Visual Metaphors: Illustrate Abstract Concepts

Visual Metaphors: Illustrate Abstract Concepts

“During the lessons I taught you all the secrets to create a perfect illustration, now it's your turn! Follow these basic steps to complete your project. Don't just copy my example, but experiment and invent something new. First read the article well, study it thoroughly. Take notes, mark your keywords, point out the concepts that strike you and that trigger something in your mind. Knowing what we are talking about is important to train empathy and sensitivity towards topics that may be far from us. This is often the real challenge of an illustrator, to put themselves in the shoes of others and tell their point of view. It seems difficult, but you will see that when you start looking at the world in a new way, you will never want to stop. Don't forget about the importance of association of ideas, it is a brainstorming process that works as a stream of consciousness and leaves you the freedom to think outside the box. This simple exercise has saved me in many situations in which I felt stuck or simply in which I risked facing a topic in a way already seen and banal. It is a powerful tool, if you practice using it it will be your ace in the hole to be original and let your voice out. Even the first sketching phase must be a moment in which to free your mind: start from the concepts you have identified with the association of words and make instinctive sketches. Draw almost without thinking what your creative mind suggests. Do all the tests you want, let yourself be guided only by your hand and inspiration. Then choose the idea that convinces you the most, refine the sketch in detail and move on to designing the final illustration. As I have shown you, textures are my trademark: I find that they make my illustrations recognizable and distinctive. Experiment with colors, patterns, newspaper sheets. Have fun creating a library of textures to experiment with every time you create an image: you will be amazed at the potential that this technique hides, both in traditional drawing and in the digital world. Remember never to throw anything away, because what today seems not to work, tomorrow could be the keystone for a new project.

Now share your project on the forum! Show everyone both the final result and the processing steps, documenting each step with an image and describing what you did with a brief explanation. As soon as possible, I will be happy to comment on your work. Look at the projects of colleagues and encourage them by commenting on what they have shared: do not miss the precious opportunity to interact with the creative community. Thanks again for making this journey with me! ”

Partial transcription of the video

“Final Project We’ve reached the end of the course. I wanted to thank you for following these lessons with me. I hope it was fun for you to see the way I approach illustration and that you’ve learned something about my creative process and visual metaphors. We still have a long way to go together, and the starting point is the preparation of your final project. As I explained, the final project consists of transforming a newspaper article about the relationship between mental and physical health into a powerful and meaningful image. First, read the article thoroughly. Take notes and mark you...”

This transcript is automatically generated, so it may contain mistakes.

Course summary for: Visual Metaphors: Illustrate Abstract Concepts

• Level: Beginner
• 97% positive reviews (126)
• 3202 students
• 4 units
• 17 lessons (3h 39m)
• 1 download

• Category

  Illustration

• Software

  Procreate

• Areas

  Arts & Crafts, Collage, Creativity, Drawing, Editorial Design, Editorial Illustration, Fine Arts, Paper Craft, Storytelling, Traditional illustration