Potomac High – Commercial Illustration 1

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

This course will involve the development of drawing and painting skills with emphasis on commercial application, pictorial and graphic illustration, and cartooning. Students will examine historical and contemporary approaches to illustration. Course topics include 1) a survey of materials and techniques used in commercial illustration; 2) an exploration of traditional subject matter (figure, portrait, still life and landscape) as it applies to commercial illustration; 3) a broad examination of illustration, application and client relationship; 4) an in-depth study of various media that may be used for specific communications results; 5) a working study of composition as it applies to the relationship between image and typography (the pictures and the words) in achieving effective communications; and 6) a conscious development of a personal style in communicating ideas through visual images. Originality and mastery of media will be stressed as students work toward the development of a personal style.