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3D & Animation

Treasures of the past: how medieval art inspires contemporary animation

Medieval art, a key inspiration in contemporary animation. Contemporary animation does not always look forward. On many occasions, it finds its greatest source of innovation by looking to the past. Medieval art, with its symbolic power, visual storytelling and meaningful aesthetics, has become a key inspiration for filmmakers and animation studios looking to build unique and memorable worlds. [Stained glass windows, illuminated codices, tapestries and frescoes have been brought back to life on the big screen, transformed into visual languages that break with classical realism. Have you ever noticed these medieval echoes while watching your favorite animated movies?. Visual keys to medieval art. Medieval art developed with a clear objective: to tell stories and transmit ideas in a society where the image was a fundamental language. Some of its most recognizable characteristics are: - Intense and symbolic color palettes, with a predominance of golds, deep blues, reds and greens. - Flat perspective, where hierarchy matters more than realistic depth. - Religious and mythological iconography, loaded with coded meanings. - Manuscript illumination, with geometric patterns, ornamental frames and decorated capitals. - Stained glass and tapestries, which narrate complete scenes through composition and repetition. These resources were not only decorative: they functioned as a powerful, clear and emotional narrative tool.
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Craft

Free download: step-by-step guide to create natural pigments sustainably

Create Natural Pigments: Domestika's Free Guide to Sustainable Creativity. In recent years, sustainable creative processes have gone from being a trend to a necessity. More and more artists, designers and creators are looking for ways of working that respect the environment, reduce environmental impact and recover a more conscious relationship with materials. In this context, creating natural pigments from vegetable and mineral elements presents itself as a fascinating and accessible alternative. Not only does it make it possible to reduce the use of industrial dyes, but it also connects with ancestral techniques that have accompanied humanity for centuries. For those who want to get started on this path, Domestika offers a free downloadable guide that explains step by step how to obtain natural pigments from home or workshop, becoming a practical tool to explore color from an ecological and creative perspective. Why go for natural pigments? The use of natural pigments brings both environmental and creative benefits. From an ecological point of view, vegetable or mineral dyes stand out for their biodegradability, lower toxicity and renewable origin. Unlike many industrial dyes, they do not generate aggressive chemical residues or pollute the water during their production or application process. But the value of these pigments goes beyond sustainability. Working with materials extracted from roots, leaves, bark or flowers adds an emotional and aesthetic dimension to the creative process. Each color has a history, an origin and a unique variability, making each piece unrepeatable. Furthermore, this practice aligns with the principles of responsible and circular design, where materials are maximized and the process matters as much as the end result. What will you find in this step-by-step guide? The downloadable guide is intended as an intuitive, clear and practical resource, ideal for both beginners and curious creators who want to expand their knowledge. Inside you will find: - A list of accessible materials, such as vegetables, roots, bark and other easy-to-find natural elements. - Detailed instructions for color extraction, explained in a simple and progressive way. - Suggestions for the application of pigments on different supports: textiles, paper, yarns or natural fibers. - Tips for preserving pigments and experimenting with shade variations according to the process, the mordant or the support used. This is a guide designed to experiment without fear, encourage observation and discover how color changes according to the origin and treatment of the material. Creative applications of natural pigments. Natural pigments offer an enormous range of creative possibilities. Some of their most common applications include: - Botanical illustration, where the natural origin of the color reinforces the visual discourse. - Textile printing and dyeing, creating unique pieces with their own identity. - Sustainable product design, from accessories to decorative objects. - Artistic journaling and slow art, where the manual and conscious process is an essential part of the work. These practices are directly connected to the slow art movement, which proposes to create with time, attention and respect for materials, reinforcing the link between art, ecology and culture.
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Design

Color Palette Pro - create advanced, customizable color palettes with ease

The Definitive Tool for Professional Color Palette Generation. Color is one of the fundamental pillars of design. Whether you work in graphic design, illustration, branding or UI/UX, choosing the right palette can completely transform the perception of a project. Color communicates tone, intent and personality; it guides the eye and defines the visual atmosphere. In this context arises Color Palette Pro, an online tool that allows you to generate advanced palettes in an intuitive, precise and fully customizable way. It is not just a generator of beautiful colors: it is a resource designed for professionals looking for chromatic rigor and technical control that few platforms offer. What is Color Palette Pro and what makes it stand out? Color Palette Pro is a platform designed to create, adjust and export palettes based on professional colorimetric principles. It aims to offer deep control over shades, contrast and harmony, combining technical power and accessible expertise. Unlike basic generators, this tool is intended for: - Graphic designers - Illustrators - Brand creators - Developers who need advanced precision Main functions Customizable palette generator Allows you to control parameters such as: - Hue - Contrast - Temperature - Luminosity Brightness Saturation Saturation - Saturation You can generate automatic combinations or manually adjust each value to achieve perfect harmony.
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Illustration

5 digital illustration techniques you should try in 2026

Digital illustration is evolving. By 2026, certain techniques will be consolidated as essential. Incorporate these 5 trends to your portfolio. Digital illustration continues to transform at an accelerated pace. Every year new tools, styles and approaches emerge that expand the creative possibilities for artists of all levels. In 2026, visual trends point to a balanced combination of digital, analog and narrative experimentation. Mastering new techniques not only broadens your skills, but also allows you to stand out in an increasingly competitive industry. Exploring trends is a way to stay current, nurture your style and discover unexpected ways to tell visual stories. Here are 5 key techniques that will shape digital illustration in 2026, ideal to start integrating into your creative workflow today. 1. Analog textures applied digitally. The fusion between manual and digital will continue to grow. Illustrators are increasingly incorporating brushes that simulate graphite, charcoal, ink, oil or watercolor, achieving a handmade finish without giving up digital flexibility. It is also becoming common to digitize real textures rough paper, watercolor stains, handmade strokes to integrate them in layers and enrich the composition. This technique adds depth, imperfection and humanity, highly valued in editorial illustration, children, posters and personal art.
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Culinary

Free download: Quick guide to brain food

Brain nutrition: Domestika's guide to boost your creativity. Creativity, concentration and mental clarity do not depend on inspiration alone. Our physical well-being and especially the way we nourish our bodies directly influences our ability to think fluently, make decisions and stay focused. Brain nutrition thus becomes an essential tool for those who make a living from their creativity. Feeding the brain with the right nutrients allows it to function with energy, balance and emotional stability. That's why at Domestika we have created a Quick guide to brain food, a free and practical resource to accompany you in your daily creative life. Why nutrition influences creativity and concentration? The brain consumes about 20% of the body's total energy. To maintain key functions - memory, focus, emotional management, problem solving or idea generation - it needs specific nutrients. Certain foods can boost: - mood, - mental clarity, - memory, - creative fluency, - the ability to reduce stress. In the same way, a poor diet can lead to mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating or creative blocks. What you eat is also part of your creative process.
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Wellness

Reconnect with your inner child: free download to explore your creativity from the root.

Unlock your Creativity: Reconnect with your Inner Child with Our Free Download. As we grow up, we tend to leave behind the spontaneity, playfulness and curiosity that marked our childhood. Responsibilities and the fast pace of adult life take us away from that essential part of ourselves that we once created freely, without fear or judgment. Reconnecting with the inner child is not nostalgia: it is a powerful tool to unlock creativity, heal emotions and recover authenticity. That's why at Domestika we have created a free download that invites you to start this journey through reflective writing, emotional exploration and self-listening exercises. What does it mean to reconnect with your inner child? From a creative approach, the inner child represents that part of you that holds your purest creative impulses, your first intuitions and the free way you explored the world. In the early years are hidden clues about: - what you loved, - what you feared, - what you dreamed about, - and what made you feel alive. Revisiting these memories with kindness can be profoundly transformative. It's not about going back, it's about reclaiming inner freedom to create from a more authentic place.
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Design

Minimalist Christmas decorations: less glitter, more soul

Conscious Christmas: The Definitive Guide to Minimalist and Natural Decorating. Every December, homes are filled with intense lights, bright decorations and saturated colors. Although Christmas is traditionally associated with visual abundance, a growing trend invites you to celebrate it from a calmer, more aesthetically pleasing perspective: minimalist Christmas decorating. This approach prioritizes calm, intention and natural materials. It simplifies without losing beauty and leaves room for light, texture and small details with meaning. What is minimalist Christmas decor? Minimalist decor is based on clean lines, balance and reduction of unnecessary elements. At Christmas it means: - Visual simplicity: few decorations, selected with intention. - Natural materials that bring warmth. - Handcrafted and timeless aesthetics, far from ephemeral. Minimalist is not synonymous with cold: when built with textures, neutral tones and organic materials, it creates a warm elegance that invites to rest. Color palette: the basis of minimalist aesthetics. Neutral tones are the protagonists, because they allow the space to breathe: - Whites, ecru and beige for luminosity. - Soft grays for balance. - Natural greens inspired by the winter forest. - Browns, earth and wood to connect with the organic. - Matte gold or copper as subtle accents.
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Craft

Minimalist Christmas decorations: less glitter, more soul

Minimalist Christmas Decoration: Elegance, Calm and Nature in your Home. Christmas is usually associated with bright lights, saturated colors and an abundance of decorations. However, more and more people are looking for a calmer, more elegant alternative: minimalist Christmas decorating. This approach proposes an aesthetic celebration, serene and connected to nature, where every element has intention and meaning. In this article we explore what characterizes this style and how to incorporate it to create a more intimate, balanced and soulful Christmas. What is minimalist Christmas decoration. Minimalist Christmas decor is based on the principle of "less is more". Its aesthetic is built with: - Clean lines and simple compositions - A soft and coherent palette - Few but well selected elements - Natural materials and warm textures Unlike traditional decoration ,brighter, more abundant and intense, Christmas minimalism seeks to convey calm, authenticity and visual balance.
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3D & Animation

What's New in Procreate Dreams 2: Features that revolutionize digital animation

[Procreate Dreams 2 features new animation tools, advanced timeline and performance improvements. Discover what's new and how they transform your creative flow. Procreate Dreams once again marks a turning point in the world of digital animation. With the arrival of Procreate Dreams 2, the app incorporates improvements that expand its professional potential without sacrificing its essence: powerful, intuitive tools within the reach of any artist. If you work in animation, motion graphics, illustration or visual storytelling, this update not only improves your workflow: it speeds it up, simplifies it and makes it more expressive. Here's a look at the most important new features and why they're generating so much buzz in the creative community. A more powerful and flexible timeline The update introduces a more visual, editable and fluid timeline, allowing: - Adjust keyframes with millimeter precision. - Create complex movements without relying on external software. - Organize layers and scenes in a more intuitive way. - Visualize audio and synchronize it better with the animation. The result: a system closer to professional tools, but with the gentle learning curve that characterizes Procreate.
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Architecture & Space

Frank Gehry: the architect who reinvented form in motion dies

Frank Gehry, one of the most influential architects of the 20th and 21st century, passes away at the age of 96. We review his vision, iconic works and creative legacy.. On December 5, as reported by RTVE, Frank Gehry (1929-2025) passed away at the age of 96. His departure marks the end of one of the most visionary voices of contemporary architecture: a creator who transformed steel, titanium and impossible curves into a poetics of movement. Gehry not only designed buildings: he invented a language of his own. His sculptural, intuitive and deeply emotional approach forever changed the way we understand the relationship between form, space and experience. In this tribute we review his most emblematic works, his creative philosophy and the legacy he leaves to artists, architects and designers around the world. An architectural language that broke all the rules. Dynamic and sculptural volumes. His buildings seem to vibrate or move, as if they were frozen in the midst of a fluid movement. His architecture aspired more to feel than to explain itself. Innovative materials. Corrugated steel, titanium, curved glass and industrial surfaces became expressive tools that defied visual gravity. Emotional design For Gehry, a building had to move. His flexible, gestural forms sought to provoke surprise, evocation, and an almost musical sensory experience. His atypical approach made his work a fusion of architecture, design and contemporary sculpture.
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Domestika

Martin Parr: farewell to the photographer who portrayed the everyday with irony

Martin Parr, master of contemporary documentary photography, dies at the age of 73. We review his work, style and legacy in modern photography. The world of photography bids farewell to Martin Parr (1952-2025), one of the most influential authors of contemporary documentary and a prominent member of Magnum Photos. His death at the age of 73, confirmed by El País, leaves a huge void in visual culture. Parr reinvented the way of looking at the everyday: he turned the ordinary into the extraordinary, portrayed the absurd without losing sensitivity and elevated simple scenes to the category of social narrative. His work demonstrates that photography does not need grandeur to be profound: an honest, critical and humorous look is enough. This article reviews his life, his most iconic series and the legacy he leaves behind for photographers, creatives and lovers of visual stories. An unmistakable style that changed photography. Intense colors and direct flash. His deliberately exaggerated aesthetic revealed what usually goes unnoticed. The use of hard flash in broad daylight became a bold and widely imitated visual signature. Humor and irony as narrative tools. Parr observed the world with critical distance but without cruelty. His images charged with British humor speak of consumption, the middle class, leisure and human contradictions. Contemporary Documentary As a member of Magnum since 1994, he moved away from traditional solemn reportage and paved the way for a fresh, pop and provocative documentary filmmaking.
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3D & Animation

Medieval art in animated films: how the aesthetics of the past inspire the worlds of animated cinema.

The Visual Legacy of the Middle Ages in Animated Cinema. Medieval art has left a deep imprint on animated cinema. From illuminated manuscripts to Gothic stained glass to narrative tapestries, this artistic period offers a visual universe full of color, symbolism and stylized forms. Many films - both classic and contemporary - use these aesthetics to build unique atmospheres, memorable characters and worlds with ancient magic. In this article we explore how different animated works have integrated medieval elements into their visual storytelling and why this language remains so powerful in animation today. What characterizes medieval art and why it works so well in animation. Medieval art is distinguished by: - Flat, saturated colors that reinforce emotion and clarity. - Absence of classical perspective, generating symbolic compositions. - Stylized and hierarchical figures where form communicates importance. - Decorative and narrative approach with patterns, borders and sequential scenes. In animation these resources work because they create coherent worlds, convey symbolic strength and provide a timeless aesthetic that blends history and fantasy.
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Illustration

Free download: 10 essential tips for creating memorable characters

Create Characters that Come Alive: 10 Essential Domestika Tips. Character creation is one of the fundamental pillars in illustration, animation, graphic narrative and children's literature. A well-constructed character is much more than an attractive drawing: it is a mix of personality, emotions, internal coherence and own story. It is the heart of any visual story. It's not enough to define physical traits: a memorable character is born from what he feels, what he desires, what he fears and how he relates to his world. To help you develop them, at Domestika we've prepared a free download with 10 practical tips, inspired by the course "Children's illustration techniques with sketchbook". Why it is so important to develop solid characters. Characters are the gateway to the narrative universe. They allow the audience to identify, get excited, learn or have fun. In children's illustration, the character is a bridge between the story and the imagination of the little ones. A well-developed character can support an entire series, an illustrated story or a personal project. They are the soul of the story and the reason why a story remains in the memory. What's included in this free download The resource brings together the 10 essential tips for designing cohesive, expressive, and unique characters: - Physical traits with intent - Defined personality - Movement and expressions - Relationship to their environment - Objectives and conflicts - Appropriate color palette - Distinctive silhouette - Emotions and vulnerabilities - Coherence in style - Life-giving details Also includes: - Exercises to apply each tip in your sketchbook. - Recommendations for exploring different styles - Ideas for developing characters from drawing or writing
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Craft

Creative family projects for the holidays: craft, drawing, cooking and photography ideas

The Magic of Creating Together: Turn the Holidays into a Family Memory Workshop. The holidays are an opportunity to slow down, look around and reconnect with those we love the most. In an age marked by rush and screens, taking time to create as a family can become a deeply meaningful experience. Shared creativity doesn't just result in beautiful objects: it strengthens bonds, awakens laughter and transforms everyday moments into memorable memories. In this article you'll find easy, fun and adaptable creative projects for all ages, perfect for turning the holidays into a space for play, expression and collaboration. Why creating as a family is a tradition we should bring back. Creative activities don't just entertain: they help work on imagination, cooperation, patience and emotional connection. Creating as a family reminds us that the important thing is not the perfection of the result, but the shared process: the paint-stained hands, the stories that emerge while cooking, the laughter when something doesn't turn out as expected. Through art, cooking or photography, children and adults find a common language that unites generations and opens spontaneous conversations. Creative projects to do as a family during the holidays. Below are activities grouped by discipline, all easy to adapt according to age and available materials.
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Writing

Free download: Inspiration questionnaire for personal storytelling

Personal Storytelling: Unlock your Memory and Find the Stories that Connect. Personal storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for understanding who we are, communicating authentically and transforming memories into stories that connect. Through storytelling we make sense of what we have experienced, discover patterns, recognize emotions and find a thread that links our past to our present. However, many people want to tell their story and do not know where to start. There is a lack of clarity, it is difficult to go deeper or it is difficult to identify memories with narrative potential. To accompany you in this process, at Domestika we have created a free download: a questionnaire designed to unlock your memory, awaken your creativity and help you find the stories that live inside you. This article guides you through its contents and shows you how to use it to start or strengthen your storytelling practice. Why it is important to work on your personal storytelling. Storytelling doesn't just belong to writing: it's used to present ideas, communicate projects, connect with others and build identity. Knowing how to tell who you are - and why - is valuable in a literary text, an interview, a portfolio or a personal conversation. Self-knowledge is the basis of storytelling. Our experiences, contradictions, emotions and memories are narrative raw material. Storytelling transforms common experiences into universal stories capable of resonating with other people. What's included in the free download The resource brings together questions designed to trigger your memory and emotions: - Deep, intimate and creative questions to explore your biography. - Indicators to detect key moments, learnings and conflicts. - Guides to connect with sensory memories, important links or decisions that marked your life. - Spaces to transform answers into stories or narrative fragments.
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Craft

How to make your own illustrated Christmas cards: step-by-step with lettering and collage ideas

Handmade Christmas cards: bring your illustrations to life with lettering and collage. Sending illustrated Christmas cards is a tradition that keeps alive the value of the handmade. In an era dominated by screens, receiving a physical postcard created with time and love becomes a deeply personal gesture. Handmade postcards preserve the magic of the tangible: the paper, the color, the texture, the calligraphy... elements that tell a story and convey an authentic message. Here you will learn how to create your own postcards combining lettering, collage and illustration, perfect for any creative level. Why create your own Christmas postcards Making handmade postcards is a mindful and creative way to celebrate. Its benefits: - Artistic and personal value: each stroke reflects your style. - Sustainability: you reuse paper and materials, reducing waste. - Accessible creativity: you don't need to be a professional to create something beautiful. Creating your own postcards is an opportunity to reconnect with your creativity and share art with those you love the most. Basic materials you need - Paper or cardboard (ideally recycled or handmade). - Pencils, markers, pens or watercolors. - Scissors, glue and cut-outs for collage. - Decorative elements: stamps, ribbons, buttons, patterned papers. - Envelopes and postage stamps if you want to send them. Simple materials → unique results.
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Architecture & Space

100 years after the death of the genius: the life and legacy of Antoni Gaudí

Gaudí: The Centenary of a Visionary who Transformed Modern Architecture. The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), one of the world's most visionary architects. His work, deeply linked to nature, spirituality and geometry, transcended the limits of architecture to become a artistic language of its own. A century later, his figure continues to fascinate architects, designers and art lovers. This article reviews his life, explores his creative process, and celebrates the universal influence of a creator who forever transformed modern architecture. The origins of a visionary. Antoni Gaudí was born in Reus in 1852, into a family of artisan coppersmiths. His fragile health led him to spend much time observing nature, a practice that would mark all his work. Natural forms, proportions and rhythms would become his main source of inspiration. He studied architecture in Barcelona and from the beginning developed his own style. Although he mastered classical technique, his gaze sought to unite art, geometry and spirituality, anticipating Catalan modernism.
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Design

Free download: guide to create your own substrates and care for your plants like a professional

Master the art of the perfect substrate: free guide to take care of your plants like a pro The substrate is the heart of any plant. Beyond light and watering, it is the base where roots develop, nutrients are stored and the balance between water and oxygen is maintained. Choosing or preparing a good substrate can make the difference between a plant that simply "survives" and a small ecosystem that thrives in a healthy way. Whether you grow houseplants, succulents, aromatic plants or an urban garden, knowing how to create the right substrate allows you to adapt the mix to the real needs of each species. That's why we at Domestika have prepared a free download: a PDF inspired by the course "Designing green spaces for your home". A practical guide to understand the soil, customize it and take care of your plants like a pro. What is a substrate and why is it so important. The substrate is the mixture where the roots grow. Its main function is to retain water and nutrients, but also to allow air to circulate freely. This balance is essential for plants to breathe, absorb minerals and grow strong. A poorly chosen substrate can cause: - Excess moisture → fungus and rot. - Lack of aeration → suffocated roots. - Nutrient imbalances → yellow leaves, poor growth or lack of resistance. Knowing the materials and proportions is key to healthy and sustainable growth. What you will find in this free download. The guide includes: - Types of substrates for indoor, succulent, aromatic, urban garden and tropical plants. - Essential components: peat, coconut fiber, perlite, vermiculite, compost, coarse sand, bark.... - Recommended proportions to balance humidity and aeration. - Tips for reusing used substrates and enriching them. - Recommendations to keep the mix fresh, light and free of fungi. An indispensable guide to creating and maintaining a sustainable green environment.
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Illustration

Expressionism: 5 exercises to explore emotion through color

Let color speak for you: expressionism to explore your inner world. Expressionism is much more than an artistic movement: it is an invitation to look inward. Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this artistic approach moves away from objective representation to focus on what is not seen: emotions, inner intensity and deep sensations. Artists such as Edvard Munch, Egon Schiele, Wassily Kandinsky or Emil Nolde used color, line and form as an emotional language. They did not seek to copy reality, but to translate human experience into visceral and vibrant strokes. In this article we propose 5 expressionist exercises to explore your emotions through color, without the need to master the technique. You just need to let yourself go and let the color speak for you. The emotional power of color in art. Color connects with our most intuitive part. Each tone can awaken a different emotion: - Blue: calm or melancholy. - Red: anger, passion or intensity. - Yellow: energy or hope. - Dark tones: restlessness or introspection.
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Culinary

Free download: step-by-step guide to make moldable chocolate like a professional

Moldable chocolate step by step: the free guide every creative pastry chef needs. Moldable chocolate has become one of the essential techniques in creative pastry making and artistic modeling. Its versatility allows you to transform a simple chocolate mixture into figures, toppers, edible decorations and even small sculptures with a professional finish. And the best part: with the right recipe, anyone can learn how to prepare it at home. That's why at Domestika we have created a free download: a complete guide to prepare moldable chocolate from scratch, inspired by the course "Chocolate modeling: create animal toppers". In it you will find the recipe, tricks and key steps to master this delicious and creative technique. What is moldable chocolate and why you should learn how to make it. Moldable chocolate-also called plastic chocolate or modelling chocolate-combines chocolate and glucose syrup (or honey) to create a flexible, soft, modelable, clay-like mass. Unlike fondant or marzipan, modelling chocolate: - Has a more natural flavor. - It offers a more pleasant texture. - It allows realistic details to be modeled more easily. - It retains shapes better and offers a cleaner finish. Its applications are wide: toppers for cakes, flowers, decorative figures, sweet sculptures or personalized decorations.
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Craft

10 DIY ideas for a sustainable Christmas: create ornaments, wrappings and decorations from natural and recycled materials

Sustainable Christmas: creativity, recycling and handmade magic to decorate your home. Christmas can be a magical time without the need to fall into overconsumption. Every year, during the holidays, tons of waste are generated: single-use wrappings, plastic ornaments, disposable decorations... But there is another way to celebrate. A sustainable Christmas bets on creativity, recycling and environmental awareness, demonstrating that the handmade can also be festive, beautiful and emotional. With a few natural materials, recycled elements and a lot of desire to create, it is possible to transform your home into a warm and decorated space with intention. In this article we share with you 10 easy, inexpensive and charming DIY ideas to enjoy a more responsible, handmade holiday season full of personality. Why go for a more sustainable Christmas. The mass production associated with this time of year-rapid decorations, disposable toys, unnecessary packaging-has a direct impact on the planet. Choosing sustainable alternatives not only reduces waste, but also invites you to change your relationship with the holidays: moving from consumption to creation, from buying to making.
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Domestika

December live: a month to learn, create and share

Discover all the lives of the month and join the creative sessions that close the year in style December is full of inspiration and live learning. It's the perfect time to close the year exploring new techniques, discovering creative voices and connecting with an ever-growing community. During this month we have prepared a special agenda of free lives so you can learn from leading professionals, resolve doubts in real time and take your creativity to the next level before saying goodbye to 2025. Each session is designed for you to practice, experiment and discover new perspectives. Whether you're an illustrator, design lover, multidisciplinary creative, content creator or just someone who wants to learn something new, you'll find a live event made for you. Take note, book your day and get ready to be inspired. Here's the full schedule of December's lives.
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Illustration

The power of drawing as a mindfulness tool: how to connect with the present through art

Drawing and Mindfulness: The Creative Tool to Promote Well-Being, Cultivate Calmness and Improve Concentration. Drawing is much more than an artistic skill: it can become a practice of calm, focus and well-being. When we set aside expectations, perfectionism or the pressure to "get it right", the act of drawing becomes an intimate space of mindfulness. The simple action of moving the pencil over the paper, observing what is in front of you and allowing your hand to move forward without judgment can help you reduce stress, improve concentration and reconnect with yourself. That's why this article proposes a different look: to discover drawing as an accessible tool of creative mindfulness, open to anyone, even those who don't consider themselves artists. Here we explore how art can bring you closer to the present, help you listen to your emotions and offer you a respite from the hectic pace of everyday life. The link between art and mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present: observing, feeling and breathing without judgment. Drawing from this perspective turns the artistic process into a kind of active meditation. When you draw with mindfulness, you allow yourself: - Calmly observe form, light, texture or movement. - Coordinate your breathing with your strokes. - Let your hand flow without your mind clinging to the result.
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Domestika

4 contests to awaken your creativity in 2026

Explore, experiment and share your creative process to win prizes and connect with a global community. Creativity flourishes when we find a challenge that invites us to play, experiment and express ourselves without limits. That's why these four contests are a perfect opportunity to explore new ideas, try out different disciplines and bring to life projects that have long haunted your imagination. Each contest celebrates a different way of creating: from edible art to lettering, illustration to film redesign. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find a space where your perspective matters. Plus, you'll be able to share your step-by-step process and be eligible for prizes that will boost your creativity even more. You have time to participate until February 2, 2026. Discover each of the contests below and start imagining your next great work.
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Illustration

Free download: guide to unlocking your creative confidence and reconnecting with inspiration

Unlock Your Creative Confidence: Domestika's Free and Complete Guide to Overcome Creative Block and Bring Your Boldest Ideas to Life. Creative confidence is the silent engine that drives any artistic or personal process. It doesn't matter if you illustrate, write, design, cook or simply enjoy exploring new ideas: creating requires daring. However, even the most experienced artists face moments of doubt, fear of error or blocks that seem to dampen inspiration. To accompany you in those moments, at Domestika we have created a free resource: a practical guide to unlock your creative confidence, inspired by the course "Food journaling: to remember flavors and recipes". This approach uses senses, emotions and everyday memories as a gateway to creativity, helping you reconnect with your intuition without pressure or judgment. Why it is important to work on creative confidence. Creativity isn't just a spark of brilliant ideas: it's the ability to trust that you can shape, explore and transform them. And that confidence can falter for many reasons: - The fear of judgment, your own or others. - The comparison with what others do. - The pressure for perfection or to obtain an impeccable result from the first attempt. When these feelings appear, they can paralyze even the most talented profiles. Working on creative confidence implies going back to the origin: enjoying the process, allowing oneself to play, make mistakes, test and discover. It is a journey that is more emotional than technical, and a habit that can be cultivated day by day. What you'll find in this free guide. This guide is designed as an intimate, comfortable and accessible space to reconnect with yourself and your imagination. Inside you will find: - Exercises to reconnect with the senses, especially taste, smell and sensory memory. - Creative dynamics based on intuition, nostalgia and emotion, without strict rules. - Tips to identify your blockages and address them from curiosity instead of demand. - Pages to reflect on your relationship with inspiration, the creative process and the stories you keep inside you. It is not a guide to "make perfect", but to open space, take a deep breath and remember that creativity feeds on the everyday.
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Craft

Create your own artistic advent calendar: 24 mini drawing, writing and photography challenges to inspire you every day.

Awaken your creativity and master new techniques: A 24-day Artistic Challenge with our Advent Calendar. December is often filled with gift lists, commitments and rushing around... but it can also become a month to get back to your creativity. An artistic advent calendar is a simple and motivating way to celebrate these weeks leading up to the holidays with small doses of art each day. Instead of opening little windows with chocolate, you open micro-spaces of inspiration: 10 or 20 minutes to draw, write or take a photo that captures your moment. It's not just a Christmas tradition adapted to the creative world; it's an exercise in constancy, self-discovery and play. The proposal is that you create your own calendar with 24 mini artistic challenges, adapted to your discipline and your level, to enjoy the process more than the result. You don't need large materials or a lot of time: just curiosity, something to create with and the desire to surprise yourself every day. Why create a creative advent calendar? An artistic advent calendar can become your favorite end-of-year ritual because: - It encourages the habit of daily practice. Setting aside a few minutes a day to create helps you train discipline and integrate creativity into your routine. - It invites conscious creativity. By having a concrete challenge and limited time, you focus on the here and now, without distractions or perfectionism. - It allows you to experiment without pressure. They are small exercises: the ideal space to try new techniques, styles or ideas without fear of "messing up" anything important. - Turns holiday waiting into a play space. - Keeps inspiration alive at the close of the year.
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Illustration

Free download: exercises to practice watercolor basics

Download a free guide with watercolor exercises to practice gradients, blending and basic techniques, ideal for beginners and illustration lovers.. Watercolor is one of the most expressive and versatile painting techniques that exist. Its transparency, fluidity and ability to create unique atmospheres make it an ideal tool for both beginner artists and experienced illustrators. However, mastering it requires an understanding of how water, pigment and paper interact. Before venturing into complex compositions, it is essential to work on the fundamentals of watercolor: water control, transparency, blending and layering. Domestika provides you with a free resource that brings together essential exercises to improve your technique, gain confidence and develop a more natural handling of the brush. Below, we tell you what this guide includes, how to take advantage of it and what steps you can follow to continue growing in your artistic practice. Why practicing the basics is key in watercolor. Watercolor is a living technique: every stroke and every drop of water influences the final result. Before focusing on complete illustrations, it is important to understand how pigment behaves on paper and what changes are produced by varying humidity. Practicing the basics allows: - Understand how colors expand and control edges. - Become familiar with transparency and layering. - Learn to balance water and pigment according to the desired effect. - Gain fluency, confidence and a more fluid style.
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Teacher Culinary

Culinary Tutorial: Batch Cooking for Creative, Stress-Free Eating

If you’ve ever tried meal prep and felt overwhelmed, restricted, or bored by eating the same dishes over and over again, you’re not alone. What if meal prep could be simple, flexible, and designed to support your creativity, focus, and energy — instead of limiting it? That’s exactly what nutrition expert Mascha Davis proposes in this easy, realistic system based on one core idea:
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Illustration

Street Art: how urban art is influencing fashion and graphic design

From Wall to Brand: How Urban Art Aesthetics Become a Defining Element of Contemporary Fashion and Graphic Design. Urban art was born in the streets, among anonymous walls, subway stations and street corners full of movement. What began as a spontaneous expression-sometimes marginal, sometimes rebellious-has transcended its origin to become one of the most influential forces in contemporary visual culture. Today, street art not only inhabits walls and trains: it is also present in galleries, advertising campaigns, fashion collections and graphic design projects. Over time, artists, designers and brands have recognized that its raw, vibrant and honest aesthetic is an inexhaustible source of creativity. What was once an ephemeral intervention now inspires visual identities, luxury collaborations, and graphic pieces that celebrate diversity and urban energy.[/b The purpose of this article is to analyze how graffiti aesthetics, murals and street expression are setting current trends in graphic design and fashion, becoming a bridge between popular culture, visual communication and contemporary creativity. From wall to branding: the evolution of urban art. To understand the influence of street art, it is necessary to look at its roots. Modern graffiti emerged in the 1970s in cities like New York and Philadelphia, where young artists began to sign walls and street cars as an act of identity. What began as a clandestine expression evolved into a cultural movement with its own codes. Figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring took this aesthetic to museums and galleries without renouncing its street spirit. Later, names like Banksy, Shepard Fairey (OBEY) or KAWS expanded this language globally, mixing activism, irony, graphic design and social criticism. This evolution consolidated street art as a direct, emotional and immediate visual language: three qualities highly valued by today's designers and brands.
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Design

Two free documentaries to rediscover the genius of Jim Henson: The World of The Dark Crystal and Inside the Labyrinth

Jim Henson: The visionary behind The Muppets, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, was a creative genius who revolutionized the world of puppetry and children's and family entertainment with his innovative blend of humor, warmth and artistic complexity.. Few artists have marked the collective imagination of the 20th century as much as he did. Although his characters have become cultural icons, his true legacy lies in his ability to fuse technique, emotion and craftsmanship to build unforgettable universes. His work philosophy -collaborative, experimental and deeply human- made him an essential figure in the history of fantastic cinema. Today, two free documentaries allow us to delve into his creative process and understand how he brought his most complex worlds to life. They are The World of The Dark Crystal and Inside the Labyrinth, unmissable pieces for lovers of handcrafted cinema, creature creation and visual storytelling. The Art of Creating Worlds: The World of The Dark Crystal This documentary offers an intimate journey through the process of creating the universe of The Dark Crystal (1982), a film co-directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz that marked a before and after in fantastic cinema. Here we show how Henson built a completely new world without resorting to digital effects, relying solely on mythology, craftsmanship and visual experimentation.
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