Dora Gonçalves

Available to hire

I’m a Portuguese illustrator and visual designer with over 25 years of experience across graphic design, web design, illustration, and visual communication.

About

I’m a Portuguese illustrator and visual designer with over 25 years of experience across graphic design, web design, illustration, and visual communication. I blend traditional drawing techniques with strong design fundamentals so my work connects clearly with people and supports the message through thoughtful composition, clarity, and audience-focused storytelling.

I particularly enjoy creating characters, illustrated stories, children’s books, and personalized artwork. Over the years, I’ve worked on graphic and web design projects, developed educational materials, trained adults in digital and multimedia tools, and adapted communication and learning resources for different audiences—including people with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities. I’m also experienced with both traditional mediums (like colored pencils, watercolor, and graphite) and digital illustration tools.

  • Joined April 2026

Languages

  • EnglishAdvanced
  • ItalianBeginner
  • Spanish; CastilianIntermediate
  • PortugueseFluent

Industry experience

  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • Media & Entertainment

Projects · 3

This project is rooted in the experience of #drawingpeople in real-life settings, such as fairs and events, where each #caricature is created on the spot, in direct interaction with the person being portrayed. More than a quick sketch, it becomes a moment of observation, connection, and exchange, where I aim to capture not only physical features, but also the expression and energy of each individual.

Caricatures are created using colored pencils, a traditional technique that gives each piece a more artistic and expressive character. The process is visible, which naturally draws curiosity and brings people closer, creating an engaging atmosphere around the act of drawing.

The result goes beyond the final artwork. It becomes a meaningful experience that creates connection and transforms a simple moment into a special memory.

This project was developed during the Inktober challenge, where each daily prompt inspired a short, independent visual story. Rather than creating a continuous narrative, I explored a series of small moments, each with its own meaning, connected by a common theme: motivation and inspiration. The project reflects my approach to visualstorytelling, where illustration becomes a way to communicate ideas and emotions beyond words, forming a cohesive collection that can evolve into future editorial projects. comicIllustrator

  • Background Designer
  • Caricature Artist

This project was developed during the Inktober challenge, where each daily prompt inspired a short, independent visual story. Rather than creating a continuous narrative, I explored a series of small moments, each with its own meaning, connected by a common theme: motivation and inspiration.

The project reflects my approach to #visualstorytelling, where #illustration becomes a way to communicate ideas and emotions beyond words, forming a cohesive collection that can evolve into future editorial projects.

You can find some of my Inktober storytelling comics here :https://www.twine.net/signin

Work experience

Illustrator & Visual DesignerJan 2000 – Present · 26 yrs 11 mos

Illustration and visual design across graphic design, web design, and visual communication. Creates character-driven storytelling for children’s books and illustrated narratives; develops educational materials; trains adults in digital and multimedia tools; and adapts visual communication and learning resources for audiences with diverse needs (including visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities). Uses traditional media such as colored pencils, watercolor, and graphite, and applies digital design and illustration tools to support clear, accessible, and audience-focused outcomes.

Education

Licenciada · Instituto de Artes Visuais, Design e Marketing1992 – 1996

Certifications and awards

Gestão de Formação2030 – 2026
Curso de Língua Inglesa - First Certificate.2030 – 2026
Curso de formação de formadores de desenvolvimento de Sistemas de Hipermédia.1996 – 1997

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