You want to learn to draw cartoons…

Before I started I was of the opinion, that at the most I can copy some easy drawings in acrylic if the process is shown step by step. I never thought, I could draw cartoons or I could have my own ideas.

Therefore I would say: don’t worry if you think you are not good at drawing. If you are interested in it, that’s enough. Trust the process. Make mistakes and learn from them. I never would have thought, that mistakes are that important.

I nearly forgot to mention that I started using my own cartoons much earlier than I ever thought for my blog.

I can’t describe Alison as a teacher because a great teacher cannot be described in words. Their mentoring has to be experienced. Alison’s teaching methods and feedback loops are outstanding. She’s very precise to point out where and how you can improve, but you don’t feel judged. She is highly encouraging and adept at advancing you from one stage to the next.

Alison is flat-out amazing as a teacher. I would describe her as exceptionally focused, insightful, committed, informed, and articulate. She helped me to connect with my vision, take chances, and grow as an artist. To say that I feel lucky to be her student is an understatement.

Alison has the balance spot-on when it comes to creating a course. The instructions are specific enough that you're in no doubt what you need to do, but with enough leeway to allow you to interpret the assignment in your own way.

Alison is a fantastic teacher. She gives you the exact feedback you need. It's extraordinary how quick she sees what you need. Not only technically but also mentally. When there is something people struggle with, she creates an insightful video which helps you go on. She's a great and skillfull mentor!

To anyone who thinks he or she can't draw I would say that they just forgot how to draw. That I experienced in a group of about 20 people (on the Da Vinci course), everyone made huge steps. Drawing is a skill that can be (re)learned without any doubt.

That course is great if you want to illustrate your own ebooks and blog articles. If you want to help your customers 'see' what you mean instead of only saying or writing it. It's also great for people who want to experience the feeling they used to have while drawing as a child. It's kind of meditative. A wonderful break in the day.

Alison is not only an excellent teacher but a great coach. She creates video, provides examples and has a wealth of cartooning knowledge and techniques to share. She is super positive and approachable.

Drawing is not a magical gift only some people possess. Drawing is a skill anyone can learn. You only become good through practice and consistent effort. But like any course or new endeavour, you have to make time to do the work.

I really struggled with creating my own characters. I was afraid I had no imagination, and that I would end up being totally derivative and just copying forever.

But the turning point came for me when I started illustrating my daily emails and that was a game changer. It meant I never ran out of ideas and I developed deeper, more interesting characters.

Everyone learns at a different pace, and some are better at some things than others — but everyone alongside me has learned to draw good cartoons in their own style.