CONCEPTUAL THINKING
in ILLUSTRATION*
with Fortunate Joaquin
17 September 2026 ➔ Online, 6:00PM CEST
➔ €40
THE WORKSHOP
Join London-based illustrator Fortunate Joaquin for a behind-the-scenes look at how professional editorial illustrations are developed, from the initial brief through to the final artwork. Using real client projects, sketches and practical exercises, Fortunate will share the methods he uses to generate ideas, overcome creative blocks and approach every commission with confidence.
Whether you're an illustrator, designer or creative professional, you'll leave with practical techniques you can apply to your own work.
THE DETAILS*
In this workshop, London-based illustrator Fortunate Joaquin shares the way he approaches visual problem solving, using real editorial commissions to unpack how an idea evolves from brief to final illustration. Through case studies, sketches and honest reflections, you'll get a look behind the polished artwork and into the thinking that shaped it.
Before working as an illustrator, Jonathan spent over fourteen years as an art director in advertising. That experience taught him how to push beyond predictable answers, challenge first instincts and uncover ideas that surprise both the client and himself. Now, working with publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, The Economist and Little White Lies, conceptual thinking has become the backbone of his practice.
Along the way, he'll share the exercises he returns to whenever he's stuck, how he reframes creative blocks, and why the strongest ideas are often waiting just beyond the obvious.
Come for the illustrations.
Leave looking at ideas differently.
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Move beyond obvious ideas and develop stronger concepts
Turn editorial briefs into compelling visual solutions
Learn practical techniques for generating original ideas
Discover exercises for overcoming creative blocks
Explore real case studies from published editorial commissions
Build a more structured approach to conceptual thinking
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Illustrators, designers, art directors, students, and anyone curious about where good ideas come from.
No drawing skills required. Just bring your curiosity.
Why the Boring Workshops?
This aren’t pre-recorded courses. They’re live online workshops with professional instructors and creatives where you can ask questions, receive feedback, get personal guidance, and interact with peers in real time.
Recording are made available after the session so you can rewatch and follow at your own pace.
MEET Fortunate Joaquin
Fortunate Joaquin is the pseudonym of Jonathan Utracik, a London-based illustrator, designer and animator. With bold colour and sharp composition, his work combines character and a distinctive sense of visual storytelling that can be found across editorial, retail spaces, and the music industry. Clients include CAVA, The New York Times, The Guardian, The Observer, The Economist, Barrons, Little White Lies and Les Echoes.
World Illustration Awards 2025 - Finalist, Editorial Category (Beneficial Shock)
World Illustration Awards 2025 - Finalist, AOI Members Award (Beneficial Shock)
Society of Publication Designers - Cover of the day (8/11/24)

