Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

FASH 13 - Fashion Drawing and Illustration

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU
Unit(s)
3.00
  • Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
  • Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course will introduce students to the techniques and applications of fashion drawing and illustration: developing the fashion figure with proportion and balance, drawing a variety of garment silhouettes and rendering fabrics and textures. Techniques using a variety of color and black/white media will also be explored.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Draw the fashion (male, female, and child) figure using a variety of drawing media.
  2. Render fabric and textures in a fashion illustration.
  3. Create an effective design for visual presentation.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs
Introduction/Orientation2.00
Developing the Form3.00
Fleshing out the Figure3.00
Faces, Hands and Feet3.00
The Male Figure4.00
Children’s Proportions4.00
Drawing the Garments1.00
Fashion Silhouettes3.00
Necklines, Collars and Sleeves1.00
Blouses, Shirts and Tops1.00
Skirts and Pants1.00
Fabric Drape: Soft vs. Tailored2.00
Rendering the Fabrics2.00
Stripes, Plaids and Florals1.00
Textures1.00
Presentation Skills and Portfolio Development2.00
Total Hours:34.00

Lab

Lab topics and suggested hours
TopicsLab Hrs
Developing the Form6.00
Fleshing out the Figure6.00
Faces, Hands and Feet5.00
The Male Figure6.00
Children’s Proportions5.00
Drawing the Garments2.00
Fashion Silhouettes2.00
Necklines, Collars and Sleeves2.00
Blouses, Shirts and Tops2.00
Skirts and Pants2.00
Fabric Drape: Soft vs. Tailored2.00
Rendering the Fabrics3.00
Stripes, Plaids and Florals2.00
Textures2.00
Presentation Skills and Portfolio Development4.00
Total Hours:51.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Demonstrations
  2. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  3. Lecture
  4. Reading Assignments

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Quizzes
  2. Portfolios
  3. Projects
  4. Homework
  5. Class participation
  6. Written Assignments

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Research drawing the proportions of the fashion figure. Select and read and print an article (1 to 2 pages) covering this topic. Discuss and share in small groups.
  2. Read the chapter about fabric texture rendering in the class text. In your sketchbook practice at least 3 of the mentioned techniques. Prepare to discuss in class.

Writing Assignments

  1. Choose a fashion illustrator, either contemporary or historic, and write a 3-5 page essay on their background as it relates to art, their drawing style, and their artistic philosophy.
  2. Write a 2-3 page summary of your drawing skills gained during the course. Discuss your personal artistic philosophy/aesthetic and your preferred media.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Create a fashion drawing from a live clothed model. Use black and white media and concepts learned in class.
  2. Render a fashion drawing of your own creation. Use color media and concepts learned in class. Present this illustration to the class for critique.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Abling, B. (2019). Fashion Sketchbook. Fairchild Publications, 7th.

Other Learning Materials

Drawing Supplies

Minimum Qualifications

Family & Cons Study/Home Ec

Fashion & Related Technologies