Fundamentals of Environment Design

Discover the Art of Stunning Environment Design
Join us for a transformative 10-week online workshop with Donna Johnson, an accomplished freelance illustrator and MTM graduate. In this course, you’ll learn to design breathtaking environments, master digital painting techniques, and create portfolio-worthy artwork under Donna’s mentorship.

With small class sizes (max 16 students), personalized feedback, and recorded sessions, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to refine your skills and grow as an artist.

Course Overview
This workshop takes you step-by-step through the fundamentals of environment design, from foundational concepts to final polished artwork:

Week 1: Composition and Value Control
Learn to lead the viewer’s eye through your compositions and use value to create dynamic, engaging scenes.

Week 2: Thinking in Big Shapes
Master the art of simplifying complex details into bold, clear shapes for stronger designs.

Week 3: Perspective and Depth
Dive into one-, two-, and three-point perspective, and create depth in your environments.

Week 4: Colour Harmony
Explore colour theory and learn how to create balanced and impactful palettes.

Week 5: Lighting Basics
Understand light and shadow, and learn techniques for creating atmosphere and mood.

Week 6: The Digital Painting Process
Gain insights into efficient workflows for digital painting, from planning to execution.

Week 7: Thumbnailing and Iteration
Refine your design ideas through iterative thumbnail sketches and experiment with colour.

Week 8: Painting Techniques
Learn advanced brushwork, texture application, and layer organization.

Week 9: Layer Modes and Final Touches
Discover how to use layer modes to enhance your artwork and bring your environments to life.

Week 10: Presentation and Critiques
Share your final project, receive critiques, and celebrate your progress as a class.

What You’ll Gain:

• A deep understanding of environment design principles.
• Techniques for thumbnailing, lighting, and digital painting.
• A finished environment piece to showcase in your portfolio.
• One-on-one feedback and critiques from Donna.

Meet Donna Johnson
Donna is a recent graduate of MTM with professional experience in colour keys, card game illustration, and background design. Her passion for teaching stems from her time tutoring classmates and witnessing their growth. She’s excited to share her knowledge and help you take your skills to the next level!

Reserve Your Spot

There are still a few spots available in this workshop. Anyone who registers after the first class (January 21st) will receive all class recordings & can attend classes going forward.

Questions? Contact workshops@maxthemutt.com