REGISTRATIONS CLOSE SOON

00

DAYS

00

HOURS

00

MINS

00

SECS

START LEARNING NOW
Composition • Color • Storytelling
Learn my complete process for building compelling scenes through composition, color, light, storytelling, texture, and atmosphere, from the first spark of an idea to the final image.
 
START NOW

Maybe you've finished an illustration and still felt like something wasn't working.

You can keep rendering, adding detail, and polishing, but that won't fix a weak composition, unclear values, or a mood that isn't coming through. Untethered is about learning to see those problems earlier. How to guide the eye, use light and color with intention, strengthen the story, and make changes when the piece starts drifting away from the idea you had in mind. Not by following a perfect formula. By learning how to look at your own work, figure out what's off, and decide what to do next.

 Hello, I am Nico.

I’m a visual development artist based in Toronto, focused on storytelling, composition, and creating images that feel cinematic and alive. I’ve previously worked with studios such as Sony Pictures Animation and DreamWorks TVA, and those experiences have shaped the way I approach mood, structure, and visual storytelling today.

In this course, I’ll guide you through my process for building stronger images, from rough ideas to final scenes that feel more intentional, atmospheric, and emotionally engaging. You’ll also see what happens when an idea doesn’t work straight away, and how I adjust composition, values, color, or story without scrapping the whole piece.
That problem-solving is a big part of how I work, and a big part of what I want you to take away from the course.

JOIN ME

SOME OF MY ARTWORK 

WHAT YOU WILL UNCLOCK THROUGH MY COURSE:

01

Storytelling

Use characters, environment, atmosphere, and small details to give your illustrations a clearer story and stronger sense of place.

02

Composition

Learn how to use focal points, leading lines, framing, and visual hierarchy to guide the eye, strengthen an image, and know when to break the rules.

03

Lighting & Color

Use values, light, and color to control mood, create depth, strengthen the focal point, and make your scenes feel more intentional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

01

Storytelling

Use characters, environment, atmosphere, and small details to give your illustrations a clearer story and stronger sense of place.

02

Composition

Learn how to use focal points, leading lines, framing, and visual hierarchy to guide the eye, strengthen an image, and know when to break the rules.

03

Lighting & Color

Use values, light, and color to control mood, create depth, strengthen the focal point, and make your scenes feel more intentional.

CAREFULLY PLANNED CONTENT

 

The course includes 9 modules with 2+ hours of learning and practice, taking you through my full illustration process from finding inspiration and building composition to lighting, color, rendering, storytelling, and final adjustments.

Throughout the course, theory is paired with real-time practice, so you can see not only what I do, but why I make each decision. You can pause and revisit the lessons whenever you need, and it’s best to follow the course in order so each stage builds naturally into the next.

JOIN COURSE NOW

IN MY COURSE YOU'LL LEARN

01

INTRODUCTION

Step inside the philosophy behind Untethered and see why mistakes, adaptation, and changing direction are all part of the creative process.

02

FINDING INSPIRATION

Learn how to gather and choose references with intention, and what to look for when building an image with strong compositional potential.

03

COMPOSITION

Explore focal points, leading lines, framing, balance, and composition principles, while learning when breaking the rules can make an image stronger.

04

LIGHTING & VALUES

Use light and value to control mood, depth, readability, and focal hierarchy, and learn how to spot problems as the piece develops.

05

COLOR

Use color as a storytelling and mood tool, working with saturation, palette balance, and choices that strengthen the atmosphere of the scene.

06

RENDERING

Control detail, refine characters and props, soften backgrounds, and build atmosphere without over-rendering every part of the image.

07

STORYTELLING DETAILS

Add environmental and narrative details that make the scene feel believable and give the viewer clues about what is happening within it.

08

FINAL TOUCHES

Bring the piece together through color adjustments, contrast, texture, atmosphere, glow, and the final decisions that strengthen the image.

09

FINAL REVIEW

Step back and evaluate the finished piece through composition, values, color, and story, and see how adaptation shaped the final result.

01

INTRODUCTION

Step inside the philosophy behind Untethered and see why mistakes, adaptation, and changing direction are all part of the creative process.

02

FINDING INSPIRATION

Learn how to gather and choose references with intention, and what to look for when building an image with strong compositional potential.

03

COMPOSITION

Explore focal points, leading lines, framing, balance, and composition principles, while learning when breaking the rules can make an image stronger.

04

LIGHTING & VALUES

Use light and value to control mood, depth, readability, and focal hierarchy, and learn how to spot problems as the piece develops.

05

COLOR

Use color as a storytelling and mood tool, working with saturation, palette balance, and choices that strengthen the atmosphere of the scene.

06

RENDERING

Control detail, refine characters and props, soften backgrounds, and build atmosphere without over-rendering every part of the image.

07

STORYTELLING DETAILS

Add environmental and narrative details that make the scene feel believable and give the viewer clues about what is happening within it.

08

FINAL TOUCHES

Bring the piece together through color adjustments, contrast, texture, atmosphere, glow, and the final decisions that strengthen the image.

09

FINAL REVIEW

Step back and evaluate the finished piece through composition, values, color, and story, and see how adaptation shaped the final result.

ALL IN ONE PLATFORM, BUILT FOR YOU

ALL IN ONE PLATFORM, BUILT FOR YOU

Video Poster Image
 All videos are available in Full HD, with adjustable playback speed, audio, and quality settings.

Each lesson combines visual references, clear explanations, and practical guidance you can follow at your own pace. You’ll also be able to connect with other students, ask questions, and share your progress along the way.

Watch anytime, anywhere, and as many times as you need.

JOIN COURSE NOW

WHAT'S ALSO INCLUDED IN THE COURSE

WHAT'S ALSO INCLUDED IN THE COURSE

Process & Tools

 I’ll show you the tools I use and, more importantly, how I think through an illustration. The process is software-agnostic, so you can follow along in Photoshop, Procreate, or your preferred digital painting software.

Theory Into Practice

I’ll combine theory with real-time practice, so you can see how I apply composition, values, color, and storytelling principles inside a real illustration, including the changes, mistakes, and adjustments along the way.

Lifetime Access

Once you enroll, you’ll have lifetime access to the course, so you can move through the lessons at your own pace and come back whenever you need a refresher.

Flexibility

You can watch anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Pause, replay, and revisit any section whenever you want to study a decision or technique more closely.

Learn Alongside Other Artists

As you move through the course, you’ll be learning alongside other artists working toward similar goals. I want this to feel like a space where you can stay inspired, exchange ideas, and feel connected to others on the same creative journey.

Ongoing support

You’ll be able to ask questions, share your work, and connect with other students as you move through the course, so you’re not figuring everything out on your own.

... and more!

JOIN NOW


Bonuses:

Extra resources you will get for free with the course

01
BONUS

ARTWORK PSD FILES

Get access to my layered artwork PSD files so you can open them up, explore how the pieces are built, and study the process more closely.

$47 VALUE FREE
02
BONUS

MY PERSONAL BRUSH LIST

I’ll share the brushes I actually use in my work, including the ones featured throughout the course and where you can find them.

$27 VALUE FREE

REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSING SOON!

Build more cinematic, story-driven artwork through stronger composition, intentional color, lighting, and visual decision-making.

REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSING SOON!

Build more cinematic, story-driven artwork through stronger composition, intentional color, lighting, and visual decision-making.

00

DAYS

00

HOURS

00

MINS

00

SECS

GET IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO

TWO WAYS TO JOIN UNTETHERED


Here you’ll find two ways to join Untethered: Composition, Color & Storytelling.

Because I’m opening the course for the very first time, you can join with a special $100 launch discount.

Both options include the full course, all bonuses, and lifetime access, including my artwork PSD files and personal brush list. The only difference is how you prefer to pay.

You can choose a single payment or spread the cost across three monthly payments. Prices are shown in USD, but you can pay in your local currency, which will be converted automatically at checkout.

I can’t wait to help you build stronger, more intentional illustrations, trust your eye, and make better decisions with composition, color, light, and storytelling.

One-Time Payment

$297
$197

SPECIAL FIRST OPENING OFFER

  • 2+ hours of composition, color, storytelling, and visual development content
  • 10+ HD video lessons
  • 9 modules taking you through my complete illustration process, from inspiration and reference gathering to final review
  • Theory + real-time practice, so you can understand not only what I do, but why I make each decision
  • One complete illustration developed throughout the course, including mistakes, changes of direction, and live problem-solving
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Lifetime access on any device
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
  • BONUS: Layered Artwork PSD Files ($47 Value) FREE
  • BONUS: My Personal Brush List ($27 Value) FREE

Total Value: $371
Special Price:
$197 Save $174
START NOW

3 Monthly Payments

$107
$67

SPECIAL FIRST OPENING OFFER

  • 2+ hours of composition, color, storytelling, and visual development content
  • 10+ HD video lessons
  • 9 modules taking you through my complete illustration process, from inspiration and reference gathering to final review
  • Theory + real-time practice, so you can understand not only what I do, but why I make each decision
  • One complete illustration developed throughout the course, including mistakes, changes of direction, and live problem-solving
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Lifetime access on any device
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
  • BONUS: Layered Artwork PSD Files ($47 Value) FREE
  • BONUS: My Personal Brush List ($27 Value) FREE

Total Value: $371
Special Price:
$67 Monthly
START NOW

My Guarantee to Every Student


 If you are not satisfied with the course for any reason, you have the right to obtain a full refund within the first 14 days. This is my guarantee to you. I want every student to feel confident about joining, so you can try the course without risk. Give it a try and experience the program first-hand! 

FAQs

START NOW