Scott Thigpen Art
Scott Thigpen Art
Character designer and artist
 

Welcome to The Creative Pen where artists learn to transform basic shapes into their own unique style.
Join me for my virtual workshop:

“Illustrate Incredible Stories with Simple Shapes”

 
 
 
 

What is Shape Design?

Shapes are the foundation of art, and understanding shape design is essential to discovering your unique artistic style. By combining simple shapes like circles, triangles and squares, you can create powerful and captivating images that express your creativity. In this workshop, you'll learn how to leverage the potential of shapes to craft delightful artworks, regardless of your skill level. Let shapes be your guide on a creative journey!

 
 

What you’ll learn

• Understanding the basic principles of shape design and how to use them in your illustrations.

• How to use shapes to create effective compositions with live demos and exercises.

• Identifying the psychological effects of different shapes and what they can convey in your art.

• How to apply shape design techniques to your own illustrations with in class feedback and critiques.

 
 
 

What’s included
in this workshop?

  • 3 hours of teaching with in class exercises and critiques.

  • PDF workbook with all the info covered in class, plus examples and exercises for ongoing practice.

  • A link to join The Creative Pen Discord community. I will be available to give ongoing feedback and critiques for all students who join the Discord. This private space allows you to meet other creatives and share feedback amongst yourselves as well and make new friends!

  • Exclusive Photoshop brushes.

  • All for $95.00


 

Is this workshop for you?

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned artist, the concept of shape definition is an essential skill that we can all refine and develop. In this class, I will be guiding you through the process of transforming basic shapes into intricate forms, enabling you to create distinctive characters, expressive faces, and captivating environments that truly embody your artistic vision. By mastering this technique, you will discover a profound means of expressing yourself as an artist, ultimately nurturing and honing your unique creative voice. This class is for 18+ students.

 
 

Tools you’ll need to Take
This Workshop

  • Your preferred digital drawing program and pen/stylist if necessary. I will be teaching in Adobe Photoshop. (Pencil and paper is permitted, however digital is preferred).

  • Computer with internet access.

  • Free Zoom account

  • English speaking and comprehension

  • Age 18+


 

Availability and Booking

Select the date that works best for you (limit 10 students per class). More dates coming in November. Subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the page for updates on upcoming classes!

This workshop is $95.00, if you have a coupon code be sure to enter it when you check out!

 

Meet your instructor

I'm Scott, with almost 30 years in animation and illustration. I've worked with top companies like Dreamworks, Sony Animation, The Wall Street Journal, Conde Naste, Coca Cola, Harlequin Books, and McGraw-Hill. Teaching is my true passion and I’ve taught at UAB, lectured at S.C.A.D., presented at the Lightbox Animation Expo and I’ve even given a Ted Talk . Helping others thrive creatively brings me immense joy especially when the lights turn on in a student’s brain!

 
 

FAQ

What is your refund policy?

Should there be an issue where you are going to miss the class or if I have a matter to take care of that would prevent me from teaching, a full refund will be issued. Please notify me at itsthecreativepen@gmail.com, 24 hours before the class that you are going to miss (anything past that cannot be refunded).



How long is the workshop?


The full length of the class is 3 hours. This includes a 10min break.



Can I makeup/reschedule a class?


It is my hope to repeat classes on a regular basis, if you missed a class and want to make it up please email itsthecreativepen@gmail.com.


How do I join the Discord?

Click the link on the last page of the pdf workbook.


Can I share the Discord link?

We ask that you do not share any materials from the workshop including the private discord link.

 

Student Reviews


“When Scott did the review of mine and others it was so helpful! There were things I saw that I do in others work that he commented on and it really was insightful! Thank you for this class! I think it was great even as someone who “arts” every day. I often forget to go back to basics and it was a great experience to not only see massively talented and successful people go through this but also have fun with it as well.” - Hugo Lotter


I LOVED when Scott drew live and the exercises. The exercises really make you think about shapes which is perfect. The critiques were SO fun AND so helpful. The tips and tricks were REALLY helpful. I got a ton out of it and I knew a bit going in. I've always looked for shapes when drawing (it's my secret weapon too) and even I still learned a bunch of new ways to do that.” - Amy Hood


”The workbook was extremely well-laid out and provided clear visuals to accompany the lecture.” - Janelle Okumura 


I struggle with coming up with faces so the blob tutorial was worth its weight in gold. Connecting with the other artists and swapping info was also amazing. Networking is tough for me.” - Lindsey Lux Stupiça


The most valuable part was watching instructor live demos.” - Victoria Ong


I loved the environment/composition exercise we did! I learned a lot from it and I’ll definitely use it again.” - Lauren Barger


Loved this class! It really helped me think more creatively about drawing in a style as an expression, rather than just thinking literally. Plus, the tips and tricks about drawing technique that Scott offered throughout were gold." - Jen Hood


Scotts class is great for basic fundamentals in character design and shape language. Very nice handouts for the class. Scott is a very good teacher and has a lot to offer to his students! I also got to connect with other artists through the class, which is always a plus.” - Julie Grimes