimately I want to keep building self-discipline to take async online classes from illustrators I would like to learn from, while continuing to search for and participate in live learning and connection with others. Combining both types of learning allows one to focus on what they most want to learn from a breadth of influences while also allowing for the connection and improvisation that comes with being with a group of people.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with synchronous and asynchronous learning. Have you had challenges following through on one or the other? Have you taken online classes and found it to be more or less difficult? Any particular courses you recommend?

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Quick favorites:

This “big softie” paper tiger cutout I made. Ready to draw so many tigers this year (Lunar New Year is on Tuesday 🌕 )

I absolutely love “Encanto” and have watched it twice just this week! I cannot choose a favorite song but this is the biggest earworm of them all.

Still dreaming of the matcha ice cream float I had in SF last week at Matcha Cafe Maiko. They have several locations if you want to check if there’s one near you.

Emotional intelligence 101.

I started using Astropad to get more used to Photoshop and wean myself off Procreate. Surprisingly pleasant and easy to use!

TropicalSpaghetti’s stickers, which brightened up my week with loads of color and cute.