Design and Illustration of Fantastical Creatures
A course by Izabela Lopes AdamiIllustrator
A course by Izabela Lopes Adami, Illustrator
Explore this magical universe and learn to create impactful illustrations, from the initail idea to the final artwork
Would you like to journey to the place where science and fantasy meet? Illustrator Izabela Lopes Adami, also known as IzaPug, originally wanted to be a vet or zoologist, but instead, has ended up bringing to life all the fantastical creatures she's been able to dream up.
In this online course, your teacher shows you how to get inspired by folklore, mythology, and legend to explore your creativity and achieve original results. Throughout the course, learn to draw a series of unique animals and choose your favorite to develop into your final project.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 10 downloads
Repertoire and observation
4 minutes, 58 seconds
Simplification of shapes
17 minutes, 45 seconds
Building parallels
10 minutes, 58 seconds
Colors and palette
15 minutes, 36 seconds
Theme and mood board
8 minutes, 50 seconds
Rough and thumbnail
19 minutes, 1 second
What's included in this course?
As a brief introduction, get to know a little bit about Izabela Lopes Adami as she talks about her career so far as well as the influences that have inspired her zoo of fantastical creatures to date.
Next, Izabela guides you through the research process to look for visual references, before showing you how to explore, simplify, and exaggerate the shapes found in nature. She also helps you choose the ideal color palette for your piece.
Now put together a mood board to define the character of your final project. From there, turn your attention to the different poses and possible combinations until you're happy with your sketches and miniatures. Then choose your favorite version and get to work refining the linework and adding color, light, and shadow.
To bring the course to a close, your teacher explains how to prepare your illustration file ready to be shared on social media, and gives some parting tips on maintaining not only a consistent style, but the frequency with which you publish content.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create an imaginary creature, from its conceptualization to the final illustration and publication on social media.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in using their imagination who wants to boost their creative side learning to draw imaginary animals and mythical creatures.
Requirements and materials
You need basic drawing experience and knowledge of animal anatomy to take this course.
It would also be helpful to know how to use Adobe Photoshop and Procreate, but you can also follow the course using traditional materials such as felt-tips, watercolors, pencils, and pens.
Reviews
- 6 months ago
such a good course
- 3 years ago
Já sigo as redes sociais da Iza Pug, e sem admirei o trabalho dela, e agora que lançou o curso, tenho a oportunidade de estar pertinho dela e aprender <3 Simplesmente maravilhoso <3 Que venha mais cursos
- 3 years ago
Beautiful course!!
- 3 years ago
Really enjoyable course especially the insight into how to look at shapes of animals and their anatomy.
- 3 years ago
Muy buen curso. Me gustó mucho.
Throughout the last few years, she's worked with various international brands, and one of the things she's most proud of is her Amazonian animal series in collaboration with Greenpeace. Her style is inspired by folklore, mythology, and legend, which she then gives her own unique and upbeat twist.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
In search of ideas
- Repertoire and observation
- Simplification of shapes
- Building parallels
- Colors and palette
- U3
Time to create!
- Theme and mood board
- Rough and thumbnail
- Composition and layout: image narrative
- Final stroke
- Base color
- Shadow and light
- U4
Finalization
- Post on social networks
- How to maintain a style and be consistent?
- FP
Final project
- Design and Illustration of Fantastical Creatures
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 recommended for those with basic drawing skills and is ideal for intermediate learners. Absolute beginners might find some concepts and techniques challenging.
Advanced knowledge isn’t required, but a basic understanding of animal anatomy will be very helpful. The course covers essential anatomical fundamentals to improve your illustrations and create believable creatures.
You can use paper and pencil or digital illustration programs like Photoshop. The course encourages both, so pick whichever you prefer or have access to. Visual references and internet access are also recommended.
You’ll learn to analyze animal anatomy and behavior, simplify shapes, create hybrid creatures, develop color palettes, stylize characters, and build a digital portfolio for social media.
The course teaches you to observe shapes, volumes, and behaviors of various animals, combining these references to design innovative and fantastic creatures grounded in realism.
Yes, there are modules focused on digital portfolios, social media strategies like Instagram, visual identity tips, and guidance on accepting art commissions online.
Yes, the course includes techniques for drawing mythological creatures, mixing species, and creating original characters inspired by botanical and animal references.