Portuguese illustrator Gaspar Costa brings an old‑world elegance to modern design with his exquisite engraving‑style illustrations.

His work graces packaging, branding, labels, and more, with a skillful blend of craftsmanship and storytelling.

A decorative illustration featuring a central sun surrounded by various celestial elements, with the text 'EVERYTHING IS ENERGY' on a vintage textured background.


Trained in product design at the University of Minho, Costa discovered his passion after a pen‑and‑ink course with Daniel Silvestre.

An intricately illustrated anthropomorphic chicken wearing a top hat and a suit, standing on two legs with a cane, surrounded by drawing tools and a bottle of wine.


He seamlessly combines detailed linework and hand‑lettering with contemporary branding, resulting in work that feels both timeless and relevant.

A detailed drawing of a human figure appearing to leap with rays of light emanating from behind, surrounded by artistic drawing tools.

His style feels like rediscovering a lost treasure, and we feel inspired to pick up a pen, and try our hand at some of this intricate, detail-driven work.

A hand holding a pen draws detailed feathers on a large bird illustration, with drawing tools like compasses positioned nearby.

We love these little in-page illustrations, packed with detail and grace.

A hand pointing at an illustrated castle in a circular design on a page filled with text.
A flat lay of a design workspace featuring sketches and handwritten notes related to a product called 'Corpse Reviver', alongside tools like pencils, a ruler, and a compass.
A person drawing a detailed architectural illustration on paper, surrounded by grapevine leaves and using a black pen.

Offering custom design work, branding, and one-off projects, Costa’s work makes a bold, yet classy impression.

A person is drawing an intricate design on a piece of paper, using a black pen. Surrounding the drawing are various tools, including a protractor and drafting instruments.

See more impressive work on Costa’s website.

A pair of hands drawing a series of round and cylindrical shapes on a sheet of paper, surrounded by various drawing tools including pens and pencils.

Images © Copyright Gaspar Costa.

Author

Ben VanderVeen is the founder and editor of Moss & Fog, one of the web’s longest-running visual culture destinations. Since 2009, he’s been finding and framing the most beautiful, surprising, and thought-provoking work in art, architecture, design, and nature — reaching over 325,000 readers each month. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

2 Comments

  1. Ken williamson

    Mind boggling where one can have that level of patience along with incredible artistic talent….
    Beyond key words for praise ….

  2. JEANNIE TERRY

    This is beautiful work and so detailed. Gaspar Costa has delicate and talented hands like a surgeon.

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