Ink Illustration: Develop Your Visual Language
A course by Simon Prades , Illustrator and Drawing Artist
Learn to create personal illustrations with depth and contrast through line work and layers of colored ink
The expressive power of an image lies not only in its content, but also in how it's conveyed. For illustrator and drawing artist Simón Prades, developing your own visual language means finding a form of expression that enables you to visually communicate your intentions and connect with the people who view your work. This is precisely what he has achieved with his signature style, which has led him to collaborate with publications like The New Yorker, The Guardian, and Die Zeit. In this online course, Simón guides you on an exploration of your creativity to find your own style.
Discover how to develop your ideas with freehand drawing and transform them into detailed works of art, from the initial sketch to the final illustration. Learn to create compositions through careful observation, as well as how to enrich them with depth and tone using colored ink. Ready to recreate your world on paper?
What will you learn in this online course?
12 lessons & 10 downloads
- 98% positive reviews (43)
- 1,366 students
- 12 lessons (1h 45m)
- 10 additional resources (2 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: German
- German · Spanish · English · Portuguese · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create an A3 size (or larger) illustration following your teacher's creative process, from the pencil sketch to inking line work and applying color.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in drawing, illustration, or painting, regardless of their experience.
Requirements and materials
Basic notions of drawing will be helpful for the course, but are not essential.
As for materials, you need paper, pencils in different grades, fineliners or pens, and colored ink.
Reviews
Simon Prades
A course by Simon Prades
Simón Prades is an illustrator and drawing artist with over a decade of experience in the publishing, literature, music, film, and gaming industries. He's always had a passion for traditional techniques, classic drawing with pencil and ink, and other analog forms of art, which he often combines with digital tools in his work.
His client list includes major publications such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Die Zeit, and Der Spiegel. His work has also been recognized with a Society of Illustrators and American Illustration award. When he's not creating for his clients, he devotes his time to personal projects where he can explore new ideas and techniques.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Finding Your Own Visual Language
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Materials
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Collecting Terms
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Draw terms freely
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Studies
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Colours
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U3
The Final Illustration
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Finding, Definition, and Composition of the Project
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Transferring to the Final Format
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The Final Drawing
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The coloring
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Out Into the World
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FP
Final project
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Ink Illustration: Develop Your Visual Language
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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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.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course is aimed at advanced beginners and those with some drawing experience. Prior knowledge of traditional techniques is helpful but not required. Openness to experimentation and curiosity about different artistic approaches are encouraged.
You’ll learn how to use a sketchbook creatively, apply techniques like etching, linocut, ink, and pencil drawing, and develop ideas from concepts or everyday situations. You’ll also deepen your understanding of composition, collage, materials, and coloring.
You’ll need a sketchbook, pencils, fineliners, erasers, ink, brushes, linocut or etching supplies, and various papers. A detailed materials list will be provided at the start so you can prepare accordingly.
The course focuses on traditional, hands-on techniques. However, digital artists can adapt many of the creative methods and principles to enrich their portfolios. A willingness to explore experimental, craft-based processes is recommended.
The course covers techniques such as etching, linocut, ink drawing, pencil sketching, hatching, finalizing drawings, collage, and transparent coloring. You’ll learn to use different styles and methods purposefully and combine them effectively.
You’ll explore personal themes, experiment with various techniques, and learn to create unique expressions. Through sketchbooks, studies, and composition exercises, you’ll develop your own visual language and strengthen your artistic signature.
The course is suitable for both aspiring illustrators and dedicated hobbyists. It offers practical methods, artistic inspiration, and hands-on know-how to help you develop and realize your own projects.
Dieser Kurs läßt mich ein bißchen ratlos zurück. Unzweifelhaft handelt es sich um einen tollen Künstler, der sehr interessante Kunst kreiert und sich viele Gedanken macht. Aber: ich finde nicht, dass ich viel gelernt habe. Alles wird irgendwie nur angerissen und auch auch die Bilder, die er malt, werden zum Teil vorgespult, so dass man nicht den ganzen Prozess sehen kann. Ich hatte mir deutlich mehr erhofft und bin von anderen Kursen auch definitiv etwas Besseres gewohnt.
Esposizone chiara, contenuti ottimi esposti in modo progressivo e comprensibile. Sono grata.
Estou muito contente com o curso
Estou gostando do curso, é muito bom para trabalhar a criatividade e desenvolver ilustrações mais criativas usando técnicas manuais. Poderia falar um pouco mais sobre as escolhas dos matérias e tintas e indicar materiais alternativos.
Buen curso