Paper-Mache Design: Explore Light and Color
A course by Marco ZavagnoDesigner
A course by Marco Zavagno, Designer
Learn to transform your ideas into 3D shapes by experimenting with paper-mache, light, and color
The beauty of being a designer is the ability to transform ideas into shapes and objects that meet the user's needs, whether functional or aesthetic. Finding the right solutions for your projects, however, often requires thinking outside the box and experimenting with different materials, textures, and light. This is the specialty of Marco Zavagno, designer and cofounder of Zaven studio, who has worked with clients like Nike, TIM, and the Venice Biennial. In this online course, Marco teaches you the art of paper-mache design to create colorful, one-of-a-kind 3D objects.
Learn to build small-scale experimental decor using only pulpboard and paper-mache. Start with a sketch and translate your concept into these simple materials before painting the outside to see how light interacts with its shapes and color, allowing you to produce the desired effect. Discover an alternative approach to design alongside Marco and create prototypes or mock-ups with his simple, effective method.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 15 downloads
Tools and Materials
2 minutes, 53 seconds
Playing With Lights and Volumes 1
13 minutes, 25 seconds
Playing With Lights and Volumes 2
10 minutes, 22 seconds
Experiment With Papier-Mâché
11 minutes, 59 seconds
Color and Space
5 minutes, 56 seconds
From Shape to Structure
4 minutes, 37 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin the course by getting to know Marco Zavagno, cofounder of the design studio Zaven. Discover his creative career, his approach to design, and the influences that have shaped his style.
Next, Marco introduces you to the star material of the course: paper. He tells you about its history, how it has evolved, and what you need to turn it into paper-mache. Then start experimenting with pulpboard, the foundation of your object, and create a variety of shapes to understand how light interacts with its surfaces.
Once you feel comfortable with both, get to work on your final project. Sketch the structure of your shelf on paper and define the volume of each section. Cut out the individual pieces from pulpboard and assemble them according to your outline. Finish it off with a layer of paper-mache and bring it to life with a coat of color once it's dry.
Finally, Marco shows you how to mount your shelf on the wall and find the perfect position based on the interplay of light and color with the shapes of your design. He also gives you some parting tips on building more complex objects and shares alternative methods for coloring paper-mache.
What is this course's project?
Design and build a small pulpboard structure covered with paper-mache to mount on a wall.
Who is this online course for?
Anyone who wants to learn how to build simple 3D objects while experimenting with materials like pulpboard and paper-mache.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience is required for this course. In terms of materials, you need wastepaper, 1 kg of vinyl glue, an immersion blender, 2 sheets of pulpboard, a utility knife, a drill, brushes, white paint and another color of your choice (water-based), and other supplies your teacher will specify during the course.
Reviews
- clairegodardPLUS5 months ago
Cours très instructif et surtout constitue une excellente base pour des idées illimitées de créations !
- 7 months ago
Cours très bien guidé. La construction de la sculpture est menée avec minutie et beaucoup de soin, de rigueur. Je n'ai pas encore commencé mais j'ai hâte! J'ai complété ce cours sur l'utilisation du papier mâché avec celui de Debbie Wijskamp très interessant aussi.
- 11 months ago
davvero molto molto ispirante
- 1 year ago
Als Mediengestalter in digital und print wie video und audio habe ich diesen Kurs sehr genossen. Marco Zavagno zeigt in etappen mit ruhier und professioneller art wie man mit der alten Technik des Pappmaché umgeht und diese für eigenen Ideen einsetzt.
- 2 years ago
interessante e molto pratico
From there, he moved on to found the design studio Zaven with his colleague Enrica Cavarzan, where they've had the opportunity to collaborate with clients Nike, TIM, and the Venice Biennial. He has also devoted much of his time to sharing his knowledge with others in schools and universities, such as the NABA in Milan and the I.U.A.V., as well as in workshops and conferences across the globe.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Experiments With Shapes and Materials
- Paper and Papier-Mâché
- Tools and Materials
- Playing With Lights and Volumes 1
- Playing With Lights and Volumes 2
- Experiment With Papier-Mâché
- Color and Space
- U3
Building the Structure
- From Shape to Structure
- Preparation of the Framework 1
- Preparation of the Framework 2
- Drawing up the Papier-Mâché
- Finish and Color
- U4
Final Touches and Tips
- Hang the Structure
- Shape and Color Alternatives
- FP
Final project
- Paper-Mache Design: Explore Light and Color
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course is designed for those who already have a foundation in design and want to deepen their skills in designing, modeling, and working with materials like papier-mâché and cartonwood in both artistic and functional contexts.
A basic knowledge of artistic techniques and design is recommended, but the course also guides beginners step-by-step through working with paper and wood materials.
You’ll learn how to design objects and installations, use sculpting and modeling techniques, recycle materials, create textures and finishes, and incorporate light, color, and form into your projects.
You’ll need paper, white glue, cartonwood, cutting tools (like a craft knife and drill), an immersion blender, water-based paints, and sandpaper. Measuring tools and brushes are also recommended.
Yes, the course teaches how to design and build geometric solids, curved structures, and three-dimensional textures using both papier-mâché and cartonwood.
The course emphasizes creative recycling, showing how to transform used paper and scrap materials into new art and design objects, promoting sustainable practices.
Yes, the course provides detailed instructions on preparing, working with, and finishing papier-mâché, suitable even for those new to this technique.