4-Week Workshop on
Layout & Background
With Katrina Darby
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MEET YOUR MENTOR
ABOUT
Katrina Darby is an American layout & background artist living in Toronto, Canada. Her passion for art began when she realized she could bring images to life using crayons and finger painting.
Over time, she discovered that creating backgrounds became her favourite way to express emotion. She can manipulate elements like lighting and hidden details to convey her feelings and tell deeper stories.
She has always been inspired by the atmospheric backgrounds in productions such as Steven Universe and Into the Spider-Verse as well as the art of renowned concept artists.
These influences have significantly shaped her style and deepened her love for creating immersive, emotionally charged environments.
Instagram ID: Katshina
ARTWORKS BY KATRINA DARBY
ARTWORKS BY KATRINA DARBY
layout
layout
Layouts are the structural component of any animated film, TV Show or web series, as it represent the overall background of a particular scene shown in any animated movie or show. A layout artist's role is to understand the concept of a film and to create layouts according to the whole idea of the film.
Background Paint
Background paint is a step-up in painting the layouts, which the layout artist has drawn; this is a crucial process as the paint artist must have a good understanding of values and colours.
Workshop Curriculum
Week 1: Learn different types of perspective and explore early composition ideas through simple thumbnailing.
Week 1: Learn different types of perspective and explore early composition ideas through simple thumbnailing.
Visual Lecture & Demo
• Intro to one-point, two-point, three-point perspective (real examples).
• Camera height (eye-level, worm’s eye, bird’s eye).
• How to place a subject in the scene.
• DEMO: Create a simple scene using perspective grids and shape blocking.
Thumbnail Practice (Slow & Intentional)
We will cover the process for gathering online references and inspiration, and creating a reference and inspiration board.
• Have students sketch 3–4 small thumbnails, focusing on layout clarity and depth.
• Focus on storytelling and shape design.
• Optional prompts: “City alley at dusk,” “Lonely bedroom,” or “Rainy school hallway.”
Group Review & Selection
• Have students share thumbnails and get light feedback.
• Choose 1 thumbnail to take forward for layout development on Day 2.
Week 2: Translate your chosen thumbnail into a clean, accurate layout using correct perspective.
Week 2: Translate your chosen thumbnail into a clean, accurate layout using correct perspective.
Layout Strategy Talk
• How to scale up a thumbnail.
• Blocking out large forms first.
• How to place a subject in the scene.
• Keeping line clarity and silhouette readable.
Drawing the final layout
• Students begin their layout drawing (digital or traditional)
• Focus on structure, shapes, and depth.
• Instructor rotates and gives 1-on-1 support.
Pin-up & Mini Crit
• Group review or peer feedback.
• Optional checklist: Does it have depth? Focal point? Readability?
Week 3: Light & Value: Mood Building Through Shading
Week 3: Light & Value: Mood Building Through Shading
Objective: Build a mood and define form using value (grayscale) instead of colour.
Value Theory Mini-Lecture
• How to use light/shadow for storytelling.
• Talk about:
• 3-value breakdown (light, midtone, dark).
• Atmospheric perspective (depth through contrast).
• Types of lighting: overcast, rim light, dramatic shadows.
Value Pass on Final Layout
• Apply a clean grayscale shading pass to your layout.
• Keep colour off — focus on contrast, mood, and depth.
• The instructor helps troubleshoot lighting problems.
Optional: Second Lighting Test
• If ahead: duplicate the layout and try a second lighting style (e.g., night version).
• Or keep refining your grayscale to a near-final polish.
Week 4: Adding Color + Final Touches & Feedback
Week 4: Adding Color + Final Touches & Feedback
Objective: Apply a clean colour pass and refine your environment into a polished piece.
Colour + Lighting Demo
• How to layer colour on grayscale.
• Methods:
• Overlay layers
• Gradient maps
• Painting directly on top
• Choosing a mood-based palette (sunset, stormy, candlelight, etc.).
Colour Pass: Environment Painting
• Carefully apply colour and refine lighting.
• Add texture, materials, or small objects for believability.
• Focus on not overworking — keep the focal point strong.
Final Feedback & Share
• Everyone shares their piece.
• Instructor or peers give:
• What’s working
• Suggestions for post-workshop polish
• If time, light revisions can be made in real time.
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Final Outcomes:
• Students make 3–4 thumbnail sketches.
• 1 clean final layout
• 1 grayscale value study
• 1 finished colored background with texture and shadow.
To Register
Fill in the form below OR
Send an Email to: kaustubh@yourworkshop.art
Or contact/whatsapp: +91-9740580425
Batch Size: 25-30 Students
Dates & Timings
Total duration: 4 weeks
Start Date: 23rd, 24th, 31 August & 7th September 2025
Every Sunday at 8:00 PM IST (Mumbai, India Timezone)
Workshop Fee
Level: INTERMEDIATE
120 USD (For International Students)
8,500 INR (Within India)
Flexipay* Can be paid up to two instalments
(Payment Links will be shared individually via mail or the mode of communication provided)
Other Benefits
A certificate at the end of the program.
You can practice collaboratively with your peers during the mentorship on Discord over a dedicated channel.
Dedicated feedback from the mentor on the 4th week.
to register
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