SKETCH SMART
SHORTCUT YOUR WAY TO KILLER ILLUSTRATIONS
with Lee White
THE PROBLEM:
DO YOU SPEND HOURS ON YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS ONLY TO HAVE THEM NOT WORK OUT?
A lot of artists assume the problem is their drawing ability.
But the real issue usually happens much earlier.
The composition isn’t clear.
The values compete with each other.
The focal point gets lost.
So artists keep rendering, adjusting, and repainting… trying to fix something that was never designed well in the first place.
Strong illustrations start with a solid process in place combined with strong design.
If you dream of making your illustrations better and in less time, then you have come to the right place!
Making a good illustratIon
isn’t about drawing better
It’s about making better decisions.
In this class you'll learn how professional illustrators approach an image before the rendering even begins.
You’ll learn how to simplify your ideas, design stronger compositions, and guide the viewer’s eye through the picture.
Instead of hoping an illustration works, you’ll know why it works.
what you will learn!
• A simple step-by-step approach for your work
• Design clear compositions that read instantly
• Use simple value structures to control focus
• Build illustrations around strong visual paths
• Simplify complex ideas into strong shapes
• Turn rough sketches into confident finished images
here’s what you’ll get
LIve Q&A and draw overs
Throughout the workshop we’ll gather for relaxed live sessions where you can ask questions, share what you're working on, and get guidance as your scene takes shape.
Guided Video Lessons
A collection of thoughtfully paced lessons you can return to anytime. We’ll move through the full process together, from thumbnail to color comp.
A Step by step approach
This class is built as a step-by-step system you can use on every illustration. You’ll move through each stage of the process—from the first idea to the final image—learning how to make better design decisions at every step.
A Community of ARtists
You won’t be drawing alone. Inside the class space you’ll be able to share progress, exchange ideas, and cheer one another on. Often the most magical part of the workshop is seeing what hte other students come up with!
Sketch smart Syllabus
Week 1
Intro
Getting Started
Simple Notan Techniques
Mastering 5 Value Tonal studies
Tricks for Working with Photo Reference
Design Techniques for Composition
and Cropping
Week 2
How to Control Emphasis with Design
Color Study Techniques 1
Color Study Techniuqes 2
Color Study Techniques 3
Working with Gradient Maps
Wrap Up
Livestream schedule
Sat May 2
9am PDT
Welcome + Week 1 Videos
Tue May 5
5pm PDT
Live Session
Thu May 7
9am PDT
Live Session
Sat May 9
5pm PDT
Live Session + Week 2 Videos
Tue May 12
9am PDT
Live Session
Thu May 14
5pm PDT
Live Session
Sat May 16
9am PDT
Wrap Up!
“This class totally changed everything for me! my process is so much smoother now and the end result is amazing! I’ve never seen this content anywhere else”
— Will Laney, Student 2025
Meet Lee
Lee White is a professional illustrator and author who has illustrated more than 25 children’s books for publishers including Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, and Little, Brown. His work blends strong design, expressive color, and a deep love of visual storytelling.
In addition to his publishing work, Lee is a co-founder of SVSLearn, where he has taught thousands of artists how to improve their illustration skills through clear processes and practical techniques. His classes focus on the decisions that make images work—design, composition, value, and storytelling.
Lee is also the co-host of the popular illustration podcast 3 Point Perspective. Through his books, classes, and workshops, his goal is simple: help artists create stronger images and build sustainable creative careers.
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Once purchased you will have access for 2 months to the class content
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The Sketch Smart Workshop is for both beginner and experienced artists. It's designed to be a resource you can revisit as you build your skills. Advanced artists and professionals can apply the techniques immediately to enhance their work, across many forms of visual art. It is adaptable to whatever kind of work you want to make.
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New class starts May 2. 2026. The first set of lessons will be released during Week 1 and the second set during Week 2.
During this time you can work on the assignments any time you like. There will be live feedback sessions every other day.
Class ends on May 16, 2026. -
There will be 10 lessons with each one designed to take around an hour or two to complete. Since this class is about process, most images will focus on principles and not finished work. The class is divided into two separate weeks with 5 lessons and assignments per week. Students can complete the work any time they want during the week.
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No, the Sketch Smart Workshop and the SVSLearn subscription have very different formats and goals. Sketch Smart is designed as a focused, 2-week program with multiple live sessions for students to ask instructors questions. SVSLearn, on the other hand, is geared toward building general illustration skills through self-directed learning.
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If you're not already a member of SVSLearn, a student account will automatically be created for you upon enrollment. This is where you'll access the class content, livestream details, and private group chat. Please note that the lessons will be released in two batches over the course of the class. You can do the lessons at your own pace, and you'll have the opportunity to join multiple livestreams with the instructor to ask any questions you may have.
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Most likely! This workshop includes multiple livestreams, where the instructor will answer questions and discuss common challenges students face. While the instructor often provides spot critiques, he may not be able to critique every student individually each session due to time and cost. Generally most students struggle with similar things. So the instructor can solve the problem for most students by highlighting a cross section of paintings and demos.
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The class is structured over 2 weeks, but you can take as much time as you need to complete it. Some sections, like certain painting techniques, may take longer than others, so the overall pace will vary from person to person. You'll have access to the content for 2 months after the class is over, so we encourage you to go at your own speed and focus on creating your best work.
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100% refund if canceled by the first day of class.50% refund if canceled by the third day of class.
No refunds after the third day of class.
But you’ll love it so much you won’t need one!
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Photoshop, Procreate, or ClipStudio all work great. The techniques do work for traditional media, but that makes it a little harder. The class is taught using Photoshop.