Guided Course: Create an editorial image with acrylic paint
Course final project
A guided course by Jon Berkeley , Illustrator and Author
About the final project for: Guided Course: Create an editorial image with acrylic paint
Guided Course: Create an editorial image with acrylic paint
“Think of this project as a chance to turn a blank canvas into a statement. Using acrylics, you’ll not only practice technical control but also learn how to channel a concept into a strong editorial image. The following ideas are here to spark inspiration, but feel free to bend, twist, or combine them until the piece truly feels like yours. 1. A conceptual portrait Explore how acrylics can transform a face into a symbol. Work with exaggeration, metaphor, or surreal elements to push the image beyond a likeness. Example project: A portrait where the subject’s hair morphs into waves of the ocean, representing freedom. 2. Visual commentary on current events Choose a theme from today’s world—environment, culture, or society—and interpret it through symbolism and color choices. Example project: A pair of lungs painted as a burning forest, creating a strong ecological message. 3. Everyday objects with a twist Take something ordinary and elevate it into an editorial image by altering scale, perspective, or meaning. Example project: A giant coffee cup towering over a small town, reflecting dependence on caffeine in modern life. 4. Abstract narrative through color and shape Let go of literal representation and use bold colors, textures, and forms to communicate mood or idea. Example project: Blocks of saturated red and fractured black lines evoking urgency and chaos. 5. Reimagined folklore or myth Pick a myth, legend, or cultural tale and reinterpret it with a modern sensibility. Use acrylic’s layering capacity to build drama and atmosphere. Example project: Icarus falling through a storm of abstract geometric shapes instead of feathers, symbolizing ambition in the digital age. Every brushstroke is a decision: what to reveal, what to suggest, and what to leave open to interpretation. Don’t be afraid of imperfections—they often add character and truth. Focus on shaping an image that says something only you could say, and you’ll end this project with an acrylic piece that feels both personal and powerful.”
Course summary for: Guided Course: Create an editorial image with acrylic paint
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Category
Illustration -
Software
Adobe Photoshop -
Areas
Acrylic Painting, Creativity, Painting, Traditional illustration
Jon Berkeley
A guided course by Jon Berkeley
Jon Berkeley is an Irish illustrator and children’s author who has worked in the field for almost three decades and traveled to places like London, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Barcelona for illustration work. His passion for illustration began in his youth during the vinyl era, amazed by the artwork that adorned his favorite album covers, prompting him to further his intrigue and study Fine Art in Dublin, Ireland.
Most of his work is for editorial clients in major news and current affairs magazines like L’Express, The New Statesman, Volkskrant, The Economist, and others. He also works on major advertising campaigns and illustrates book jackets, packaging, as well as commissioned portraits for clients like Ted Baker, Vodafone, and Smirnoff.
- 50 students
- 13 lessons (2h 47m)
- 12 additional resources (7 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, German, Spanish (Latam), French, Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
Recommended software & tools for this course
Adobe PhotoshopCategory
Areas
