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    Conceptual Illustration: Big Ideas in a Single Image

    A course by Lennart GäbelConceptual Illustrator

    Conceptual Illustration: Big Ideas in a Single Image

    No one thinks like you. That is what makes you, and the work you create, totally unique. Conceptual illustrator Lennart Gäbel uses the power of symbols to make impactful illustrations. He’s worked for many clients, including Huffington Post, Volkswagen, and Playboy, and won Germany’s Cover of the Year in 2018 for his collaboration with Der Spiegel

    In this course, he shows you how to elevate your artwork and tell a story with a single image. Discover what makes a bold and compelling illustration as well as how to improve your conceptual skills and land your dream clients. Are you ready to bring your ideas to life and share them with the world?

    What will you learn in this online course?

    16 lessons & 17 downloads

    View all lessons ↓

    What's included in this course?

    Meet Lennart. Hear about what motivated him in his journey to becoming an illustrator, as well as the artists that inspire him and have impacted his work. He also shares where he finds his ideas, and how you can collect references.

    Learn the fundamentals of illustration and the power of using symbols to tell a story. Understand the importance of selecting the right subject to illustrate as Lennart defines the different types of topics you can illustrate, and the questions you should ask yourself when searching for one. Analyze examples of artwork to understand the meanings behind them before brainstorming and creating thumbnail sketches on your chosen topic.

    Transform your analogue drawings into digital ones using Photoshop. Lennart provides a step-by-step guide to finalizing your image. He begins with the creation of layers and composition, then defining the lines and curves of your sketch. He teaches the important principles and theory of choosing color, and lastly adding detail to produce your final illustration.

    Discover best practices for sharing your work with the world. Explore the ways in which you can self-publish your illustrations, how you can promote them on social media, or find a client to increase the exposure of your art. End the course with Lennart’s advice on how to build a portfolio and make a living from illustrating.

    Recommended software & tools for this course

    What is this course's project?

    Create a bold image that tells a story, with potential to go viral, using a combination of both analogue and digital tools.

    Conceptual Illustration: Big Ideas in a Single Image

    Projects by course students

    Who is this online course for?

    This course is for anyone interested in creating powerful images that have a message behind them.

    Requirements and materials

    No previous experience is required but basic knowledge of Photoshop is useful.

    In terms of materials, you will need a sketchbook, and a pen or pencil. For working digitally, you will need a computer, and a drawing tablet or an iPad with access to Photoshop. If you prefer to work with analogue materials, you will need brushes and paints.

    Conceptual Illustration: Big Ideas in a Single Image

    Reviews

    1,983
    Students
    84
    Reviews
    95%
    Positive ratings
    • technical_decoration
      4 months ago

      Curso y profesor geniales!

    • isa_wellekens
      PLUS
      7 months ago

      Great course of you are interessed in conceptual illustration. Interesting extra resources.

    • blackstone1363
      1 year ago

      Excellent course. Exactly what I was looking for, and he delivered beautifully. Also, I don't use Adobe. I am able to follow along and use my chosen software, Affinity Designer, by doing what he says to do in Adobe, but translating it myself and doing the actions in Affinity.

    • cs_nambanjin
      2 years ago

      Extraordinário!!! Muito bom!

    • tinolemos
      2 years ago

      Ótimo curso! Lennart compartilha seu processo criativo de forma generosa, nos passando conhecimento técnico sobre vetorização e metáfora visual. Recomendo!

    More reviews
    Lennart Gäbel

    Lennart Gäbel

    Teacher
    Plus

    Conceptual Illustrator

    Joined December 2019

    Lennart Gäbel is a conceptual illustrator from Germany. After studying economics at university he took a job in marketing but his strong interest in drawing and creativity prevailed and he quit his job to study illustration at the Willem de Kooning Art Academy in Rotterdam. An exchange program took him to the School of Visual Art in New York City and this is where Lennart truly discovered his style.

    His illustration of Donald Trump, which he shared on Facebook prior to the 2016 US election, was shared globally in newspapers, blogs and in demonstration imagery. Since then he’s worked for numerous clients including Playboy, Huffington Post, Volkswagen, and Der Spiegel. One of his covers for Der Spiegel also saw him win Germany’s Cover of the Year in 2018.

    Content

    • U1

      Introduction

      • About Me
      • Influences
    • U2

      The Basics and Formulating the Concept

      • The Power of Symbols
      • The Importance of Topic
      • Brainstorming Ideas and Thumbnails Sketching 1
      • Brainstorming Ideas and Thumbnails Sketching 2
      • Drawing Three Idea Sketches on Paper
    • U3

      Digitizing Your Sketch and Forming It into Art

      • Detailed Digital Drawing 1
      • Detailed Digital Drawing 2
      • Detailed Digital Drawing 3
      • Creating the Vector Lines
      • Adding Color and Color Theory 1
      • Adding Color and Color Theory 2
      • Adding Color and Color Theory 3
    • U4

      Becoming a Professional Artist

      • Showing Your Work
      • Making a Living from Illustration
    • FP

      Final project

      • Big Ideas in a Single Image

    What to expect from a Domestika course

    • Learn at your own pace

      Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.

    • Learn from the best professionals

      Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.

    • Meet expert teachers

      Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.

    • Certificates

      PLUS

      If you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.

    • Get front-row seats

      Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.

    • Share knowledge and ideas

      Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.

    • Connect with a global creative community

      The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.

    • Watch professionally produced courses

      Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.

    FAQs

    Yes, this course is designed for intermediate artists who want to deepen their skills in symbolism, editorial illustration, and digital workflows.

    You will need basic drawing tools, a sketchbook, and access to digital illustration software such as Photoshop or Affinity Designer.

    You’ll learn how to analyze and apply symbols, create visual metaphors, combine references, and use iconic imagery for clear, impactful illustrations.

    Yes, the course teaches how to create analog sketches and refine them using digital tools for professional-quality results.

    The course covers brainstorming, thumbnail sketching, and concept development to help you consistently generate and refine unique illustration ideas.

    Yes, the course teaches techniques for reacting to news, choosing relevant topics, and integrating trending themes into your illustrations.

    Yes, the course emphasizes minimalism, visual reduction, and conceptual layering to create strong, clear illustrations.

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