Fashion Design Illustration Technique for Beginners

In this self-paced fashion illustration technique class, you’ll learn how to sketch a summer dress using a cropped fashion croquis (fashion design figure). Whether you choose to use your own croquis or the one provided, I’ll guide you step-by-step in creating your design. From drawing guidelines and rough sketches to fabric folds, flow, and essential fashion sketch techniques, you’ll build your skills in no time.

This class covers the basics of dress design, including how to add a clean outline, coloring, shading, highlighting, and prints/patterns. As many students are working digitally, I will demonstrate using Procreate for digital design, but you’re welcome to work in your preferred medium—whether traditional or digital.

All lessons are embedded in Nearpod, and no account is required to participate. Join now and enhance your fashion sketching skills!

Aligns with NCAS visual arts standards

Students will:
(NCAS: Create)
Apply elements and principles of design such as color, line, shape, balance, and unity
(NCAS: Create)
Reflect on and describe design decisions using appropriate visual arts vocabulary

Who This Course Is For:
Students interested in fashion design and accessories
Beginner to intermediate learners
Homeschool students seeking visual arts credit or enrichment
Creators who enjoy independent, guided projects

Why This Course Works:
Professional fashion design concepts made accessible
Flexible self-paced format
Encourages originality and collection thinking
Builds skills transferable to fashion illustration and design studies

Homeschool & Portfolio Use
This course supports:
Visual arts portfolio development
Creative process documentation
NCAS-aligned learning outcomes
Independent study and enrichment credit

External Resources
Students will need to use Nearpod (it’s a free online learning platform), a safe, secure space for only one learner accessing the lessons.

Materials Suggested for Traditional Art:
Fashion Croquis of choice (I have attached the one I’m using for reference, but feel free to use your own!)
Paper (Translucent Marker paper works best with markers)
Pencil/Eraser
Fine tip black Marker (I like Copic or Micron, non-bleeding ink pens)
Colored Markers and colored pencils
White gel ink pen

If working Digitally:
Fashion Croquis of choice downloaded (I have attached the one I’m using for reference, but feel free to use your own!)
Art Program of Choice
Fully charged stylus

Perfect for homeschool portfolios, independent study, or creative enrichment, this course provides a strong foundation for future fashion studies and portfolio development.

Course Format

* Self-paced video lessons
* Guided, project-based activities
* Flexible schedule with lifetime access to course materials
* Suitable for traditional or digital art tools

Pathway Note
Students can combine this course with the Fashion Accessories course to create a full fashion design pathway, developing skills from sketching garments to designing coordinated accessories.

External Resources
Students will need to use Nearpod (it’s a free online learning platform), a safe, secure space for only one learner accessing the lessons.

Start when you want.
Learn at your own pace.
6 Months of access to Lessons.

Teacher
Lori King (she/her)
B.F.A in Fashion Design
A.A.S in Illustration/Art History
A.A.S in Graphic Design
Special Effects Artist certified with CSEP
Polymer Clay Artist

Ready to explore the world of fashion design and illustration? Let’s create something amazing together!