What is

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  • What Is a Sketchbook?
    Illustration

    What Is a Sketchbook?

    Discover the 5 ways a sketchbook can boost your creative potential Behind every masterpiece, there is always a sketch. The history of creativity is full of references that prove that sketchbooks are an indispensable tool across artistic disciplines. Capture your inspiration The sketchbook is the tool that every creative needs to give ideas a physical form. It doesn’t matter if these ideas come from a specific project you are working on, or if they are flashes of inspiration that you didn't see coming and that you simply need to jot down somewhere. The sketchbook can go anywhere with you, and it will be at your side in any situation and at any given time, ready to capture your ideas.

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  • What Is Landscaping?
    Architecture & Space

    What Is Landscaping?

    Learn the fundamentals of this branch of landscape architecture Few (if any) of the greatest architectural spaces around the world would be able to fill onlookers with such awe if it weren’t for landscaping. Think about beautiful parks filled with monuments; relaxing gardens filled with fountains; or university campuses and their ideal spots for studying: all of these examples feature design elements that fall under the umbrella of landscaping. A branch of landscape architecture, landscaping’s main aim is to find perfect harmony between human-made constructions and their natural surroundings using an extensive design process. It covers a range of disciplines including architecture, science, art, ecology, law, historic preservation, horticulture, and urbanism.

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  • What Is A Mood Board and How to Make One for Interior Design
    Design

    What Is A Mood Board and How to Make One for Interior Design

    Get to know the characteristics and uses of this interior design tool Every creative needs inspiration, from within and from the outside world. The task is systemizing and organizing the ideas, tastes, and elements that surround our imagination. As complicated as that might sound, it isn’t. Mood boards are the creative tool that shows this. This is what you need to know to make your own mood board for interior design.

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  • What is VFX?
    Film & Video

    What is VFX?

    Carolina Jiménez explains how animators, modelers, lighting TDs, and editors work together to create fantastic visual effects

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  • What Is Color Grading?
    Film & Video

    What Is Color Grading?

    Learn how to manipulate color to evoke emotion in your audiovisual projects Color grading is a very creative process. In the same way that a video editor tells a story and shapes its narrative, a color grading artist evokes emotion through the manipulation of color. They do this by digitally modifying exposure, white balance, contrast, tones, and more, using specialized software and tools. Why do we need to color grade the footage we’ve shot? Producers and directors ask themselves the same question: if the footage is well shot, why does it need to be color corrected/graded? It’s normal to question this, especially given the extra time and costs there are to consider. The answer is very straightforward: if the footage is good to start with, once it’s color graded, it will be even better.

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  • What is Photojournalism?
    Photography

    What is Photojournalism?

    Photojournalist Manu Brabo on the history of photojournalism and its defining features Manu Brabo (@manubrabo) is an independent photojournalist who formed part of the team that was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2013 for coverage of the Syrian civil war. Since 2007, he has captured uprisings, rebellions and civil wars in such countries as Haiti, Honduras, Kosovo, Palestine, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. He is a regular collaborator to the Associated Press agency and has seen his stories published by some of the most widely-read media titles around the world. Here, Manu talks about the history of photojournalism and its current rulebook. A record of history Since the beginning of culture, art has captured historic moments in different visual and literary formats. Manu Brabo reminds us that man’s first graphic works captured important events, such as the first-ever hunting expeditions and wars. The purpose of these works was to glorify military victories and teach others about historical events.

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  • What is the Color Font Trend?
    Typography, Calligraphy and Lettering

    What is the Color Font Trend?

    We speak to Alex Trochut about one of the most interesting typography trends right now: color font Alex Trochut (@trochut), works in graphic design, typography, and illustration. He takes language further with innovative letter designs. In a journey of discovery, through fun and amazement, Trochut worked out that words and designs must be legible but can also transmit meaning visually in a less conventional way. We decided he was best qualified to explain what a color font is. Learn more about this new colorful typographic concept, and the impact it can have on digital design.

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  • What is a Graphic Designer?
    Design

    What is a Graphic Designer?

    Renowned designer Sagi Haviv reflects on the three essential characteristics of a modern designer Sagi Haviv (@sagi) is a partner and designer for the famous branding and design studio, Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv. The Animal Planet, US Open and Conservation International logos are among Haviv’s biggest designs. This influential and legendary designer has launched a course on Domestika focused on how to develop your own voice as a designer. Here are his thoughts on what exactly a graphic designer is. A designer must be multi-skilled You might think the work of a designer consists of simply organizing certain elements on the computer so that they are pleasant to the eye. However, Haviv asserts that a good designer must master a series of skills. They should understand drawing and typography, computers and clients, and resolve numerous problems, among other things. Their most important skill, however, is to be able to keep coming up with new ideas. This is the heart of their work: creativity.

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  • What is Latch Hooking and Locker Hooking?
    Craft

    What is Latch Hooking and Locker Hooking?

    Discover these two embroidery techniques that can create a multitude of decorative objects Latch hooking and locker hooking are two modern textile techniques that appeared at the beginning of the 20th century that allow the creation of a wide variety of things, from tapestries to pillows and mats. Colors and textures are brought together by weaving wool and other materials into a mesh. Mariana Baertl (@marianabaertl) is a Peruvian textile artist who specializes in the creation of woven and embroidered pieces for interior decoration who is an expert in these two techniques. Her main source of inspiration is the natural and organic world. All her pieces are made by hand with fibers from across the world.

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  • What Is Fashion Upcycling?
    Craft

    What Is Fashion Upcycling?

    Ximena Corcuera sheds some light on the current global trend of design sustainability Ximena Corcuera (@ximenacorcuera) is a fashion designer who, from an early age, has been interested in experimenting as a way of life. She is an expert in fashion, and in design that is sustainable and experimental. She is passionate about responsible fashion, so we decided to talk to her to find out more about the concept of upcycling, and how to embrace a trend that is gaining more and more strength in the design world. What is upcycling and what do you do with it? Upcycling is a recent term and it is used to describe the techniques that encompass the idea of transforming residues or refuse to create new items of value. It can be applied to all sorts of designing or manufacturing: furniture, garments, textiles, decorative objects. etc.

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  • What is an Art Toy?
    Craft

    What is an Art Toy?

    Is it a toy? Is it art? What does it represent? Who determines its price? Luasio López answers your questions For many, the charm of an art toy derives from the difficulty of defining it. For Luaiso López (@luaiso_lopez), Spanish graphic designer and illustrator, it’s about understanding their essence: their figurative characters used in exhibitions, events, and collected by private collectors. To understand their nature, Luaiso shares part of the history of these iconic objects that–regardless of their shape, price or the value attributed to them personally–are becoming known to the minds and tastes of millions of people around the world.

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  • What is Molecular Typography?
    Typography, Calligraphy and Lettering

    What is Molecular Typography?

    An unexpected perspective on letters as living beings Molecular typography is the study of letters from a radically new perspective. In molecular typography, letters are considered molecules and have certain physical and chemical properties. All characters are formed from seven basic atomic blocks called typtoms. When these are combined, letters, numbers, and punctuation are formed, just as in chemistry different simple elements can form complex molecules.

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  • What is a Flat Lay Photo and How to Shoot It
    Photography

    What is a Flat Lay Photo and How to Shoot It

    Learn to create these popular images and bring your Instagram profile and other social networks to life Flat lay photography is one of the most popular styles on social networks, especially on Instagram. It provides an ideal way to present products, projects under development or travel arrangements. Mina Barrio (@minabarrio), product photographer at Melon Blanc studio, tells you everything you need to know about this approach and how to easily create the most striking flat lays using only your phone.

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  • What Is Industrial Design?
    Design

    What Is Industrial Design?

    "To understand industrial design, one must think in dimensions.” An expert explains its origins and its future Industrial design is, in essence, a discipline aimed at finding solutions to different problems, from the functionality of objects to the creation of new shapes. Juan Pablo Fuentes (@juanpablofuentes), industrial designer and founder of the shop Cómodo, explains what it is and what makes good industrial design.

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  • What is Screen-printing and What Materials Do I Need?
    Craft

    What is Screen-printing and What Materials Do I Need?

    Discover what tools and materials you need to make your own screen and start printing your designs at home. The word “serigraphy” (also known as screen-printing) comes from the Latin word for “silk”, sericum, and the Greek word for “to write” or “to draw,” graphé. It’s a technique that enables you to print a design onto fabric using ink and a mesh screen. You can reproduce this design onto different surfaces without losing any quality. While this artisanal process is usually carried out in specialist workshops, the truth is that anyone can make their own screen; screen-printing is a technique that is simple enough for you to try at home. All you need are a few basic materials. Here, we explain how:

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  • What is a brand?
    Design

    What is a brand?

    It is a basic concept but it can also be confusing. Here you'll learn, finally, how to use the term "brand" correctly There is a lot of confusion surrounding terms like logo, brand image, isotype or branding. That's why many prefer to use "brand" as a generic concept that encompasses everything. But what exactly is a brand and what does it represent? Christian Pacheco (@kimbal) helps us better understand this concept to start using the correct term in each case.

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  • What is a 3D Rendering?
    3D & Animation

    What is a 3D Rendering?

    You may have heard the word render a thousand times, but you might still not know what it means exactly. Here, you'll find the answer. In general terms, rendering for a 3D and CG job, also known as 3D rendering, is the process of reproducing an image based on three-dimensional data stored in a computer. This takes raw information from a 3D scene (polygons, materials, textures and lighting) and calculates a final result, which is known as "output" and is usually a single image or a series of compiled images. A rendering can simulate realistic lighting, shadows, atmosphere, color, texture and optical effects such as light refraction or blur seen on moving objects. It may also not be realistic at all, made to transform the output into something that looks like a painting or an abstract image. What is a 3D rendering used for? 3D renderings give audiovisual creators new possibilities. It allows videos to be made without having to record real locations or objects. Industrial designers use them to simulate specific situations and use cases. For architects, they are a powerful way to visualize buildings, complexes, houses or even to recreate ancient structures. Advertisers and graphic designers use them to get more striking results. They are also used in video games, digital art, medicine or even in gastronomy, to offer more immersive experiences.

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  • What Is A Brand Identity Manual And What Should It Include?
    Design

    What Is A Brand Identity Manual And What Should It Include?

    Learn the importance of the identity manual and the differences between brand book, identity guidelines and brand guidelines The design of a brand identity is not static, it is not enough to create it once and forget about how it might be used in the future. Brands and businesses are constantly making new content that needs to be fit under the same line and criteria as what went before it. This is where the importance of having an identity manual lies. They serve as a reference for the basic rules on the correct use of the company's image.

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  • Logotype, Isotype, Imagotype, Isologotype, Symbol: Do You Know The Difference?
    Design

    Logotype, Isotype, Imagotype, Isologotype, Symbol: Do You Know The Difference?

    Learn the right terminology for each element of branding and a brand’s visual identity by name In general, people tend to define “logotype” as a brand’s entire identity. It’s normal and logical. This way a client can understand a proposal more clearly and simplifying the terminology can make sure your site appears higher in search engines. However, the great diversity of terms and definitions can cause some serious confusion, especially when words might appear to be synonyms but really they’re not. Logotype, isotype, imagotype, isologotype… although they’re from the same family of terms used in the design of corporate imagery and identity for brands, businesses, and products, each word refers to something different. When working, knowing what each word means is crucial for communication and understanding. Although you might not always use them, understanding them will make you more efficient when it comes to the design.

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  • What is Visual Merchandising and Window Dressing?
    Design

    What is Visual Merchandising and Window Dressing?

    Learn about the history of window dressing and how it can be used to make a brand stand out. Window shopping is a fusion of lots of different disciplines: art direction, crafts, architecture, sculpture, installation, and, of course, design. They are all strategies which are used to draw potential customers into a shop. It’s how the shop communicates with the consumer. Window shopping is directly linked to visual merchandising – a marketing and design strategy for displaying products and services in a way that is logical and attractive (both inside the shop and in the display windows) to create a great shopping experience and boost sales. Founders and directors of Kiosco Creativo, Carla and Laura, are experts in window dressing. They have created more than 20 window displays for Hermès, Swarovski, and Disney. Here they answer four key questions that will help you to better understand visual merchandising and window dressing:

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  • What Is a Creative Portfolio and What Should It Include?
    Illustration

    What Is a Creative Portfolio and What Should It Include?

    Discover how to create a portfolio that draws the attention of prospective clients In all creative fields—especially those that are visually-led—a good portfolio will open doors to new clients and employers. It is therefore essential that you present your work well, and that your portfolio is a good representation of what you can do. So, what exactly is a portfolio? What should it include? Here, Sandra López—one of the founders of the first-ever illustration agency in Spain, Pencil·Ilustradores (@pencil)—answers all of your questions and explains exactly what a creative portfolio sets out to achieve.

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  • What Is a Mood Board and What Is It For?
    Design

    What Is a Mood Board and What Is It For?

    Learn how to create a mood board, the essential tool for the development of your design, photography or illustration projects, with Zita Chocarro, from Hamabi Design. Every designer and creative needs tools to inspire themselves and bring out their best ideas when they are developing their projects. Mood boards are a key part of the creative process: they serve as a reference to help find and coordinate the aesthetics, colors, textures, and materials you want to work with. What is a mood board? Also known as an inspiration board, a mood board consists of a digital or physical collage of ideas, a whole world of colors and shapes normally used in the fields of interior design, fashion and graphic design. These boards have everything you need to define the direction of your project: photographs, designs, illustrations, color palettes, textures or descriptive concepts.

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  • What is Storytelling and Why are Brands So Interested In It?
    Marketing

    What is Storytelling and Why are Brands So Interested In It?

    Discover the world of storytelling with Seguel Claudio and learn what this concept brings to contemporary brands. In the world of modern advertisement, there are few words more touted around than storytelling. It is intended to define communication strategies that, among other things, engage the audience and help cultivate the brand image or identity. If you ask about the exact meaning of storytelling, however, you'll find very different answers depending on who you talk to. So we decided to use one of the most reliable sources in the world of branding: Claudio Seguel (@claudioseguel), a publicist, storyteller, and writer who, aside from teaching workshops on storytelling and advise brands on the subject through its consulting company Brandstory, is a founding partner of the Copywriter Festival and a university teacher. Find out what storytelling means and why all brands are interested in this concept.

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  • What Is an Art Curator?
    Art

    What Is an Art Curator?

    Julius Wiedemann tells us what an art curator is and what their job consists of within an art exhibition

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  • What is UX?
    Design

    What is UX?

    Strike Heredia, a designer specializing in user experience and digital products, clarifies what UX is. UX has a never-ending list of definitions and they are becoming more extensive day by day. There's a good reason for it. Although UX started as a collection of techniques used in websites and apps, they are being increasingly applied to all kinds of places. Peruvian designer Strike Heredia has spent years helping all kinds of consumer brands overcome their design, creativity and strategy problems. He also designs the UX layer upon which digital products are built. He will help us land on a definition of UX that promises to dispel some of the most common misconceptions.

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