Specialization in Ceramic Illustration and Decoration

Decoration using dispensers

In this lesson, you'll learn how to draw using fine-tipped pens. You'll see that the same tool can be used for both fine lines and large areas of color. Don't miss this lesson and discover how to achieve this.

10m

Have fun with the "Bubbles" technique

This is the most fun and relaxing technique in the course. With a few easy-to-find materials, you'll have a great time and achieve a very unique effect on your pieces. I have a lot of fun every time I practice it, and I hope you do too!

Decoration by transfers

You can get transfer papers at ceramics stores and they give great results. You'll find the technique is very easy to learn, and I'm sure you'll love the results.

Use of waxes and chalks

Believe it or not, there are chalks and waxes that can withstand the high temperatures of a ceramic kiln. In this lesson, you'll see how to use them and the diverse results you can achieve by using them in different ways.

Technique of "faults"

With a little electrical tape and special gap wax, we can create curved and straight shapes, depending on the results we want. Learn how to use them in the next lesson.

Materials to decorate on deck and in third fire

This lesson will guide you through the materials and tools used in deck or third-fire decoration. You'll learn the difference between the two so you can choose which one you want to start with and try out the different techniques.

On deck: We play with vegetable paper and stains

Working on a glaze can sometimes be a bit risky, because the glaze base hasn't been fired yet, and we're often afraid of making a mistake. I'm going to teach you a technique so you can follow your instincts and not worry so much about the final result, which I'm sure will still be fantastic.

Third fire: Use of vitrifiable decals

In this lesson, I'll show you how to use vitrifiable decals. You'll see that in just a few minutes you can easily decorate a ceramic piece, using any motif you like.

Third fire: Luster application

In this lesson, you'll learn how to apply gold and silver luster using a brush and how to achieve a novel effect using a very unique tool.

Third fire: Decoration with fats

You've probably heard of painting on porcelain. The technique you'll learn in this lesson is exactly that, although we'll be using it on earthenware pieces. You'll see that the results are practically the same.

Final piece

It's time to put all your knowledge into a special piece. I'll show you how to decorate a dessert plate using several techniques we've covered throughout the course, so you can see how easy it is to combine them and create a unique and functional piece.

Care of parts and application of techniques in functional parts

In this lesson, I'll briefly explain how to maintain your pieces so they last for years. I'll also show you several decorative and everyday pieces to which I've applied each of the techniques described in this course. I hope this helps foster your creativity and help you create pieces that truly define you.

Types of clay and tools for modeling

Module 3

Explore with Pepa Espinoza how your illustrations can come to life in the three-dimensional world of ceramics. In this module, you'll learn to model pieces from scratch and apply decorative techniques to give them color, texture, and volume. A fusion of drawing and clay that transforms your ideas into unique, expressive objects full of character.

14 lessons (2h 35m)

In this lesson, I'll show you the different types of clay available and explain the characteristics you should know before going to a kiln, their uses, and the formats you'll find on the market.

Types of ceramic paints and decorating tools

In this lesson, I'll teach you about the different types of ceramic paints available. I'll explain their different characteristics, such as that most are water-based; that there are suspension and powder paints; that they can be mixed to create new colors or diluted to create different shades. We'll also cover the concepts of "on-coat" and "undercoat."

In this lesson, I'll tell you that a good way to approach a project is to first visualize what we want to do and how we want to achieve it. In my case, I find that approaching an idea works by thinking about a theme and finding inspiration and images related to that theme (or more than one theme and linking them together). I'll show you how I do it, and we'll apply it to a specific idea.

Visualizing an idea

Illustration exercise

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to create a sketch that will be modeled in ceramic. We'll create the drawing on paper, incorporating the elements we liked from the previous lesson. We'll create an illustration that brings together the different characteristics that define our "garden."

Kneading and recycling the clay

Before teaching you the different hand-modeling techniques, you should know that the most important thing is kneading the clay. In this lesson, I'll teach you how to optimally prepare your clay, eliminating any bubbles that could cause problems when it enters the kiln.

Basis of illustration using the plate technique

We'll begin by creating the base of our relief illustration using the plate technique. I'll explain why we use this technique for the base of the illustration and how to work with it.

Volume using the pinch technique

In this lesson, we'll see why pinching is perfect for creating shapes like seeds and flowers. I'll show you that this technique is the most organic for working with clay because it adapts to the anatomy of your hands.

Details using the roll technique

In this lesson, we'll finish modeling our project. To do so, I'll teach you the roll technique (also known as "churros" or "lulos"). We'll apply this technique to the most delicate elements of the illustration.

13m

Illustrate with engobes

In this lesson, I'll introduce you to engobe, my favorite painting technique. The colors fuse into the piece, resulting in vibrant and intense colors. This material consists of a mixture of clay with pigment or oxide.

17m

Compose and paste

With all the parts of our illustration from the previous lessons modeled and set aside, in this lesson we'll join and compose the illustration. I'll teach you how to glue them to the base of our piece using slip (a mixture of clay and water, with an almost liquid consistency).

In this lesson, I'll show you different uses for ceramic pigments to add color to our illustration. First, I'll explain that they can be used on raw or bisque-fired pieces, but we'll initially use them on the raw, already assembled piece from the previous lesson.

Illustrate with pigments

Illustrate with enamels and ceramic pencils

In this lesson, we'll finish illustrating the project with ceramic pencils and glaze. I'll teach you more about the materials and their behavior at the different stages of firing.

In this lesson, I'll show you how to apply gold luster to add the finishing touches to your project. These are small details that we'll add to create highlights, taking advantage of its intense shine. We'll do this on the already enameled piece.

Shine

Tips for transporting your pieces

In this lesson, I'll explain how to transport your pieces to be fired, ensuring they're stored carefully to prevent damage during the journey. I'll also explain why I recommend using CMC when preparing your own glazes.

Module 4

Patricia Lázaro invites you to tell short illustrated stories about your own tableware. In this module, you'll learn how to decorate ceramic pieces with digital transfers, from creating the design to the final firing. An accessible and charming way to turn plates and cups into unique objects, full of meaning, humor, and everyday emotion.

14 lessons (1h 56m)

Introduction to ceramic decals

In this lesson, I'm going to explain what a vitrifiable ceramic decal is, how they're made, and the types available besides digital ones.

The digital ceramic decals

In this lesson, we'll take a closer look at digital ceramic decals, as they're what we'll be using in this course. I'll explain their advantages and limitations and show you several types.

materials

In this lesson, I'm going to show you all the materials you'll need to complete the final project. Most of them you'll already have at home, or if not, they're very easy to find. In addition, I will teach you how to choose the ceramic pieces for your project.

Your stories

To start any project, we need a story, a , a . Anything that both limits and inspires us. In this lesson, I'll give you ideas to help you think about what you want to share in your project. I'll also teach you how to conceptualize all that information and distribute it into the pieces you've chosen.

Illustration technique with patterns

Designing at actual size is essential for getting your decals right. In this lesson, I'll show you which pieces and times are best to use this technique and how to do it in a very simple way. I'll also design one of the pieces in my project for you to see. Let's go for it!

Drawing on the ceramic piece itself is quite an experience, but not only that, it sometimes helps us a lot when designing, as it gives us a more realistic vision of what the final result will be. In this lesson, I'll show you when this technique will be of great help to you and how, if necessary, you can transfer your designs from the piece to paper. To show you, I will design one of the pieces of my project with you.

Direct on-piece design

Scanning and digitizing designs

In this lesson, I'm going to teach you how to digitize and prepare decals for the designs you've made with patterns or directly on your piece. I'll explain what you need to keep in mind when scanning them, and how to retouch your image in Photoshop: selecting color modes, adjusting levels, cleaning up backgrounds, redrawing, selecting your image, and creating a new layer with a multiply blending mode.

Preparation prior to computer design

In this lesson, I'll show you how to photograph and prepare your images in Photoshop so you can later design them to size. We'll cover how to adjust the size and resolution of your image, and how to use rulers and guides.

Computer design

In this video, I'll show you how to design with Photoshop on your photographed piece. To do this, I'll show you how to transfer your scanned artwork to your piece and we'll look at some useful tools, as well as review concepts related to working with layers. We'll retouch images with the eraser and brush, and modify the size and direction of the images. Finally, we'll save the file and run a test print using our home printer to make sure we did everything right.

Preparation of digital decals

In this lesson, I'll show you how to prepare digital decals with your already digitized designs and send them to your supplier. We'll create a new file, upload our images to it, and see how to optimize the space to get the most out of them. Finally, we'll simulate sending them via WeTransfer.

It's time to apply your decals to the parts you've chosen. In this video, I'll show you how to cut them out and teach you some tricks to avoid disappointment.

How to trim the decals

How to stick the decals

With the decals already cut out, you're probably eager to stick them on your pieces, right? In this video, I show you how to do it the best way while I prepare the pieces for my project.

The firing of the pieces: the ceramic kiln

To be able to use the pieces, as you already know, they must be fired in a ceramic kiln. In this lesson, I'll explain everything you need to know about them so you can complete your project with flying colors and enjoy them however you want. You've earned it!

Use, maintenance, transport and shipping

You've now got your beautiful personalized tableware, and we're at the end! Congratulations! So, to top it off, in this video I'll tell you how to use them to keep them looking like new, and some tips for packing and transporting them without them dying in the process.

Module 5

With Nuria Blanco's help, you'll discover how fun it can be to transform plates into pieces full of art and personality. In this module, you'll learn to hand-paint your own tableware using simple and creative illustration techniques. Dare to create unique compositions that you can use every day or turn into decorative objects with your personal touch.

14 lessons (2h 41m)

Materials

In this lesson, I'll explain all the materials you need to hand-paint ceramics. They're all easy to use and obtain.

Mood board or inspiration process

Now I'm going to explain my inspiration process and create a mood board to gather references and inspiration for my project.

Draw: Illustration exercises 1

I'll teach you how to loosen your hand and learn, using your own style of drawing, how to transfer reference images into realistic and proportionate drawings. I'll make several sketches that will help you later apply different compositions to your ceramic pieces.

19m

Draw: Illustration exercises 2

After doing several exercises, we get down to work on the sketch of our project drawing.

19m

Color and define our color palette

In this lesson, I'm going to use silicate oxides. We'll create a color palette so you can learn how to mix and work with this technique.

First, I will start drawing, transferring my sketch to the five-plate composition.

Pencil drawing

Color 1

Now I'm going to apply the color to the different pieces, showing you all the tricks to make our hand-painted tableware.

21m

Color 2

We continue adding color to our design on the different plates. I always say that ceramics doesn't understand rushing, so we have to take it slow and steady.

It's time to work on the color of the largest plate.

Color 3

17m

Color 4

We finish applying the color to all the pieces and put them together to see how our design turned out.

Details and cleaning of the part

We'll work on the final details, fine-tuning the final result. We'll also clean up any mistakes, leaving the piece perfect for glazing.

13m

Enamel

For our piece to be a tableware ready for use, the design must be fixed with glaze. I'll explain everything you need to glaze the composition we've created.

Cooking result and final piece

It is essential to fire the piece in a special kiln to be able to finish it, so in this lesson I will teach you the firing process whether you are firing in your own kiln or in an external kiln.

How to expand acquired skills

The piece we created is best suited for displaying appetizers or food in the center of a table or as a wall mural. In this lesson, I'll show you other types of pieces I've created to give you ideas you can apply to any format.

Module 6

Imagine telling a story through a plate or cup you've made. With Caya Gutiérrez, ceramist and illustrator, you'll learn to model utilitarian pieces and decorate them with vibrant characters using ceramic pigments and the subtlety of watercolor. A module to unleash your creativity, play with shapes, and illustrate everyday life from the table.

16 lessons (3h 24m)

Materials and tools

If you chose to make your piece in clay, I'll tell you how to work with it and the tools you'll need for modeling. If you chose to work with pre-fired pieces, you'll learn how to make them, what biscuit is, and its characteristics. I'll show you the materials you'll need to make your sketches. I'll talk about watercolor and its characteristics. You'll also learn about the types of ceramic pigments available and which ones you'll use for your final project, as well as the different brushes you can use depending on the type of stroke you want to achieve. Finally, I'll explain the importance of ceramic glaze to make your pieces useful.

Inspiration process: visualize your characters

I'll show you some examples of characters that you could use as inspiration to choose the ones you'll use in your final project.

Inspiration process: visualize your phrase

You'll see how to find the phrase that will accompany the characters in your final project.

The sketch

Now I'll show you how to sketch the characters you'll illustrate in your pieces. You'll learn how to draw with pencil on paper, focusing on the unique characteristics you'll give each character.

10m

Composition: locate the sketch on paper

You will begin working on the composition that the illustration will have within the ceramic piece.

How to wedge the clay

Before learning hand-modeling techniques, I'll explain the importance of kneading the clay thoroughly. In this lesson, I'll teach you how to knead to eliminate bubbles that can cause accidents when the piece enters the kiln. By the end, you'll have two kneaded balls ready to work with using the slab and pinch techniques.

Slab technique for modeling a plate

I'll teach you how to model using the slab or iron technique to create your plate, and you'll learn how to work the clay to achieve a smooth, bubble-free surface. You'll also learn how to finish the edges to achieve a polished and rounded surface.

16m

Pinch technique for shaping a bowl or bowl

Now you'll learn how to use the pinch technique to create your bowl. I'll explain how to work with your fingers to shape your piece. I'll also tell you how to determine the width, height, and thickness of the sides. You'll learn how to give it a smooth, even finish, perfect for beginning drawing.

13m

Watercolor and ceramic pigments

In this lesson, you'll learn how to use watercolors on paper so you can see how they work. You'll do several exercises with different washes and strokes, and I'll explain everything about the pigments you'll use to color the final illustration.

You'll learn how to use underglaze pigments to create a color palette (on a bisque plate) that will help you learn how to mix and work with this material. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a plate you can use as a reference for future projects.

The color palette

21m

Calligraphy of your phrase

I'll show you how to write the text using the undercoat pigments to prepare for writing on the final piece. You'll see examples of calligraphy and learn some tricks you can use if your handwriting isn't good.

Composition: transfer the drawing to the part

You will adjust the final composition and transfer the illustration to your pieces.

How to illustrate with pigments 1

In this lesson, using the color combination you've chosen from your palette, you'll apply what you've learned in previous lessons to color your illustration directly onto the piece.

20m

How to illustrate with pigments 2

I'll continue showing you how to work with pigments. I'll also give you some tips to help you create an amazing final project.