ILLUSTRATION
Narrative visuals in ink and pixelsjoão lobo colaço
ART / Photography
Independent artistic work
barista
Client: Self-initiated / Experimental
Location: Berlin, Germany
Project Type: Infographic Design · Visual Systems · Editorial · Minimalist Geometry
Deliverables: Poster series, visual system, color & proportion diagrams
Approach: Geometric reduction · Proportional mapping · Chromatic harmony · Transparency layering
Case Study
The Challenge
To translate classic coffee drinks into a universal visual system — without photography. Each beverage had to be reduced to its essentials (espresso, milk, foam, ice…) and expressed through pure geometry, proportion, and color. The system needed to feel minimal yet expressive, technical yet warm.
The Solution
Each drink is built from overlapping circles, calculated ratios, and controlled chromatic palettes. Transparency conveys density, scale shows quantity, and the white cup anchors the abstraction. The series turns familiar recipes into visual formulas — simple, balanced, and contemplative.
Reception
Praised for its clarity, harmony, and elegance, the series resonated with viewers who enjoyed seeing everyday rituals distilled into abstract visual studies.
What Could Be Improved
Future directions include adding global coffee variations, animated versions, printed editions, or an interactive tool for adjusting ingredient proportions.
© lobo colaco, Joao
lobocolaco@posteo.de