Visual Metaphors: Illustrate Abstract Concepts
A course by Fernando CobeloIllustrator
A course by Fernando Cobelo, Illustrator
Learn to convey abstract concepts through images by experimenting with analog and digital techniques, collage, and textures
In illustration we all have our own creative voice, shaped by our identity and perception. Without an efficient strategy or process, however, creativity can only go so far. In this online course, illustrator Fernando Cobelo teaches you how to compose an image based on your experiences and personality.
Following his method, learn to illustrate a visual metaphor and convey abstract concepts through simple yet powerful images. Combine both traditional and digital techniques and experiment with collage and textures to depict memories, emotions, and similar abstract notions, transforming them into a clear and compelling illustration.
What will you learn in this online course?
17 lessons & 14 downloads
The Image in the Different Sectors of the Illustration
9 minutes, 5 seconds
Creative Voices and Illustrated Styles
12 minutes, 36 seconds
Enrich the Aesthetic Baggage
17 minutes, 39 seconds
Tools
3 minutes, 44 seconds
How a Visual Metaphor Is Created
4 minutes, 49 seconds
The Composition of the Image in the Sketch
18 minutes, 4 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin the course with an overseas trip from Venezuela to Italy alongside illustrator Fernando Cobelo, who tells you about where he came from, his creative career, and the artists who have influenced his style.
Continue your journey into the world of illustration, discovering the communicative power of this art form, along with the diverse voices and styles it lends itself to. Then take a look at the materials you need for your final project.
Learn what a visual metaphor is and how to illustrate your own through a guided exercise. Think of a personal memory and draw a rough sketch before honing important aspects to create a more detailed composition. Complete your illustration by adding texture and experimenting with collage to give it depth and personality.
Once you've finished the exercise, Fernando teaches you how to compose an illustration for a newspaper article. Study the topic at hand and extract key concepts through idea association to sketch your final piece.
Wrap up the course by uploading your design to Procreate (or another program of your choice) and enhancing it with **expressive details and textures **, transforming a complex concept into an easy-to-grasp image.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create an illustration for a newspaper article by distilling its main concepts into a clear and compelling image.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone who wants to learn the art of translating complex concepts into powerful images, whether for work or for fun.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge is necessary. As for materials, you need pencils, paper, an eraser, glue, acetate, tracing paper, India ink, tape, and other supplies easily found in a stationery store.
Fernando also uses an iPad with Procreate, but you can choose the tools you feel most comfortable with.
Reviews
- 9 days ago
En un momento se vuelve más un curso de comunicación que de ilustración. No lo pude terminar.
- 29 days ago
Muy recomendable. Contenido y profesor.
- 3 months ago
I wish the course was in english
- 4 months ago
Excelente curso!
- 5 months ago
This course is really a great help for me to get more ideas of how to start in editorial illustration. How I can come up with ideas and transform it in to a great work. Great teacher and good to follow this course. I like it very much.
Throughout his career, he's worked on a range of projects for clients such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, il Corriere della Sera, Penguin Random House, Zanichelli, multinational corporations including Google, Disney, Samsung, Montblanc, Lonely Planet, and WeTransfer, as well as prominent institutions like the UN and UNICEF. He has also taught and run workshops at schools and universities in Italy, Mexico, India, Russia, China, and a host of other countries.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Communicate through Illustration
- The Image in the Different Sectors of the Illustration
- Creative Voices and Illustrated Styles
- Enrich the Aesthetic Baggage
- Tools
- U3
Exercises on Visual Metaphors
- How a Visual Metaphor Is Created
- The Composition of the Image in the Sketch
- Experiment with Collage and Textures
- Compose the Illustration with Different Techniques 1
- Compose the Illustration with Different Techniques 2
- Compose the Illustration with Different Techniques 3
- U4
Turn an Idea into an Illustration
- From Content to Idea: The Research Process
- The Association of Ideas
- Create the Sketch
- Composition of the Illustration on Procreate 1
- Composition of the Illustration on Procreate 2
- FP
Final project
- Visual Metaphors: Illustrate Abstract Concepts
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
PLUSIf 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
The course is designed for those who already have a foundation in illustration and want to deepen their techniques, personal style, and visual communication. It’s ideal for intermediate illustrators.
Basic illustration materials (paper, pencils, watercolors, markers) and software like Procreate or other digital illustration tools are helpful for participation. Advanced tools are not required.
You’ll learn how to develop a personal style, create visual metaphors, combine traditional and digital techniques, design color palettes, craft original textures, and professionally present your portfolio.
Yes, the curriculum includes designing corporate posters, advertising illustration, and creating illustrations for food packaging.
The course covers techniques such as watercolor, ink, colored pencils, collage, screen printing, digital illustration, texture creation, and mixed media on A4 format.
Yes, the course guides you in designing a cohesive color palette and developing a distinctive, recognizable illustrative style.
Yes, practical exercises and strategies are included to help you overcome creative blocks, spark new ideas, and express yourself freely.