If you are looking to draw like a professional but do not know where to start, there are sketch artist courses available online.
As far as the courses are concerned, you do not need to attend physical classes or get expensive supplies to get started.
Sketch artist online courses are easy to use, entertaining, and provide flexibility so that you can practically do everything from improving your drawing skills to lounging on your couch.
If you have always wanted to be an artist, or have always loved doodling for fun, or want to brush up your design skills, these online courses will assist you.
Unlike the random YouTube videos, these courses provide proper structure with their expert advice and a community that nurtures your development.
Sketching is not only about cool drawings; it is helpful to creativity, increases concentration levels, and is a good source of relieving stress.
The most beneficial part is that you can start at any time and from wherever you wish. Pick up a pencil or a tablet, and start turning ideas into reality!
What to Expect from Sketch Artist Online Courses
These courses are customized for each individual to gain and enhance their skill the way they prefer, whether they wish to start or to improve their art.
What You’ll Learn
Shading and Lighting: Have you ever thought about how to make your drawings appear more lifelike?
Go over how the different lighting and shadowing techniques give dimension to your drawings.
Anatomy: Have you always wanted to learn how to draw people and actually have them resemble people?
Courses that revolve around anatomy go over how the portions of the human body work together so your figures don’t end up odd looking.
Composition: Discover how to position different aspects of your sketches for the best alignment and overall aesthetic value.
How Courses Work
Like most courses taught online, these are broken down into categories of skill levels.
For beginners: Get to know the fundamentals, including drawing basic shapes, simple outlines, and how to properly hold a pencil.
Intermediate to advanced: Develop more advanced skills such as portrait creation and pencil shading techniques, as well as city sketching.
Expect video lessons, practical activities, and in some cases, input from teachers.
Sketch artist online courses provide a flexible way of learning where learners can work towards improving their skills on their terms.
Are you excited to start sketching yet?
Where you can take sketching classes online
If you want to refine your techniques or are a complete beginner, these platforms are ideal for online sketching lessons.
1. Skillshare – Quick And Fun Learning
If you prefer learning by doing, then Skillshare is ideal for you.
This platform allows you to take short classes that are interactive, fun, and include a lot of exercises so that you are able to sketch as soon as possible.
Best for: Maximalists who value creativity and prefer short lessons.
Keep in mind that courses are short and may not go in depth into every topic.
2. Udemy – Affordable With Lifetime Access
Would you like to purchase a course without paying a fortune? With Udemy, you only pay once per course, and you will have it for life. There are no subscriptions or hidden fees, unlike other platforms.
Best for: Learners who keep a strin budget but want in detail courses.
Be careful and check the reviews first, as the quality of the courses varies.
3. Coursera – University Style with Their Own Certificates
For those looking to have a more formal approach, Coursera has partnered with known universities that offer their own structured courses, and in some cases, even come with certificates.
Best for: Those who are in search of professional level training.
Watch out for some certificate courses that require a fee.
4. Domestika – Courses from renowned artists.
With a focus on creativity, Domestika has positioned itself as a go to platform for expert artists looking to teach.
The lessons are so well crafted, that every student wants to learn them. Learning doesn’t feel dull at all.
Best for: Creatives looking for professional master class quality tutorials.
Take caution as there are lots of courses offered in Spanish, but there is an option for subtitles.
5. Youtube – Infinite Educational Resources For Free
Eager to start sketching but don’t want to spend any money? YouTube provides hundreds of free tutorials from great artists.
Proko and SchaeferArt are some of the best places one can start with.
Best for: Everyone wanting to learn something without any charges.
Unfortunately, there are no lessons or certificates offered. Plus it’s totally informal.
Regardless of the platform you go for, the most important part is to practice.
Choose one, start learning and get sketching right away.
How to Select the Best Online Course for Sketch Artist
Knowing the right course for a sketch artist online will feel like trying to find the famous needle in a haystack, so many options to choose from!
Here’s how to simplify the process and land a course that suits you best.
1. What’s Your Skill Level?
Just starting out?
If you are just starting, start looking for beginner courses that offer the fundamentals of the craft such as pencil grip, shade, and basic shape drawing.
Got some experience? Look out for courses meant for skill enhancement and those that delve into style experimentation, portraiture, landscape, and figure drawing.
Already advanced? Go for courses that challenge you with complex techniques, unique styles, or advanced subjects like urban sketching.
2. Does the Instructor Know Their Stuff?
Check their portfolio—do you like their drawing style?
Read student reviews and discover if their lessons are fully engaging and simple to follow.
Some teachers lean heavily on the theory with little practical implication, while some focus solely on the practical aspect—find what suits you the most.
3. What’s in the Course?
Look at the course outline—does it cover what you actually want to learn?
Are you considering sketching using a conventional pencil or a tablet?
Ensure the course addresses your preferences.
Are there any clear learning outcomes? By the end, you should know what new skills you will have acquired.
4. Check the Reviews
Past students are the best people to consult when it comes to figuring out if a course is useful and easy to follow: check their reviews.
Usually, a high rating indicates a high-quality course, but make sure the description meets your requirements.
5. Will you get a certificate?
If you’re looking to add a new skill to your CV, consider those courses that offer certification (like Coursera).
If you simply want to learn, courses without certifications (like Skillshare or YouTube) are perfectly fine
Strategies for Maximizing Your Online Sketching Course Experience
Here’s how to ensure that you improve and have fun throughout the course:
1. Sketch Often (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It!)
The only way to get better is to practice regularly.
Set a routine—maybe 30 minutes a day or a few times a week.
Some days will be messy, and that’s okay! Progress happens when you keep going.
2. Use Tools That Feel Right for You
Paper and Pencils? Grab a few good pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B) and a sketchbook you love.
Going Digital? A drawing tablet (like Wacom or Huion) plus software like Procreate or Photoshop is a great combo.
Not Sure? Try both and see what clicks!
3. Connect with Other Artists
Join online art groups (Discord, Reddit, DeviantArt) where you can share your work, get feedback, and stay inspired.
Art is more fun when you’re not doing it alone!
4. Draw What You Love
Don’t just follow the lessons—sketch things that excite you!
Fan art, portraits, doodles, landscapes—whatever makes you want to pick up that pencil.
Try challenges like Inktober to push yourself.
5. Keep Track of Your Progress
Save your old sketches!
Looking back at them in a few months will show you just how much you’ve improved.
Keep a physical or digital sketchbook to see your growth.
6. Be Patient and Keep Experimenting
Sketching takes time. Some drawings won’t turn out great, and that’s totally normal.
Try new techniques, play with different styles, and most importantly—have fun with it!
Bonus Tip: Watch all your course lessons, actually do the assignments, and ask for feedback. The more engaged you are, the more you’ll learn!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best beginner-friendly sketch artist online courses?
If you’re just starting out, The Art and Science of Drawing by Brent Eviston is a great introduction to sketching fundamentals.
Proko’s courses also offer fun, easy-to-follow lessons on figure drawing.
2. How much do online sketching courses cost?
Prices vary widely.
Free resources are available on YouTube and CreativeLive, while Udemy and Skillshare courses typically range from $10 to $200.
Premium platforms like Domestika and Proko offer more specialized training, usually between $50 and $200.
3. Can I become a professional sketch artist only through online learning?
Yes!
Many artists develop professional skills through online courses, but success requires dedication, consistent practice, and a strong portfolio.
Networking and real-world experience will also help you stand out.
4. Is certification necessary for sketch artists?
No, a strong portfolio is more important than certification.
However, certifications can be useful in specific industries like teaching or animation.
5. What are the best free sketching courses available?
YouTube channels like Proko and The Drawing Database offer great tutorials.
CreativeLive has free live classes, and Drawspace provides beginner-friendly lessons.
Ctrl+Paint is excellent for digital drawing.
6. What materials do I need to start sketching?
A pencil, eraser, and sketchbook are enough to start.
For digital sketching, a tablet (like an iPad or Wacom) and drawing software like Procreate or Photoshop work well.
7. How long does it take to get good at sketching?
With regular practice, noticeable improvement can happen in a few months.
Mastery takes years, but the key is consistency and enjoying the process.
8. Are online courses better than in-person classes?
Online courses offer flexibility and affordability, while in-person classes provide real-time feedback. It depends on your learning style.
9. Can I make money as a sketch artist?
Yes!
You can take commissions, sell artwork online, teach courses, or create content for platforms like YouTube and Etsy.
10. How do I stay motivated while learning sketching?
Set small goals, sketch daily, join art communities, and try drawing challenges. Progress takes time—just keep practicing and have fun!
Conclusion
Becoming a great sketch artist is a journey, and online courses make it easier than ever to learn at your own pace.
Whether you’re just picking up a pencil or looking to sharpen your skills, there’s a course out there for you.
The secret? Find a course that excites you, practice a little every day, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s how you grow! Join art communities, get feedback, and most importantly, have fun with it.
Sketching is all about expression, so grab your tools, start learning, and enjoy the process. You’ve got this!