A comprehensive and 100% online program, exclusive to TECH, with an international perspective supported by our membership with The Design Society”

The constant evolution of tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or Procreate, together with the fast pace of industries such as fashion or comics, mean that today's illustrators must keep up to date with trends, styles, techniques and all kinds of knowledge that will help them in their daily work.

In response to the demand for specialization and the renewal of artistic knowledge, TECH has developed a comprehensive academic program that covers everything from illustration with iPad and the Adobe suite to techniques and sector-specific projects in the most relevant fields. In this way, designers will delve into projects involving video mapping, lettering, signage, and UX. To achieve this, they will have access to an extensive multimedia library, including detailed video tutorials, simulated scenarios, reflective readings, and other highly valuable resources tailored to each topic addressed.

This represents a unique opportunity to strengthen a designer’s career in the field of Professional Illustration through a Master's Degree that provides updated knowledge and specialized technical expertise. Furthermore, its 100% online format offers the flexibility to organize learning according to individual priorities, making it fully compatible with other high-level professional or personal responsibilities. In short, it is an ideal option to continue advancing both personally and professionally, without compromising previously established commitments.

Thanks to TECH's membership with The Design Society (DS), students will become part of a global community dedicated to design and its study. They will have access to open-access publications and be able to participate in collaborative events. Additionally, the membership supports the maintenance of the society and its platforms, facilitating interaction and access to specialized resources for professional development in design.

You will refine your ability to construct coherent and impactful visual narratives, providing the momentum to advance your career with greater strength”

This Master's Degree in Professional Illustration contains the most complete and up-to-date program on the market. The most important features include:

• The development of practical cases presented by experts in Professional Illustration
• The graphic, schematic, and practical contents with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional practice
• Practical exercises where self-assessment can be used to improve learning
• A special emphasis on innovative methodologies in Professional Illustration
• Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an internet connection

You will enhance your concept art skills to create illustrations of all kinds, whether for sculpture or the film industry”

The teaching faculty includes professionals from the field of Professional Illustration, who bring to this program the expertise gained from their work, as well as renowned specialists from leading organizations and prestigious universities.

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide an immersive learning experience designed to prepare for real-life situations.

This program is designed around Problem-Based Learning, whereby the student must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise throughout the program. For this purpose, the professional will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts.

You will benefit from the advantages of a fully flexible format, entirely adaptable to your needs, allowing you to decide when, where, and how to approach the coursework”

You will be able to access the virtual classroom from any device with an internet connection, reviewing the content from the comfort of your smartphone”

The teaching materials that make up this Master's Degree have been developed by a team of experts in Professional Illustration, with extensive experience in editorial, audiovisual, digital, and fashion environments. Throughout the curriculum, graduates will engage with the advanced use of tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate, applied to a wide variety of visual styles and multidisciplinary formats. In addition, they will explore narrative techniques, storytelling, comic design, concept art, lettering, animation, and portfolio creation, thereby strengthening a comprehensive vision of illustrative work from a modern, creative, and professional perspective.

You will create animated illustrations designed for advertising and narrative purposes”

Module 1. Tools in the Adobe Suite

1.1. Project Design with Adobe Photoshop

1.1.1. Photoshop as a Canvas for Illustration
1.1.2. Benefits of Using Photoshop to Design Illustration Projects
1.1.3. The Layers of our Illustration
1.1.4. Optimal File Formats and Export

1.2. Improving our Brushes with Photoshop

1.2.1. The Default Brushes
1.2.2. Brush Installation
1.2.3. Brush Refinement
1.2.4. Coloring Techniques with our Brushes

1.3. Color Management in Photoshop

1.3.1. Color and Visual Balance
1.3.2. Contrast
1.3.3. Light and Shading
1.3.4. Compositional Unity

1.4. Character Design with Photoshop

1.4.1. Draft and Sketches
1.4.2. Linear Refinement
1.4.3. Coloring and Definition
1.4.4. Finishing Touches

1.5. Mixed Techniques in Photoshop

1.5.1. Collage Aesthetics
1.5.2. Fusion of Visual Styles
1.5.3. Application of Mixed Resources

1.6. Project Design with Adobe Photoshop

1.6.1. Exploitation of Available Resources
1.6.2. Visual Organization in the Workspace
1.6.3. Prototyping and Validation
1.6.4. Volume and Color Management

1.7. Vector Illustration and Flow in Illustrator

1.7.1. Control of Commands and Optimal Actions
1.7.2. Thinking in a Vector System
1.7.3. Geometric Illustration

1.8. Illustrator Graphic Enhancement

1.8.1. Pattern Creation
1.8.2. Textures
1.8.3. Scenario Design
1.8.4. Complex Actions

1.9. Animation with Illustrator and After Effects

1.9.1. Vector Animation
1.9.2. Essential Tools to Handle
1.9.3. Continuity and Development
1.9.4. File Export and Presentation

1.10. Illustration and Corporate Identity for New Media

1.10.1. Illustration as a Corporate Visual Image
1.10.2. Application and Definition of Visual Resources
1.10.3. Design of a Graphic Identity without Logo
1.10.4. Graphic Media Audit

Module 2. Illustration with the iPad

2.1. Freehand Drawing

2.1.1. Preliminary Considerations
2.1.2. The iPad as a Tool
2.1.3. Formal Aspects
2.1.4. Interface and Technique

2.2. Procreate: Creative Illustration Techniques

2.2.1. Creating a Project
2.2.2. Formats
2.2.3. Tool Management
2.2.4. Brushes

2.3. Procreate: Illustrated Portrait

2.3.1. Analysis
2.3.2. Synthesis
2.3.3. Tracing
2.3.4. Filling

2.4. Traditional Techniques with Procreate

2.4.1. Traditional Drawing on Tablet
2.4.2. Shading and Tracing
2.4.3. Volume and Development
2.4.4. Landscape and Reality

2.5. Visual Styles in Procreate

2.5.1. Conceiving a Style
2.5.2. Pathways and Resources
2.5.3. Combination of Techniques

2.6. Naturalistic Illustration

2.6.1. Landscape as a Means
2.6.2. Knowledge of the Environment
2.6.3. Light as Volume
2.6.4. Building a Landscape

2.7. Realistic Illustration

2.7.1. The Complexity of Realism
2.7.2. Photographic Perception
2.7.3. Construction of a Realistic Model

2.8. Cartoon Design in Procreate

2.8.1. Visual References
2.8.2. Anatomy and Body
2.8.3. The History of the Character
2.8.4. Character Development

2.9. Storyboard Creation in Procreate

2.9.1. How to Define a Storyboard
2.9.2. Phases and Elements of the Storyboard
2.9.3. Animation and Storyboard

2.10. Other Apps to Illustrate on iPad

2.10.1. Why is it Important to Compare Applications?
2.10.2. Vector Illustration on iPad
2.10.3. Bitmap Illustration on iPad
2.10.4. 3D Illustration on iPad
2.10.5. Professional Illustration Apps on iPad

Module 3. Digital Storytelling Applied to Illustration

3.1. How to Translate Digital Storytelling to Illustration?

3.1.1. Digital Storytelling
3.1.2. The Art of Storytelling
3.1.3. Available Resources

3.2. Cyberculture and Digital Art

3.2.1. The Cyberculture of the New Century
3.2.2. Culture Applied to Technology
3.2.3. Successful Illustrators in the Digital Environment

3.3. Narrative Illustration

3.3.1. Telling a Story
3.3.2. Script and Refinement
3.3.3. Continuity
3.3.4. Other Narrative Elements

3.4. Illustration and Semiotics

3.4.1. Semiology in the field of illustration
3.4.2. Symbology as a resource
3.4.3. The Syntax of the Image

3.5. Graphics that Speak for Themselves

3.5.1. Delete Text
3.5.2. Graphic Expression
3.5.3. Drawing with a Speech in Mind
3.5.4. Children's Drawing as a Paradigm

3.6. Digital Storytelling as a Didactic Resource

3.6.1. Narrative Development
3.6.2. The Hypertext Environment
3.6.3. The Multimedia Environment

3.7. The power of storytelling

3.7.1. Leveraging Storytelling
3.7.2. Discourse Management
3.7.3. Complementary Actions
3.7.4. Application of Nuances

3.8. Key Trends in Illustration

3.8.1. Successful Artists
3.8.2. Visual Styles that Have Made History
3.8.3. Copying or Defining your Own Style?
3.8.4. Potential Customer Demand

3.9. Storytelling Techniques for Visual Enhancement

3.9.1. The Visual Storytelling
3.9.2. Harmony and Contrast
3.9.3. Connectivity with the Story
3.9.4. Visual Allegories

3.10. Narrative Visual Identity of a Character

3.10.1. The Identification of a Character
3.10.2. Behavior and Gestures
3.10.3. Autobiography
3.10.4. Graphic Discourse and Projection Support

Module 4. Editorial Illustration

4.1. Thinking About the Media Support

4.1.1. Editorial Design and Illustration
4.1.2. Available Formats
4.1.3. Digital Printing or Digital Exporting?
4.1.4. Hierarchy and Text

4.2. Literary Accompaniment

4.2.1. Text Dictates Graphics
4.2.2. How Can We Illustrate What We Read?
4.2.3. What Aesthetics Are Most Appropriate?

4.3. Editorial Illustration Techniques

4.3.1. The Editorial Technique
4.3.2. Technical Considerations
4.3.3. Beyond the Image

4.4. Graphic Humor

4.4.1. The Graphic Comic Strip
4.4.2. Humor and Illustration
4.4.3. Expression and Criticism
4.4.4. Means and Resources

4.5. Relationship between Text and Image

4.5.1. Typography in Illustration
4.5.2. Typography as an Image
4.5.3. Creative Typography
4.5.4. Hierarchy between Text and Image

4.6. Magazine Illustration

4.6.1. The Magazine as a Media Support
4.6.2. Why Illustrate in a Magazine?
4.6.3. Formats and Technical Specifications
4.6.4. The Final Finishing

4.7. Illustration in Catalogs or Brochures

4.7.1. The Catalog and its Graphic Applications
4.7.2. Graphic Identity of Printed Media
4.7.3. Creative Possibilities
4.7.4. Paper Engineering

4.8. Illustration in Books and Novels

4.8.1. The Graphic Novel
4.8.2. The Degree of Discretion
4.8.3. Illustration in Children's Stories

4.9. Illustration in Press

4.9.1. Graphical Simplicity
4.9.2. Spaces for Illustration
4.9.3. Great References
4.9.4. The Graphic Controversy

4.10. Printed Digital Illustration

4.10.1. Pre-Printing Considerations
4.10.2. Testing and Comparison
4.10.3. Inks and Color Reproduction
4.10.4. Simulate a Traditional Technique on Paper

Module 5. Illustration and Animation

5.1. Animation as an Illustrative Support

5.1.1. Drawing to Animate
5.1.2. First Sketches
5.1.3. Approaches and Final Arts
5.1.4. Movement Illustration

5.2. The Sophistication of Animation

5.2.1. Technology in the Field of Animation
5.2.2. Keys to Animate Elements
5.2.3. New Methods and Techniques

5.3. Paradigms of Success in Animation

5.3.1. Recognition of Success
5.3.2. The Best Animation Studios
5.3.3. Visual Trends
5.3.4. Short and Feature Films

5.4. Current Technology in Animation

5.4.1. What do We Need to Animate an Illustration?
5.4.2. Software Available to Animate
5.4.3. Bringing a Character and a Scenario to Life

5.5. Conceptualization of an Animated Story

5.5.1. The Graphic Concept
5.5.2. The Script and the Storyboard
5.5.3. Shape Modeling
5.5.4. Technical Development

5.6. Illustration Applied to an Advertising Campaign

5.6.1. Advertising Illustration
5.6.2. References
5.6.3. What Do We Want to Tell?
5.6.4. Transferring Ideas to Digital Media

5.7. Graphical Synthesis

5.7.1. Less is More
5.7.2. Illustrating with Subtlety
5.7.3. Geometry in Illustration

5.8. Design of a 2D Animation Story

5.8.1. 2D Illustration
5.8.2. Technical Considerations in 2D Animation
5.8.3. 2D Storytelling
5.8.4. 2D Scenarios

5.9. Design of a 3D Animation Story

5.9.1. 3D Illustration
5.9.2. Technical Considerations in 3D Animation
5.9.3. Volume and Modeling
5.9.4. Perspective in 3D Animation

5.10. The Art of Simulating 3D with 2D

5.10.1. Visual Perception in Animation
5.10.2. Textures in Animation
5.10.3. Light and Volume
5.10.4. Visual References

Module 6. Professional Illustration for Comics

6.1. Comic as a Means of Expression

6.1.1. The Comic as a Support for Graphic Communication
6.1.2. The Design of Visual Comics
6.1.3. Color Reproduction in Comics

6.2. Comic Techniques and Evolution

6.2.1. The Beginnings of Comics
6.2.2. Graphic Evolution
6.2.3. The Narrative Motifs
6.2.4. The Representation of Elements

6.3. Formal Thinking

6.3.1. The Structure of a Comic
6.3.2. Storytelling
6.3.3. Character Design
6.3.4. Scenario Design
6.3.5. Discourse of the Scenes

6.4. The Superhero Genre

6.4.1. The Superhero Comic
6.4.2. The Marvel Comics Case
6.4.3. The DC Comics Case
6.4.4. Visual Design

6.5. The Fantasy and Adventure Genre

6.5.1. The Fantasy Genre
6.5.2. Fantastic Character Design
6.5.3. Resources and Visual References

6.6. Comics in Asia

6.6.1. Visual Principles of Illustration in Asia
6.6.2. Calligraphy Design in the East
6.6.3. The Visual Storytelling of Comics
6.6.4. Eastern Graphic Design

6.7. Manga Technical Development

6.7.1. Manga Design
6.7.2. Formal Aspects and Structure
6.7.3. Storytelling and Storyboarding

6.8. Relationship between Manga and Anime

6.8.1. Animation in Japan
6.8.2. Anime Characteristics
6.8.3. The Anime Design Process
6.8.4. Visual Techniques in Anime

6.9. Comics in Digital Media

6.9.1. The Comic Through the Screen
6.9.2. Animation of a Comic
6.9.3. Color Balance and Visual Codes
6.9.4. Graphic Structure and Formats

6.10. Project: Design of a Personalized Comic

6.10.1. Defining the Objectives
6.10.2. The Story to be Developed
6.10.3. Characters and Performers
6.10.4. Scenario Design
6.10.5. Formats

Module 7. Concept Art

7.1. What is Concept Art?

7.1.1. Definition and Use of the Concept
7.1.2. Application of Concept Art to New Media
7.1.3. Digital Development of Concept Art

7.2. Color and Digital Composition

7.2.1. Digital Painting
7.2.2. Libraries and Color Palettes
7.2.3. Digital Coloring
7.2.4. Textures Application

7.3. Traditional Sculpting Techniques

7.3.1. Illustration Brought to Sculpture
7.3.2. Sculpting Modeling Techniques
7.3.3. Textures and Volume
7.3.4. Sculptural Project

7.4. 3D Painting and Texturing

7.4.1. Painting in 3D Design
7.4.2. Natural and Artificial Textures in 3D
7.4.3. Practical Case: Realism in Video Games

7.5. Character and Cartoon Modeling

7.5.1. Definition of a 3D Character
7.5.2. Software to Be Used
7.5.3. Technical Support
7.5.4. Tools Used

7.6. Object and Scenario Definition

7.6.1. Illustration Scenario
7.6.2. Scenario Design in Isometric Projection
7.6.3. Complementary Objects
7.6.4. Decoration of the Environment

7.7. Cinematographic Language

7.7.1. Animated Movies
7.7.2. Visual Graphic Resources
7.7.3. Motion Graphics
7.7.4. Real Image vs. Computer Animation

7.8. Retouching and Aesthetic Enhancement

7.8.1. Common Mistakes in 3D Design
7.8.2. Offering a Higher Degree of Realism
7.8.3. Technical Specifications

7.9. 3D Project Simulation

7.9.1. Volumetric Design
7.9.2. Space and Movement
7.9.3. The Visual Aesthetics of the Elements
7.9.4. The Final Touches

7.10. Artistic Direction of a Project

7.10.1. Artistic Direction Functions
7.10.2. Product Analysis
7.10.3. Technical Considerations
7.10.4. Project Evaluation

Module 8. Illustration and Lettering

8.1. Lettering Resurgence

8.1.1. Lettering and Typography
8.1.2. Lettering Evolution
8.1.3. Creating Lettering Purpose
8.1.4. Lettering Basis

8.2. Typography as an Illustration

8.2.1. The Letter as an Image
8.2.2. Typography as an Identity
8.2.3. Corporate Image and Typography

8.3. Design of a Typeface Family

8.3.1. Typographic Anatomy
8.3.2. Design of a Typography Quad
8.3.3. Technical Aspects
8.3.4. Decorative Elements

8.4. Calligraphy, Lettering and Typography

8.4.1. Calligraphy in Design
8.4.2. Lettering Legibility
8.4.3. The New Typography

8.5. Conceptualization and Drawing of the Letter

8.5.1. Professional Lettering Design
8.5.2. Convert Letters to Images
8.5.3. The Stroke of a Typographic Alphabet

8.6. Lettering and Advertising

8.6.1. Typography in Advertising
8.6.2. Product Promotion through Text
8.6.3. Visual Impact
8.6.4. Persuasion Through Marketing

8.7. Typography in the Corporate Environment

8.7.1. Corporate Identity through Images
8.7.2. Create an Identity without a Logo
8.7.3. Color and Typographic Aesthetics
8.7.4. Final Finishing and Other Effects

8.8. Typography in the Digital Environment

8.8.1. Typography in Mobile Applications
8.8.2. Typography in Advertising Banners
8.8.3. Typography in the Web Environment

8.9. Typography in Animation

8.9.1. Animated Graphics
8.9.2. Animation Guidelines for Working with Typefaces
8.9.3. Effects and Technical Considerations
8.9.4. Aesthetic References

8.10. Social Networks Lettering Design

8.10.1. Current User Preferences in Social Networks
8.10.2. The Display of Content on the Platforms
8.10.3. Cultural Exchange
8.10.3. Lettering on Social Networks

Module 9. Illustration in Fashion Design

9.1. Fashion Marketing

9.1.1. The Structure of the Fashion Market
9.1.2. Research and Planning
9.1.3. Fashion Promotion
9.1.4. Branding Applied to Fashion

9.2. The Role of the Illustrator in Fashion

9.2.1. The Premises of the Digital Illustrator
9.2.2. Illustration in the Field of Fashion
9.2.3. The Development of Fashion through Design

9.3. Creative Techniques Focused on Fashion

9.3.1. Art in the Creative Process
9.3.2. Positioning in Fashion Markets
9.3.3. The Fashion Product and the Brand
9.3.4. Macrotrends and Microtrends

9.4. Visual Development of a Fashion Piece

9.4.1. Sketches in Fashion Design
9.4.2. Visual References in Fashion
9.4.3. Experimental Techniques
9.4.4. Color and Fabric

9.5. Aesthetics in Fashion

9.5.1. Trends in Fashion Design
9.5.2. Avant-Garde in Fashion Design
9.5.3. Inspiration for Illustrating Fashion Products
9.5.4. Inclusive Design in Fashion

9.6. Industrial Development

9.6.1. Technical Considerations for Design
9.6.2. Production in Fashion
9.6.3. Impression Techniques

9.7. Illustrating on the Support

9.7.1. Illustration on Complex Supports
9.7.2. Fashion Inspired by Painting
9.7.3. Artistic Production

9.8. World References in Fashion Design

9.8.1. The Great Designers
9.8.2. The Great Contribution of Illustration
9.8.3. Fashion in Magazine Layout
9.8.4. Impact Through Color

9.9. Stamping Design

9.9.1. Stamping on the Piece
9.9.2. The Application of Graphic Design
9.9.3. Pattern Design
9.9.4. Haute Couture

9.10. Project: Fashion Collection Design

9.10.1. Prototype Objectives
9.10.2. Design Principles to Illustrate the Product
9.10.3. Sketches and Illustration
9.10.4. Packaging in Fashion Design
9.10.5. Production and Distribution

Module 10. Techniques and Procedures in Illustration

10.1. Application of 20th Century Aesthetics

10.1.1. Visual Idealism
10.1.2. Pop Art in New Media
10.1.3. Psychedelic Illustration
10.1.4. Retro Style Development

10.2. Illustration Oriented to Product Design

10.2.1. Complexity Forms
10.2.2. Retro Packaging as a Graphic Reference
10.2.3. Nordic Design
10.2.4. Visual Orientation in Packaging

10.3. Illustration on Posters

10.3.1. Poster as a Means of Communication
10.3.2. Visual Purpose of the Poster
10.3.3. New Media Applied to Posters

10.4. Illustration in the Film Genre

10.4.1. Posters in the Cinema
10.4.2. Posters in Animation
10.4.3. The Digital Industry
10.4.4. Creativity in Composition

10.5. Illustration in Audiovisual Projects

10.5.1. Illustration for Stage Projection
10.5.2. Movement Illustration
10.5.3. Illustration for Video Mapping
10.5.4. Design of Stands or Interactive Spaces

10.6. Illustration in the the Labor Market

10.6.1. Preparation of Files
10.6.2. Delivery of Products
10.6.3. Contact with the Printer or Suppliers
10.6.4. Meeting with the Client
10.6.5. The Final Budget

10.7. Illustration Oriented to Signage

10.7.1. Universal Iconography
10.7.2. Inclusive Signage
10.7.3. Study of Symbols
10.7.4. Signage Design

10.8. Illustration in the the UX Design

10.8.1. Guidelines for Interface Design
10.8.2. Infographics Design
10.8.3. Illustrating the Visual Style of an Interface

10.9. Creation of a Professional Portfolio

10.9.1. The Structure of the Portfolio
10.9.2. Classification of Works
10.9.3. Illustration and Layout of the Portfolio
10.9.4. Materials and Complements

10.10. Project: Design of an Illustrated Album

10.10.1. Presentation of the Project
10.10.2. Project Objectives
10.10.3. Theme of the Project
10.10.4. Visual Development of the Project
10.10.5. Final Arts and Finishing

You will master the formats and technical specifications required for professional, high-impact editorial illustration”