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Domestika

October Lives Agenda: Learn, be inspired and connect live

A month full of creativity and live learning. October is full of live sessions with great professionals from different creative disciplines. It will be a unique opportunity to learn techniques, discover tools, get inspired and solve your doubts live. And if you can't connect, don't worry! All broadcasts will be available in recorded format so you won't miss a thing. Lives Agenda Alex Berry - Color Gradation for Beginners When: October 2, 5:00 p.m. Language: English Description: Learn how to transform flat images into vibrant visuals with color correction techniques, balance and LUTs. Alex will guide you in the creation of stunning visual atmospheres.
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Illustration

How to transform doodles into complete illustrations

The beginning of the creative process in digital and traditional art, discover how to transform your first ideas into captivating works of art. We've all doodled in the margins of a notebook or on a napkin during a conversation. What often seems like a simple pastime can become the beginning of a great creative process. Doodles are not just improvised strokes, but the seeds of complete illustrations. With practice, observation and a few techniques, any doodle can be transformed into a visual work full of personality.
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Design

10 common mistakes when designing a logo (and how to avoid them)

The Crucial Importance of a Logo for your Brand: Beyond a Simple Drawing. The logo is much more than a simple graphic: it is the visible face of a brand and the first element with which consumers establish a visual connection. A good design conveys trust, professionalism and the company's values. On the other hand, a bad logo can damage the brand identity, hinder recognition and generate distrust.
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Illustration

Children's illustration: how to connect with children's imagination

Children's illustration is key: images open up creativity, play and learning, helping children to understand the world and their inner reality.. Illustration has always been a window into other worlds, but in childhood it takes on an even more special role. For children, images are not just ornaments: they are gateways to creativity, play and learning. From the first picture books to the drawings they see on television or on the Internet, children build their understanding of reality and their inner world through visuals.
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Craft

Free download: Guide to calculating shrinkage in wet felts

Wet felting is a handcrafted textile technique that compacts wool with hot water, soap and friction to produce firm, uniquely finished pieces.. A crucial factor for success is the accurate calculation of wool shrinkage. If this step is ignored, the results can be incorrect measurements, wasted material and unprofessional finishes. To make this process easier, Domestika offers a free PDF resource detailing a simple and accurate method for calculating shrinkage. What is shrinkage in wet felting? Shrinkage in wet felting refers to the change in size and density that the wool undergoes during the process. As the fibers interlock and compact, the piece shrinks in size. For example, a project that starts with a wool surface of 30 x 30 cm may end up with final dimensions of 25 x 25 cm. This reduction is significant and should be anticipated in order to plan each piece correctly. Why it is important to calculate shrinkage. Calculating shrinkage before starting a wet felting project is critical for several reasons: Avoid errors in measurements and proportions. You ensure that your final piece has the correct dimensions. Optimize materials and time. You save wool and avoid repeating the process due to lack of foresight. Achieve more professional finishes. By mastering the technique, your creations will look more accurate and precise. Domestika's free resource: downloadable PDF. So you can apply this knowledge, Domestika has created a free PDF guide that explains step-by-step how to calculate shrinkage in wet felting. In it you will find: - Clear and simple explanations. - Practical examples. - Detailed steps to perform your own calculations. The best thing is that this material comes directly from the Mastering Wet Felting: Create Decorative Wool Items course, taught by an expert in the technique.
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Craft

Clay at home: easy exercises for beginners

Clay at Home: Develop your Creativity and Artistic Skills from the Comfort of your Home. Working with clay at home is an accessible and rewarding way to connect with creativity. No professional tools are needed; just your hands and simple resources. Molding clay is relaxing and full of possibilities. This article offers easy exercises for beginners, perfect for experimenting at home and enjoying shaping your ideas. Benefits of working with clay. Before starting with the exercises, it is worth remembering why clay is such a special material: Relaxation and mindfulness: modeling clay invites calm, improves concentration and becomes a meditative practice. Stimulation of creativity: each exercise is an opportunity to explore shapes, textures and colors. Useful and decorative objects: beyond practice, the results can be transformed into pieces with functional or artistic value, from bowls to pendants.
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Illustration

Frida Kahlo: Transforming Life into Powerful Visual Art

Frida Kahlo: The Art of Transforming Life into a Symbol of Authenticity and Strength. Frida Kahlo, a universal symbol of authenticity and strength, transformed her personal experiences into a visual language that connects with millions. Pain, identity, love and resilience intertwine in her works, making her one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. This article will explore how she turned her life into art and how to apply that approach to your own creative process.
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Illustration

Free download: Guide to using mapping to start drawing accurately

Learn how to use mapping in drawing to organize proportions and gain confidence when creating. Download a free practical step-by-step guide If drawing on blank paper intimidates you, our free guide on mapping will help you get started with the right proportions. Mapping is an essential technique for beginners and also a key tool for those looking to perfect their hyper-realistic style. In addition, this guide is inspired by the course Hyperrealism with Graphite Pencil, taught by the artist Jono Dry, one of the international referents of hyperrealism with graphite pencil.
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Illustration

How to start a visual diary: 5 creative exercises

Discover what a visual diary is and how to use it to stimulate your creativity. 5 easy exercises to draw, experiment and free your imagination. How to start a visual journal: 5 creative exercises to free your imagination. Would you like to draw more, let your hand loose and unlock ideas without pressure? Visual journaling is a simple and powerful tool to exercise your creativity on a daily basis. Just as a notebook collects thoughts, a visual journal functions as a space where images, smudges and doodles become a language of their own. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an experienced illustrator: the important thing is not the end result, but the process of experimenting freely. In this article you will discover the benefits of starting a visual diary and find 5 practical exercises to fill it with ideas, color and imagination.
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Illustration

5 books to learn about Art History

Discover 5 essential books to learn Art History. Clear, inspiring and useful resources for creatives and students.. Immerse yourself in Art History is to travel through time without leaving home. Knowing the History of Art not only enriches our general culture, but also opens up new creative perspectives. For designers, illustrators and artists, understanding how styles, movements and techniques have developed over the centuries is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. How to choose a good Art History book. Before you dive into reading, it's helpful to know what kind of book best suits your needs: Focus: some are panoramic (covering the whole of history), others more specific (focusing on a period or style). Level of depth: there are academic books that are more dense and others that are informative and prioritize visual narrative. Illustrations: images are key to a better understanding of works, styles and techniques.
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Illustration

The power of the sketchbook: why you should draw every day

Discover how using a sketchbook can boost your creativity, improve your technique and help you make daily drawing a habit.. A sketchbook is not just a sketchbook: it's your creativity gym. Drawing daily in a sketchbook helps improve technique, develop new ideas and train observation. Many artists, illustrators and designers use it as an essential tool to experiment without fear of making mistakes. A sketchbook and pencil can be the start of a transformative habit. Throughout this article you will discover what a sketchbook is, what it is for, how it can help you in your artistic evolution and how to start drawing every day without pressure.
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Teacher Craft

Craft Tutorial: How to Make a Felt Lampshade with Wet Felting | Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learn how to transform wool fibers into a beautiful, handmade lampshade using wet felting techniques. Have you ever wondered what wet felting is all about? This traditional textile technique allows you to transform wool fibers into durable and decorative objects, from seamless cushions to DIY felt lampshades. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of making a felt lampshade with wet felting step by step.
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Fashion

Free download: Pattern cutting manual

Download a free patternmaking manual with key terms, images and technical vocabulary to learn pattern cutting and fashion design. Pattern cutting is one of the most important basics in the world of fashion. Without a good pattern, it is impossible to create a garment that fits perfectly or that transmits the original idea of the design. That's why, if you are starting in this sector or want to reinforce your knowledge, we have prepared a free pattern cutting manual that you can easily download and use as a reference whenever you need it. This resource is part of the course Introduction to draping: create custom women's garments, taught by fashion designer Reagen Evans, and is designed so that anyone can become familiar with the most commonly used terms in pattern cutting and fashion.
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Craft

Creativity in 10 minutes: quick exercises to unblock the mind

Discover 7 creative exercises in just 10 minutes to overcome mental block and train your imagination every day. You don't need hours to be creative, just 10 minutes and the will to get started. We have all felt that creative block that stops ideas, projects and inspiration. It can happen when writing, drawing, designing or even planning a marketing campaign. The good news is that you don't need a long session to train your creativity: a few minutes and simple exercises that activate your mind are enough. Today I share with you 7 quick creativity exercises that you can do in just 10 minutes to wake up your imagination and start flowing. Why training creativity in short sessions works. The brain responds better to short and varied stimuli. Because there is less pressure, you give yourself permission to experiment. This is the best way to break inertia and start a project.
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Culinary

Classic vanilla recipe: learn how to prepare a creamy homemade custard

Classic vanilla custard recipe: download the free step-by-step instructions to prepare a creamy, easy and delicious dessert at home. The vanilla custard is one of the most classic and comforting desserts in baking. Its smooth texture, delicate flavor and unmistakable aroma make it a must-have recipe for those who enjoy homemade flavors. Today we share an exclusive resource for you to learn how to prepare it step by step. The recipe that never goes out of style. Custards are a basic of home cooking, but also an ideal starting point for those who want to experiment with new pastry preparations. The classic vanilla version combines simple ingredients with a technique that, although it looks easy, requires attention to detail to achieve the perfect balance between flavor and texture. This downloadable resource is part of the course The Art of Donut Making, where you'll discover how to bring irresistible recipes to life with a fun and creative approach.
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Wellness

Giorgio Armani dies at 91: farewell to the king of Italian fashion

[Giorgio Armani dies peacefully at the age of 91 in Milan. The designer, visionary of minimalism and creator of a creative empire. With deep regret, the Armani Group announced the passing of Giorgio Armani, its founder and tireless creative force, at the age of 91. The designer passed away at his home in Milan, surrounded by his loved ones, and continued to work on his collections until his final days.
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Craft

Craft techniques from around the world that inspire creativity

Discover craft techniques from around the world, their history and how to reinterpret them today to create unique pieces full of cultural identity.. Every corner of the planet holds a unique craft technique, passed down from generation to generation. From traditional American weavings to delicate European lace, handicrafts are a reflection of cultural heritage and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers, illustrators and contemporary artisans. In this article, we invite you to discover craft techniques from different regions of the world, learn about the materials and tools that make them possible, and learn how to reinterpret them in your own creative projects.
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Design

Minimalist design: communicating more with fewer elements

Discover how minimalist design allows you to convey clear and effective messages using simplicity, clean typography, reduced color and white space.. In design, sometimes, visual silence says more than a scream of color and shapes. Minimalism is much more than aesthetics: it is a philosophy that seeks clarity, functionality and harmony in every project. In an environment saturated with information, learning to communicate with precision by eliminating the unnecessary is key to stand out. In this article, we will explore how to apply minimalist design to convey clear, impactful and memorable messages.
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Illustration

Sorolla and light: the painter who trapped the sun in his canvases

Discover how Joaquín Sorolla turned light into the protagonist of his work and what current artists can learn from his luminist technique.. Sorolla did not paint light... he made it shine. Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923) is considered the great master of Spanish luminism, a painter who made light the true subject of his work. His style, deeply linked to the Mediterranean and outdoor painting, made him a key figure not only in Spanish art, but also in the international panorama.
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3D & Animation

Top 5 video games of 2025

We celebrate Video Game Day (August 29) by sharing the top 5 titles of 2025 according to critics and the community.. August 29 is Video Game Day, and what better way to pay tribute to this industry than by sharing the titles that have marked the year. From surprising indie proposals to long-awaited sequels, here are the Top 5 video games of 2025 according to critics and the gaming community.
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Domestika

Discover the Domestika Lives of September 2025: inspiration and learning live

[Connect with great creatives, explore new disciplines and take your projects to the next level. All Lives are free and will also be available after the broadcast for Plus users. This month comes loaded with inspiration and learning with live sessions to explore new techniques, discover digital tools and deepen your creative process. All Lives will be open to the whole community and, if you can't connect live, you will have the possibility to watch them later. 📅 September 2 | Sergio Instanto Topic: Photocomposition and creative resolutions 🕒 Time: 17:00h CET | 🌐 Language: English It will teach you how to transform your ideas into stunning digital compositions. You will learn how to generate creative concepts, plan the photocomposition process and solve common problems when working in Photoshop: from image selection and layer manipulation to the integration of effects and textures.
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Illustration

Colors that tell stories: the psychology of color in illustration

Color as an emotional and narrative language in illustration. The same character can transmit sweetness or danger just by changing the color of his clothes. Color is not only aesthetics: it is a silent language that communicates emotions and deep meanings. Color psychology studies how tones influence our perception and emotions, and in the world of illustration it becomes an essential tool to give life to characters and scenarios. Have you ever wondered why an illustration immediately calms you down or, on the contrary, instantly transmits tension? The answer usually lies in the choice of color.
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Writing

Letter to editors: A practical guide to submitting your work

Download a free sample letter to present your project to a publisher and learn how to communicate your ideas with clarity and professionalism.. How to approach a publisher with confidence One of the most common challenges for journalists and writers is how to present their work to an editor. It's not just about having a good idea, but knowing how to convey it clearly, professionally and persuasively. In his course Narrating reality: narrative journalism techniques, journalist and educator Guillermo Osorno shares tools for telling stories with impact. As part of this methodology, he has created a downloadable resource that will help you take the first step: write a letter to approach an editor or publisher.. Sample letter for publishers. This resource includes an editable template in which you will find: - A clear structure for writing your presentation. - Tips on tone and key information to include. - A sample letter that you can adapt according to your project. With this guide you will be able to save time, focus on your story and approach editors with more confidence and professionalism.
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Craft

Barbara Kruger: The Power of Words in Art

Discover how Barbara Kruger transformed contemporary art with typography, social criticism and feminism into powerful visual messages.. The Visual Voice of Barbara Kruger Barbara Kruger is a key figure in contemporary art. With an unmistakable style, she combines black and white images with red and white typography to deliver direct and provocative messages. Her work questions consumerism, politics and power structures, becoming a benchmark of feminist and conceptual art. Her visual language, inherited from graphic design and advertising, is still valid today in a world saturated with images, demonstrating the power of the word in visual culture.
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Writing

Download this free guide to apply the Five C's in Creative Advertising

Learn how to use the Five C's in your creative briefs. Download Jim Bosiljevac's free course guide. (Company, Consumer, Competition, Culture, Context)(Company, Consumer, Competition, Culture, Context) How to transform a brief into a great advertising idea? The secret often lies in asking the right questions from the start. In his course Creative Advertising: from brief to pitch, creative director Jim Bosiljevac shares a clear and practical method for approaching any advertising project: the Five C's.
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Illustration

From canvas to revolution: how Impressionism changed the way we see the world

Impressionism transformed art in the 19th century: rapid brushstrokes, vibrant light and a new way of looking at the world. What happens when a group of artists decide to challenge the established norms? In the mid-19th century, while the academies were dictating what should be considered art, a movement began to take shape in Paris with a simple but powerful idea: paint what you see, the instant you see it.
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3D & Animation

The Forgotten Women Behind Disney Animation

Discover the story of the pioneering women in Disney animation, whose talent marked an era but remained in the shadows.. When we think of the great Disney classics, we usually remember names like Walt Disney or the animators who brought Mickey Mouse, Snow White or The Little Mermaid to life. However, behind those magical worlds there was a group of women whose contribution was decisive and who remained invisible for decades. The British Film Institute (BFI) video-essay, The Women Behind Disney Animation, rescues this part of history and invites us to take a fresh look at the origins of the world's most famous animation studios.
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Craft

Downloadable pattern: create a 3D macrame penguin

Macramé goes far beyond decorative tapestries. With a little thread, patience and creativity, you can also give life to three-dimensional sculptures full of personality.. Today we share with you an exclusive downloadable by Mikaela Szumigraj, artist and teacher of the course 3D Sculptures in macramé: design and create characters with fiber. Who is Mikaela Szumigraj? Mikaela is the mind behind String Theories Fiber Design, a studio in Halifax, Canada, where she explores the potential of macramé in three dimensions. Her background is as unique as her pieces: an aerospace engineer by trade, she has transferred her technical expertise to fiber, developing unique 3D design techniques.. She has been sharing her work on Instagram since 2017, where she gained great recognition during the pandemic thanks to her sculptures of realistic animals, leaves and vines. Today, Mikaela combines teaching, selling kits and developing new techniques to continue to inspire an international community of macramé lovers. Today, Mikaela combines teaching, kit sales and the development of new techniques to continue to inspire an international community of macramé lovers.
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Photography

World Photography Day: tips and inspiration for celebrating visual creativity

World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19, an opportunity to honor photographers and rediscover photography as a creative tool. The day is celebrated on August 19, and is an opportunity to honor photographers and rediscover photography as a creative tool. World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19,. At Domestika we want to inspire you to celebrate this day by knowing its origins and sharing practical tips to improve your photos, whether you are just starting out or already have experience behind the camera.
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Domestika

Four Domestika creative contests to challenge you, learn and showcase your talent

At Domestika we believe that creativity grows when it is shared, practiced and put to the test. That's why today we want to invite you to participate in four active contests that are the perfect excuse to explore new techniques, challenge your imagination and, why not, win amazing prizes! Beyond winning, the real reward is in what you learn along the way: each challenge is an opportunity to practice, experiment and polish your creative skills while being inspired by the work of other members of the community. 1. Art reinvents itself. Participate here Take a classic work and give it a unique twist with your own style. A perfect exercise to work on your ability to reinterpret, learn from the great masters and unleash your contemporary creativity.
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