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Digital Illustration Fundamentals- Character Design and Digital Workflow Workshop

Event Description

LEARN Digital Illustration Fundamentals- Character Design and Digital Workflow Workshop

Digital Art Fundamentals

Date: Thursday, January 26
Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Cupid’s Corner Pop Up Shop, 786 Main Street, Willimantic
Host: Project Imo / Idea Forge Studios
Ages: 16+
Cost: Free (Ticket Required)
Capacity: Extremely Limited Seating

Join us for this exciting part of our Romantic Willimantic and Chocolate Fest celebrations in February.

This hands-on workshop introduces participants to digital illustration and character design using professional-grade tools and workflows. Designed for beginner digital artists with some illustration background or intermediate users of digital design software, this session walks step-by-step through how illustrators see, simplify, and construct characters from reference to finished color.

Participants will work in Procreate on iPads, using Apple Pencil or compatible stylus tools. Project Imo will provide four iPad Pro devices for participants who do not have their own. RSVP is required and will ask whether you are bringing your own device or need to reserve one of the studio units.

What You Can Expect

  • A guided, start-to-finish character illustration workflow

  • Understanding illustration as an act of seeing, not just drawing

  • Breaking references down into basic shapes and forms

  • Building dynamic poses using skeletons over shapes

  • Layer-based workflows in Procreate:

    • Sketch layers

    • Ink layers

    • Color and adjustment layers

  • Using layers intentionally for flexibility and revision

  • Intro to designing with print in mind, even when working digitally

  • Real-world tips drawn from professional illustration and production experience

This workshop is intentionally paced and structured, but participants without any illustration background should expect a learning curve. The goal is clarity, not perfection.

Deeper Dive: How the Process Works

Rather than starting with “how to draw a character,” this workshop focuses on how illustrators think. Participants will learn how experienced artists translate what they see into simplified, buildable visual information.

We’ll start with references and discuss how to:

  • Identify core shapes that define form and weight

  • Establish balance and movement before detail

  • Create readable poses using simple skeletal structures

  • Refine sketches into clean line work

  • Apply color with intention using digital tools

Along the way, we’ll talk about how digital illustration overlaps with print, product design, publishing, and storytelling, connecting art skills to real creative and professional pathways.

Instructor Bio

This workshop is led by Jay Hyland, Executive Director of Project Imo and a seasoned illustrator and designer. Jay is the creator of original story worlds including Stars of Sibrasus and Sky Isles of Seorsus, blending character design, worldbuilding, and narrative illustration. Jay started Idea Forge Games to launch fundraising game design for continued community programming support.

Earlier in his career, Jay developed character design for commercial and branded projects. Today, his work focuses on education, youth creative pathways, and helping emerging artists build strong fundamentals that translate across mediums.

Jay also leads creative programming through Project Imo’s Idea Forge Studios, where illustration, media, fabrication, and storytelling intersect.

Call to Action

RSVP is required and space is extremely limited.
Reserve your seat early and indicate whether you will bring your own iPad or need to use one of the provided devices.

This workshop is ideal for:

  • Emerging illustrators

  • Digital artists transitioning from traditional media

  • Designers looking to strengthen character fundamentals

  • Creatives curious about Procreate workflows

About Project Imo & Idea Forge Studios

Project Imo is a Connecticut-based educational nonprofit advancing hands-on learning, creative skill-building, and youth career development. Through its public Idea Forge Studios, Project Imo provides access to professional tools, mentorship, and community-centered creative education for teens and adults alike.

Workshops like this reflect Project Imo’s mission to make high-quality creative learning accessible, demystify professional workflows, and connect artistic practice to real-world opportunity.

Be a hero. Join us for this digital illustration workshop in lovely downtown Willimantic CT.

February 26, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Free

Tickets

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Venue

Cupid’s Corner Pop-Up Shop

786 Main Street
Willimantic, CT 06226 United States

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Organized By

Project Imo

Willimantic Renaissance, Inc.

Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Fest

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Know Before You Go!

Nope! A digital copy on your phone is perfectly fine. Just have it ready at check-in for a quick scan. We would gladly accept 

Project Imo and the Idea Forge Creators Space strive to offer high-quality events and workshops for our community. To ensure fair access and responsible planning, we’ve established the following refund policy:

Ticket Purchases

  • All ticket sales are final unless otherwise stated on the event listing.

  • Refunds may be issued if a written request is received at least 7 days before the event date.

  • Refunds requested within 7 days of the event are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • A processing fee may be deducted to cover platform costs (e.g., PayPal fees).

How Refunds Are Processed

  • Refunds will be issued to the original payment method (usually via PayPal).

  • For in-person registrations paid by cash or check, refunds will be issued by check within 14 business days.

  • Requests must be sent to [insert email] and include:

    • Your full name

    • The event name

    • Proof of purchase

If We Cancel or Reschedule
If an event is canceled or rescheduled by Project Imo, you will receive:

  • A full refund, or

  • The option to transfer your registration to a future event (upon request)

Parking is available at right outside the entrance of our main location.

Street parking may be limited on Main street, so always recommend arriving early or carpooling when possible.

We offer a few light refreshments, including a Keurig station, a water dispenser, and occasional snacks.

However, we do not provide full meals. For most events, you’re welcome to eat beforehand or bring your own food, unless otherwise noted in the event description. If outside food isn’t allowed for a specific program, we’ll be sure to mention it clearly.

Please bring your ticket (digital or printed), a valid ID, and any personal items you may need.

Some events may require specific materials, these will be noted clearly in the event description if needed. If you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out before attending!

Unless otherwise stated, all events/workshops are intended for adults ages 18 and up.

If an event is family-friendly or open to younger participants, that information will be clearly noted in the event description.

Yes and we encourage it!

You can add multiple tickets at checkout and enter details for each attendee. We highly recommend inviting your friends, coworkers, or creative crew to join you. Events are more fun when shared, and it makes for a great group outing or even a unique gift experience.

Yes, just email us at TeamImo@Projectimo.org with the full name and email of the new attendee at least 48 hours before the event.  Best option would to also copy that person on the email you send.

Use the contact form below or email us directly at TeamImo@projectimo.org. We’re happy to help!

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