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Light is the soul of photography. Learning to recognize and manage the different types of lighting will allow you to completely transform your images.. The lighting is key in photography. Mastering the types of light, their control and use will allow you to convey emotions, highlight details and create atmospheres. Below, we will explore the main photographic types of light with examples and tips.
Mexican artist Lauren Fortoul, second place in the contest, transforms stagnation into hope through digital photography. For Lauren Fortoul, her work FUTURE / PRESENT / PAST was born out of a very personal need: to illuminate that feeling of stagnation that we can all experience at some point in life. With an introspective gaze, the artist invites the viewer to reflect on how the decisions we make today and the way we reinterpret our past shape our future. "I wanted to give the viewer a sense of hope and empowerment - and also remind myself. It all depends on the interpretation we choose to give the past and the actions we take in the present," explains Lauren. Her creative process always starts with an internal conflict or a recurring situation she observes around her. From there, she synthesizes the idea into a word or phrase and builds a visual universe through references gathered from Pinterest, walks, movies, books or exhibitions. The result in this case was a minimalist, reflective and contemplative digital composition, created with Adobe Photoshop, photographs taken with his Sony a7 iii camera and a simple white background. Discover the full interview with Lauren Fortoul on Domestika's blog to learn more about how she maintains her authenticity, the routines that nurture her creativity and the artists that inspire her. -Can you tell us what inspired you to create the winning project? What story or emotion did you want to convey? I was inspired by the concern to shed light on the feeling of stagnation that we experience at some point in life. I want to give the viewer a feeling of hope and empowerment, to do so and make me remember that it depends on the interpretation we decide to give to the past and the actions we take in the present that will shape our future. - What is your process for developing original ideas from scratch? It all starts with the need to transform or shed light on an internal conflict, either my own or a recurring situation I observe around me. I synthesize the concept in a phrase or a word. I look for visual references in Pinterest and in information that I collect from walks, movies, series, books and exhibitions. I make several digital collages, until I reach a feasible idea. - Do you start with a sketch, an inspiration board or something else? I start with a digital sketch - How would you define your style and how has it evolved? Currently I would define it as minimalist, reflective and contemplative, previously it was loaded and confusing. - What tools or techniques did you use to bring your project to life (traditional, digital, mixed media, etc.)? The technique I used is digital - Adobe Photoshop (main software) Main tool for image composition, manipulation and editing. - Collections of images pulled from Pinterest for reference collages. - Sony a7 iii camera - Tripod - White background ( a wall )
Are you passionate about writing but don't know how to classify your texts? This downloadable resource will help you understand the main differences between short stories, novels and short stories.. This resource is part of the online course Story Writing: threads for a good plot, taught by the renowned authors Agustina Bazterrica and Agustina Caride.
Weaving love, diversity, and sustainability into a powerful piece of textile art. For Hungarian textile artist Viktoria Odor, the Design with Pride contest was an opportunity to combine two of her core values: love without limits and care for the planet. Her project, Threads of Freedom, is a vibrant wall rug created with the tufting technique, blending the colors of the rainbow flag with a rich variety of textures and sustainable materials. “I believe loving freely is a basic human right,” Viktoria says. “To me, the beauty of the world lies in its diversity, and I wanted to express that not just through color, but also through texture.” The work incorporates cotton, wool, alpaca, merino, and even yarn unraveled from a skirt knitted by her grandmother—each element carrying its own story. Created almost entirely from natural and second-hand fibers, Threads of Freedom is not only a celebration of the LGBTQ community but also a statement on conscious, responsible design. Viktoria’s thoughtful approach and bold creativity earned her second place in the Design with Pride contest, chosen from over 50 entries worldwide. Read the full interview with Viktoria Odor here to learn more about her process, inspiration, and why she believes in giving time for your true artistic voice to emerge. 1. Can you tell us what inspired you to create the winning project? What story or emotion did you want to convey? I honestly believe that loving freely is a basic human right, so I wanted to create a wall rug using the tufting technique that features a gradient made from the colors of the rainbow flag - the symbol of the LGBTQ community. To me, the beauty of the world lies in its diversity, and I wanted to express that not just through color, but also through texture. So I used a mix of cotton, mercerized cotton, wool, merino wool, New Zealand wool, alpaca and second-hand yarns. The whole piece was created with sustainability and environmental awareness in mind: I mainly used natural materials (plant- and animal-based fibers left over from previous projects), and some second-hand yarn too - one of them was actually unraveled from a hand-knit skirt my grandmother made. I also used jute fabric as the base and attached a cotton backing with 100% natural glue. All in all, I wanted this piece to stand not only for the LGBTQ community but also for conscious, responsible thinking about our planet. 2. What is your process for developing original ideas from scratch? I believe inspiration can come from literally anything - any color, shape, sound or smell around us. Recently, the rusty pattern on an old mailbox caught my eye and sparked an idea for a future project. I like to keep my eyes open (even online), and whenever something grabs my attention or gives me a feeling, I save it for later. 3. Do you start with a sketch, an inspiration board, or something else? I usually sketch my ideas digitally on a drawing tablet, especially if I’m planning something figurative. But sometimes I just let the process lead me - shapes and colors evolve naturally as I go. There was even a time when a few yarns randomly landed next to each other, and the composition basically created itself from that moment. 4. How would you define your style, and how has it evolved? Honestly, I’m still in the process of finding my voice - I wouldn’t say I have a signature style just yet. A few months ago I felt like nonfigurative designs weren’t really my thing, but now I’m not so sure. What I do know is that I love experimenting with mixing different yarns, playing with textures and colors to create something special. I feel like that playful, tactile approach might become the core of my style in the long run.
We celebrate International Cat Day (August 8) with a tour of the most iconic works of art in which felines are the protagonists.. August 8International Cat Day is celebrated on August 8, established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to promote their care. In honor of these creatures, we explore their iconic depictions in art, from the divine to the domestic, inspiring artists of all ages.
From local memories to international recognition: how a historic diner inspired Amy’s award-winning gouache painting When Amy Pak decided to enter Domestika’s Urban Landscape Contest, she didn’t just submit a painting—she captured a piece of her city’s soul. Her winning piece, Home of the Garbage Plate, is more than a depiction of a building; it’s a heartfelt homage to Nick Tahou’s, a century-old restaurant famous for its iconic dish and for the memories it holds in her community. For Amy, this artwork was a way to preserve the bittersweet beauty of a place that has seen better days but still holds a special spot in her heart. “I like painting scenes from around my hometown and city, especially ones that have history and memories attached,” she says. “The area has changed and is looking more run down, which created a melancholy feeling for me. This contest gave me the perfect opportunity to capture that.” Working in gouache, a medium she’s embraced over the last year and a half, Amy skillfully balanced realism with impressionistic touches, allowing the piece to evoke both nostalgia and a sense of time passing. Her creative process blends photography, sketching, and keen observation—always ready to capture those fleeting moments when the light hits just right or a scene tells a story worth remembering. Read Amy Pak’s full interview to discover how she developed her unique style, overcame creative challenges, and found confidence through competition.
Do you want to start in photography and you don't know where to start?. The crucial thing is to observe, experiment and enjoy. We give you 8 simple ideas to start your photographic journey without leaving home or advanced equipment.
Spoiler: likes do not pay the bills Having a lot of followers doesn't guarantee that you're selling. How many times have you seen brands with thousands of likes... but without a single comment asking "how do I buy?"? The truth is that accumulating followers or interactions without a strategy behind it is like filling a stadium... and not having a microphone. This article is a clear, actionable guide for you to turn interest into purchase intent, and that intent into actual sales. Even if you're just starting out or don't have an ecommerce site yet. 1. The most common mistake: measuring vanity and not value. Having likes and followers is nice, but not always useful. Vanity metrics (followers, views, likes) give you exposure, but not revenue. What matters is how much of that attention you can convert into action: clicks, posts, purchases, subscriptions. The first thing you need to ask yourself is: Am I generating desire or just entertainment? People can love your content... and have no idea you're selling anything. 2. Content that converts has intent. Not every post should sell, but every post should have a function. Are you educating? Connecting emotionally? Activating the desire to buy? Generating urgency? Practical example: A diary brand can make a video showing the designs (visual), then another explaining how to use it to plan the week (educational), then a story of a customer who used it to organize her venture (emotional). At the end, it invites with a call to action: "Ready to get organized without stress? Click on the link in bio". Tip: Don't sell cold. Warm up the relationship with helpful or inspirational content, then guide to action.
Key tips for designing a CV that captures the attention of recruiters and clients in creative industries.. Your creative CV should showcase experience, education, style, personality and communication skills. Make it a tool that will open doors.
Discover how to develop your own style in illustration with these 5 exercises and practical tips for beginners and advanced illustrators. Finding your own illustration style is a common challenge. It requires exploration, practice and reflection. Here are five key steps to start or continue on this path with purpose.
Discover how abstract shapes and visual hierarchy help reveal the deeper meaning in a painting—featuring a breakdown of Renee McGrit’s surreal composition. Understanding composition in art is key to unlocking how visual storytelling works. In this breakdown, artist and educator Tanya Konova takes us inside one of her favorite artworks by Renee McGrit, guiding us through the creation of a compositional summary that reveals the painting’s deeper meaning.
Did you know that you can convey emotions with just a few strokes?. Step 1: Draw a base face. Start with a simple face shape: it can be a circle, an oval or a basic silhouette. You don't need to add details, the important thing is that you have a neutral template where you can try different expressions. Tip: leave enough space to place eyebrows, eyes and mouth. Step 2: Draw two straight eyebrows. Draw two horizontal lines on top of the face shape. These lines represent the eyebrows, and their position or inclination will begin to suggest emotions. You can try long, short, straight or angled strokes.
Preparing the mind and the creative process before designing. This article presents 5 practical exercises to organize ideas, find inspiration and focus your next project, helping you avoid blockages and make better decisions with clarity on any project. 1. Mental map of inspiration 2. Objective: Visually explore key project concepts. How to do it: Write the main theme of the project (e.g., "visual identity" or "fabric collection") in the center of a sheet of paper and begin branching out with keywords, styles, emotions, visual references, or colors. Benefits: This exercise helps you discover unexpected associations and clarify your visual approach from the start.
Many entrepreneurs believe that "being present" on social networks is enough to sell. They upload a post with a product photo, a couple of hashtags and expect that to generate magic. But the problem is not the frequency. It's the lack of direction. Today, people don't connect with products: they connect with stories, with values, with emotions. And if your brand doesn't communicate with intent, you're likely to get lost in the noise. This article is a simple - but powerful - guide to transform your social networks into a real connection channel with your customers. [What is a purposeful brand (and why does it matter)? A purposeful brand is not one that says "we want to change the world," but one that is clear about why it exists and how it wants to impact the lives of its audience. Real example: Maria has a small handcrafted candle startup. Before, her Instagram was just photos of her products with phrases like "lavender scent available". When she understood that her purpose was to help people create self-care rituals in their daily routine, her content changed. She started talking about stress, about pausing, about creating warm environments at home. The result: more engagement, more messages, more sales. 2. What do I want people to feel when they see my content? This is the most powerful question you can ask yourself before designing your content strategy. It's not just about showing what you're selling, it's about building an emotional experience. Practical Tip: Make a list of 3 emotions you want your brand to elicit (e.g. calmness, inspiration, joy) and use it as a creative filter for everything you publish.
Learn, get inspired and create with great professionals from the creative world. August arrives full of creative proposals to keep learning from wherever you are. Illustration, composition, writing, design, AI... This month on Domestika, experts share their knowledge in live sessions full of inspiration and practical tips. If you can't attend live, no problem! All the live sessions will be available on a live stream so you can watch them whenever you want. Take note and don't miss any of them: July 31 Rimiyoho + Jhãna: Creative Live Session ⏰ 18:00 h (GMT+1) | 🗣️ English This Creative Live Session brings together for the first time on stage Rimiyoho, a project by illustrator and visual artist Fernando Sica, and Jhãna, the new alias of Mexican producer Alejandro Merodio. Watch the live August 7th 📚 Libracos - From flat paper to nature-inspired pop-up art. ⏰ 17:00 h (GMT+1) | 🗣️ English Learn how to create pop-up structures inspired by insects and plants. Together with Libracos you will build a paper kingfisher step by step. A practical and poetic session about paper design. Watch live
Tips and tools for getting noticed with the help of artificial intelligence. Preparing for a job interview always involves a certain level of pressure, and in the world of creativity, where portfolio, narrative and personality matter as much as technical skills, it can be even more difficult. Fortunately, artificial intelligence has turned into a valuable aliada for those who want to approach this process with confidence and originality. In this article we explain how to use AI tools and tips to improve your preparation and present yourself with confidence at creative industry meetings.
Start painting with simple, relaxing and colorful projects. Watercolor is one of the most versatile and accessible techniques to get you started in illustration. Here are 8 easy ideas to get you started in watercolor, lose your fear of the brush and discover everything you can express with this technique. 1. Simple flowers Draw basic flowers like daisies, tulips or lavender. They are perfect for practicing soft shapes, color mixtures and loose brushstrokes. They are also very decorative and always nice to paint. 2. Fruits and vegetables. Start with simple pieces such as lemons, strawberries or carrots. Their organic shapes and vivid colors will help you practice gradients, light and shadow. 3. Skies at sunset. Color transitions in the sky are ideal for learning to blur and control water. Add silhouettes of mountains or trees to create a simple but striking composition.
Discover the origins of a visual revolution that transformed design, art and technology
The impasto, a centuries-old technique to add texture and emotion to painting, did you know that it can be replicated in digital? We explain how to achieve it in traditional media and in your digital illustrations. What is impasto? The impasto is a painting technique that consists of applying the paint in a thick and visible way, generating volume and texture on the canvas. The stroke of the brush or palette knife is not concealed: it forms an active part of the work and adds dynamism. Painters such as Van Gogh or Rembrandt used this technique to intensify the light and emotion in their compositions. The paint stands out from the canvas, capturing the light in a different way and bringing a tactile sensation to the viewer. Learn more in this video about impasto with water-based oil paint.
Before designing, you have to ask. That's why today we are sharing with you a fundamental tool for any branding professional: a Q&A questionnaire for clients that will help you build a solid and strategic brief. This resource is part of the course Branding for Cultural Organizations: Build Strong and Memorable Identities, taught by graphic designer and creative director Fidel Peña, co-founder of Underline Studio. A key tool to understand your client. With this document you will be able to identify the objectives, needs, values and expectations of any organization before starting to design. It is a practical guide that you can use in initial interviews to lay the groundwork for a coherent and meaningful brand.
Turn leftover cake into delicious, Instagram-worthy treats with this fun and easy tutorial If you're a baking enthusiast, you've probably asked yourself what to do with all those cake scraps left over after leveling your layers. Instead of tossing them, turn them into something deliciously beautiful: sprinkle cake truffles! In this tutorial, cake artist Whitney DePaoli, founder of Sugar and Sparrow, shows you a simple, creative way to give leftover cake a second life.
International Tattoo Day is celebrated on July 17. A date that recognizes the cultural and artistic value of tattooing as a form of body expression. To pay tribute to this day, we compiled the 10 most influential tattoo artists worldwide, with diverse styles and outstanding careers.
What role does artificial intelligence play in the creative process?. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools such as Midjourney, Runway or ChatGPT has transformed workflows in areas such as graphic design, illustration, motion, music and more. This technology, which once seemed futuristic, is now within the reach of any creative... and is generating debate. AI: a new tool, not a replacement. Just as it happened with the transition from paper to digital or the arrival of Photoshop, AI does not eliminate human creativity, but rather offers new ways of working, experimenting and producing. Some of the most common creative uses include: - Generating moodboards or quick visual concepts - Devising typographic variants or color palettes - Creating animations, voices or backgrounds in record time - Writing prompts, descriptions or texts for networks - Turn simple sketches into polished pieces
Practical advice from pianist and composer David Snyder. Would you like to improve your speed and accuracy when playing the piano? If you are taking your first steps on this instrument or you already have experience, this new free download is for you. It is an exclusive file created as part of the course Piano Improvisation and Composition: create original melodies with confidence, taught by the talented musician David Snyder. What will you find in this download?. "Cómo tocar rápido y con precisión" is a PDF in Spanish that offers a clear and structured guide with technical tips, exercises and key observations to gain agility on the keyboard without losing control or musicality. Ideal for those who wish to improve their technique in a progressive and effective way.
A brilliant lesson in graphic design with meaning and precision. Looking at the FedEx logo, it may appear, at first glance, to be a clean, modern typographic design. However, this logo holds a visual secret that many overlook: a hidden arrow between the "E" and the "x". This subtle detail is considered one of the most ingenious examples of negative space design, and makes it an essential reference for anyone interested in logo design.
Free download: step-by-step recipe included Making homemade ice cream at home may seem complicated, but thanks to this quick and machine-free method, it is now possible to prepare a delicious dessert in just a few minutes. From Domestika, we bring you a free downloadable content with an easy and fun recipe to create instant ice cream using only ice and salt. This resource is part of the course Artisan ice cream: create flavors and textures at home, taught by David Davidov, also known as The Cooking Foodie, one of today's most influential culinary creators.
What makes an agency truly creative? Today, creative agencies no longer just sell products: they create culture, build strong brands and tell stories that connect emotionally with audiences around the world. [But what differentiates the truly great ones from the rest? For this selection, we were guided by criteria such as - Constant innovation - Global impact and cultural relevance - Collaborations with iconic clients - Recognition at festivals such as Cannes Lions - A unique ability to deliver effective storytelling Here are the 5 most influential creative agencies in the world. Not just because of what they do, but because of how they do it.
Find effects, loops and music without worrying about rights of use. Whether you're producing videos, editing podcasts, animating scenes or composing music, audio is a key part of any creative project's narrative. But finding quality, varied and clearly licensed sounds can be a complex task. 1. Freesound.org - The ultimate audio community What it is: A collaborative platform where creators from all over the world upload field recordings, effects, ambiences and samples. Ideal for: short films, video games, motion graphics, experimental sound design. Extra: You can filter by license and file type. Some sounds are recorded with professional equipment. 2. BBC Sound Effects Archive - More than 16,000 historical sounds. What it is: A public archive from the BBC with recordings ranging from footsteps in the snow to 1940s airplanes. Ideal for: documentary projects, reenactments, educational content. Important: These are for non-commercial use, but perfect for learning or personal projects.
Do you work with Photoshop on a daily basis and feel that you could optimize your time?. Photoshop is one of the most powerful tools for designers and illustrators, but it can also become a maze of layers, brushes and shortcuts if you don't know how to get the most out of it.
Unlock your creativity and confidence at the piano by mastering simple patterns and scales. Learning how to improvise on the piano can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this beginner-friendly guide, pianist, composer, and educator David Snyder shares an accessible and liberating approach to improvisation, focusing on two core concepts: patterns and ingredients.