Born in Angola, but currently working in Porto, Portugal, Júlio Dolbeth has a very experimental and carefree style. Already having completed a degree in Communication Design and a Master in Multimedia Art, he is currently pursuing a doctorate in Illustration. On top of his studies Mr. Dolbeth co-founded Art Gallery, Dama Aflita, a space dedicated to illustration in Porto. Júlio Dolbeth is a mixed-media artist, but does seem to favour the humble pencil. Where his line work is loose and somewhat erratic, giving it that sketchbook-feel and filling his pieces with vigour. You can check out more of his work here.

Ricardo is from Portugal and now lives in London. He works at D&AD, the famous creative hub home to the famous Yellow Pencil award. On Ricardo’s website you’ll find some excellent projects, both personal and professional. His Gallery of Mo portraits are fun, and I highly recommend taking a look at ‘Ever After’, his MA final project. I like the often whimsical and sometimes provocative nature of his work, so of course we were delighted to receive this suggestion. Now, wonder on over and gasp in delight at the rest of Ricardo’s portfolio…

Pedro Campiche, also known as AKA.CORLEONE is from Portugal. Pedro works as a freelance designer and illustrator and draws inspiration from graffiti.

“Painting walls and running from dogs also gave me the addiction to typography, colour, painting, drawing all day, planning things in advance, and mostly it gave me a chance to express myself without boundaries, something I try to apply to my daily life and work.”

Pedro’s portfolio is full of typographic experimentation, punchy colours and illustrations that are a little bit mad, a bit scary, a bit funny, and without question totally captivating. Pedro is Co-founder of Steppin Stone, a platform for illustration with an online shop selling prints, clothes, and interestingly a ‘lowbrow illustration’ magazine called Fine Rats.

Lisbon-base freelance illustrator and part-time DJ has one of the most varied portfolios I have seen in a long time. He is particularly skilled at backgrounds, and my personal favourites are the ones that look like they have come straight from an animation. Check out more of his work on his website.

Today we have some incredible background art by Jonas De Ro, a Belgian/Portuguese concept artist based in Berlin. Whether he’s painting interiors, forests, local scenes or cityscapes, Jonas seems to get it all right. Backgrounds are incredibly challenging. There is of course perspective at play, textures, the mood and atmosphere, not to mention lighting from various sources to contend with; and that’s just the start! Jonas makes it look easy. Visit his DeviantArt page for more brilliant background art.

I was first introduced to Cyril Pedrosa when I picked up a copy of “Three Shadows“. Quite simply it’s fantastic! Easily one of my favourite graphic novels. Gobelins graduate, Pedrosa started his career animating for Disney, he worked on “Hunchback of the Notre Dame” and “Hercules”. In 1998 published comic series ‘Ring Circus’ with writer David Chauvel. He has continued releasing comics regularly since then and his latest is titled “Portugal” (sadly no English version, as yet). His illustration style is heavily influences by his animation background, and his characters are always so wonderfully expressive. Keep up-to-date with his work on his blog.

Boy were we happy when this suggestion popped up in our inbox! It is the work of Portuguese illustrator, Pedro Lourenco. His ink work is simply fantastic! You can find more of his work on his tumblr.

- Thanks for the suggestion Ricardo!