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In week one, instructor Mike Butkus introduces the process of developing a movie poster illustration from story idea to finished drawing. You will learn how a movie poster communicates genre, mood, and dramatic visual narrative through a single image.
In week two, you will learn how instructor Mike Butkus develops early ideas for a movie poster through rough composition sketches and creature design studies. Mike builds the layout of a one-sheet poster by balancing the main character, opposing force, setting, title area, and overall visual read.
In week three, instructor Mike Butkus demonstrates how projection can be used as a professional tool for character design and movie poster illustration. You will learn why strong reference matters when building believable structure, lighting, and likeness.
In week four, you will learn how instructor Mike Butkus begins the final drawing stage of the movie poster. Mike works on a toned gessoed surface and builds a drawing that can support the later painting process.
In week five, instructor Mike Butkus continues developing the movie poster drawing by working on the creature, vehicle, and atmosphere. You will learn how Mike adapts photo reference into a believable zombie-reptile figure while keeping the design connected to the larger poster.
In week six, you will learn how instructor Mike Butkus refines the movie poster drawing by strengthening supporting elements and improving the overall design. Mike adjusts scale relationships, uses reference to keep forms believable, and develops the villain’s costume and mechanical details.v
In week seven, instructor Mike Butkus brings the drawing stage of the movie poster to a paint-ready finish. You will learn how Mike revises the image for clarity, strengthens the primary silhouettes, and incorporates story elements into the design.
Common Questions
This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced levels.
This course includes downloadable assignment PDFs, that help you practice the materials taught by instructor Mike Butkus. Keeping up with these assignments will maximize your learning outcomes.
A material PDF list is linked in each lesson under the description. Please check the file to see what you need to prepare.
Most New Masters Academy courses are designed to be done traditionally or digitally. Software changes constantly, but the fundamentals stay the same. It will be up to you to translate the information that you are learning to your software of choice.