Domestika's blog

The largest creative community

All articles
Categories
Popular tags
  • Free Download: Brush Bundle for Procreate
    Illustration

    Free Download: Brush Bundle for Procreate

    Designer Nubikini is temporarily sharing a free download that you can use to create unique letters for social media Layering letters on top of a unique photograph can transport us to unexpected places. The work of Nubikini (@nubikini) does exactly this. She channels emotion through letters and creates visuals that are both mesmerizing and fun. Nubia Navarro–a graphic designer living in Bogotá (Colombia)–has a passion for typography, letters, and photography. Since discovering her fascination with letters after attending a lecture on experimental typography, she’s been experimenting with them non-stop. Nubikini has worked with such international brands as Adidas, Coca Cola, and UNICEF. Always enthusiastic to share her knowledge and love of letters, today Nubikini is offering up her favorite Procreate brushes to the Domestika community. Try them out and be transported to wherever your imagination takes you.

    • 5
    • 0
  • Domestika Maestros: Chip Kidd
    Design

    Domestika Maestros: Chip Kidd

    We talked to American writer, editor, and graphic designer Chip Kidd, one of the most famous and influential book cover designers in history It's hard not to find a book on your shelf that carries one of his designs. Chip Kidd (Pennsylvania, 1964) has worked on over 3000 book covers of all genres, styles, and authors. From Cormac McCarthy to Haruki Murakami, his images have illustrated stories for over three decades. His cover of the mythical novel "Jurassic Park", the skeleton silhouette of a T-Rex, has become part of our cultural imaginary. Chip Kidd opens the doors of his studio in New York and shares with his reflections from his extensive career.

    • 1
    • 0
  • What Is Furniture Restoration?
    Craft

    What Is Furniture Restoration?

    Discover the principles and history of this surprisingly modern vocation Furniture has, of course, existed throughout history: humans have always needed a place to rest their bodies and store their things. It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, however, that the historical and cultural value of furniture, and, in turn, the importance of restoring and conserving it, was recognized. The craft itself also became a means of practically understanding the processes that created the antiques we admire. A community of restorers and museums blossomed and continues to share their findings openly to ensure the authentic preservation of historical artifacts and the skills and techniques used to make them. The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute lays out three main principles of furniture restoration: The minimization of deterioration (preservation) The consolidation (stabilization) of artifacts as they currently exist Repair/replacement (compensation or restoration) of existing damage One of the most ambitious feats of recent restoration was the work on the chair of Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France until her death during the French Revolution in 1973, by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

    • 0
    • 0
  • What is SEO?
    Marketing

    What is SEO?

    Natzir Turrado gives you the keys to better understand what SEO is and why you should take it into account for your website An online presence is essential today, so you have to think about how to position yourself. There are few methods for increasing your hits on Google, so it is important to learn what SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is, why it is important, and how search engine positioning and search engine optimization work. Natzir Turrado is a SEO and digital analyst and has worked with important web portals. He is also a professor of marketing, UX, and digital analytics. Here he will explain what SEO is and the basics to improve your presence in search engines.

    • 0
    • 2
  • All The Apps You Need to Create Pixel Art
    Web & App Design

    All The Apps You Need to Create Pixel Art

    Daniel Benítez shares a list of software for creating pixel art Daniel Benítez (@dabntz) is the art director and founder of Fourattic, an independent video game studio. He specializes in pixel art, a technique he used when developing the video game Crossing Souls. He uses the pixel as the smallest digital element to obtain an aesthetic similar to that of classic video games.

    • 5
    • 4
  • How to Create Color Palettes From Photographs
    Photography

    How to Create Color Palettes From Photographs

    Discover Manu Torres’ straightforward process for creating your own color palette from photographs in Adobe Photoshop Manu Torres (@manutorres) teaches photography and digital postproduction at IMEFE in Madrid, specializing in photojournalism, lab processing, and lighting. He started off working in media, however, over time, he has developed a passion for social photography and commercial production.

    • 0
    • 0
  • The Narrative Visuals of Siames Escalante
    Illustration

    The Narrative Visuals of Siames Escalante

    Discover the graphic world of the Mexican illustrator and designer Siamés Escalante (@siamesescalante) is from Merida, Mexico. Her illustration style is characterized by innocence and melancholy, with each piece telling a fantastical tale. Siamés recalls developing a love for illustration when she was a child; she was introverted and spent a lot of her time entertaining herself with coloring books and children’s books.

    • 1
    • 0
  • Toon Me Challenge with Procreate
    Illustration

    Toon Me Challenge with Procreate

    Marcos Chin, an illustrator specializing in digital techniques, uses drawing software Procreate as he faces the Toon Me Challenge In recent months, the creative community has taken part in a new social media challenge that’s been dubbed “Toon Me.” It consists of an artist using a photo of their own face, and then illustrating over part of it to create an image that reflects their creative style and blends photography with drawing. Marcos Chin (@marcoschinart) is an illustrator whose work has appeared in books, magazines, album covers, advertisements, and fashion catalogs, and his clients include Google, Starbucks, and The New Yorker. Because the Toon Me challenge fuses imagination and humor, and Chin is an expert in both, when we challenged him to ‘toon himself he couldn’t resist. Check out the results below.

    • 2
    • 0
  • What is Chalk Lettering and Why is it So Effective?
    Typography, Calligraphy and Lettering

    What is Chalk Lettering and Why is it So Effective?

    Find out what chalk lettering is and why this vintage style is blowing up once again While it might bring up memories of bad math classes or, for members of Generation Z, movies about bad math classes, chalk lettering is a world away from stuffy classrooms and equations. The intricate discipline has experienced a renaissance in recent years as brands and businesses look to the visual appeal it offers to present their work. Chalk lettering is a discipline of the people. It’s cheap, accessible, and we’ve all done it: everyone remembers scrawling something in chalk as a kid, onto a pavement or in a classroom, getting chalk dust under their nails as they blend their masterpiece or erase a mistake.

    • 0
    • 0
  • Photoshop Tutorial: How to Scan or Import Your Character Sketch
    Teacher Illustration

    Photoshop Tutorial: How to Scan or Import Your Character Sketch

    Learn different ways you can digitally import your sketch with Joel Santana It probably sounds obvious, but it bears repeating: how you handle the first steps of any creative project will make a huge difference, not just in the outcome but also in terms of how easy or difficult your process is. From preparing your canvas (either digital or physical) to putting together a mood board that will serve as your guide once you begin to paint, these steps are crucial and, thankfully, they don’t have to be complicated. In this tutorial, character designer Joel Santana (@themaddhattr) explains the best ways to import your sketches into Adobe Photoshop so that you can begin working on them.

    • 1
    • 0
  • 5 Free Tutorials to Spark Your Creativity
    Teacher Marketing

    5 Free Tutorials to Spark Your Creativity

    Learn techniques from different disciplines that will connect with your creative potential Creativity is the result of many variables that not only have to do with specific tools or techniques, but with sensitivity, physical preparation and a sharp eye capable of turning your inspiration into real projects. It does not matter your age, training, or if you are a professional or an amateur creative. If you are looking to get closer to your most sensitive side, overcome a creative block or develop skills that you know live inside you, these tutorials are for you. Illustration Tutorial: How to Tackle the Blank Page Illustrator Adolfo Serra (@adolfoserra) insists that you should never obsess over what the final image will look like and, instead, keep trying until you achieve something that feels fresh. Here he shares three ways to unleash your creativity when you’re experiencing a creative block, let your pencil and mind soar free, and create something special.

    • 20
    • 6
  • 5 Free Tutorials To Be a Photoshop Expert
    Teacher Design

    5 Free Tutorials To Be a Photoshop Expert

    With these 5 tutorials, you will improve the quality of your projects in Adobe Photoshop Enhance your experience with this image editing software, learning how to make the most of each of its tools and functions. For that, we share five practical tutorials that will help you master Adobe Photoshop much more efficiently and quickly. Tutorial: 6 Great Brushes for Digital Painting Using Adobe Photoshop for digital illustration is one of the most common applications of this software, which allows artists, creatives and designers of all levels to build characters, scenarios and objects out of their imagination. The use of custom brushes can also give extra character to our drawings and illustrations. In the following video tutorial, character designer Joel Santana (@themaddhattr) shares his favorite Adobe Photoshop brushes for digital painting. Santana uses them for creative tasks ranging from sketching to color application, and they give a good example of the wide variety of textures offered by Photoshop custom brushes. Find out below:

    • 6
    • 0
  • Dos and Don’ts of Project Management
    Marketing

    Dos and Don’ts of Project Management

    Discover the keys to success when managing a project (and the path to failure) Project managers are professionals who combine a series of skills and knowledge that make sure an objective becomes a reality, from start to finish. In personal or professional projects of any discipline, their work is essential, as they are in charge of keeping each gear in motion and pushing towards the goal. They work with clients, creatives, strategists, brand representatives, and any other actor related to each project. Their activities range from establishing work flows and timescales, to solving failures, and inspiring entire work teams. Therefore, the profile of a project manager moves like a pendulum from precise and accurate work to improvisation and adaptation to any situation or change. Here is a helpful list of dos and don'ts that will show you how to succeed or fail when managing a project:

    • 1
    • 0
  • After Effects Tutorial: Types of Layers
    Teacher 3D & Animation

    After Effects Tutorial: Types of Layers

    Discover the different types of layers in After Effects, and their properties, with Zenzuke One of the main features when it comes to organizing your work in Adobe After Effects - a leading software in visual effects and motion graphics - is the various types of layers that are available. By using them, you can easily edit different parts of a project (such as text, images, or graphics) without interfering with any other elements. In this tutorial, Carlos "Zenzuke" Albarrán (@zenzuke), a founding partner of Maaambo design studio who has more than a decade of experience in motion graphics and 2D and 3D animation, reviews the various types of layers in After Effects and their different functions. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of After Effects before you dive into a project. Find out more in the video below:

    • 1
    • 0
  • Domestika Diary: Álex de Marcos
    Illustration

    Domestika Diary: Álex de Marcos

    The illustrator Álex de Marcos opens the doors of his house/studio to tell us how he has lived the last few months What happens when your house becomes your painting studio? That is exactly what has happened to illustrator Álex de Marcos (@alex_de_marcos), who, in analog or digital format, has worked for clients all over the world cultivating his particular style of oil painting. During the last few months, Álex has had to combine work and home, but thanks to his motivating routine and the constant pursuit of his artistic goals, he has managed to keep productivity up. In the following Domestika Diaries, the illustrator opens the doors of his house to tell us about his routine, his career... and introduce us to his pet.

    • 0
    • 0
  • Macramé Tutorial: How to Dye a Textile Tapestry
    Teacher Craft

    Macramé Tutorial: How to Dye a Textile Tapestry

    Discover the basic steps for dyeing natural fibers and the process for handling dyes with Pluumbago Water, heat, dye, and the fibers to be dyed. Although it doesn't require much, the dyeing process has its secrets, especially if you want to obtain different tones and textures, or coppery and opaque colors and use other effects that will make your work stand out. In this tutorial, Mexican textile artist Ixchel Yué (@pluumbago), founder of the Pluumbago brand, shares her basic tips on the hydration of the strips, temperature, and heating time, as well as the materials needed for the ideal dyeing of cotton fibers. Necessary materials Before you start, keep in mind that you'll need to gather: A sketch of the work you will do with the dyed strips, in which you establish the amount of fiber each color will receiveWater and a bowl to pre-hydrate the stripsA potDyes of the desired shadesTongs to manipulate the fiber and remove it when it is hotA rag to clean the work areaAn apronSalt or dye fixative

    • 4
    • 0
  • 8 Free Websites to Draw Poses
    Web & App Design

    8 Free Websites to Draw Poses

    Discover original resources to practice your anatomical drawing Gabriel Suchowolski (@microbians) asked the Domestika community to share some of their favorite resources to practice drawing poses. Below you will find a collection of sites that were shared to help people practice anatomical drawing, develop characters, and discover new ways to approach their art. Pose Space This site allows you to search for all kinds of poses by professional artistic models. Its search engine filters photos by position, genre, lighting, nude photos, and more. There are images to view, download and buy. If you want to save poses, you will need to create an account.

    • 36
    • 3
  • What Is Upcycling?
    Craft

    What Is Upcycling?

    Upcycling champions Emma Friedlander-Collins and Ximena Corcuera guide us to environmental awareness in a creative way

    • 0
    • 0
  • Spark AR Tutorial: Transform Your Illustrations With Augmented Reality (AR)
    Teacher Illustration

    Spark AR Tutorial: Transform Your Illustrations With Augmented Reality (AR)

    Learn to add new dimensions to your illustrations with Naranjalidad using Augmented Reality Would you like your illustrations to jump off the page and take on new dimensions? Spark AR doesn’t only allow you to create filters that warp human faces, it is also a tool that you can use to transform your illustrations using augmented reality. In this tutorial, Beatriz 'Naranjalidad' Ramo (@naranjalidad) explains step by step how to transform your illustrations with Spark AR and leave the two-dimensional world behind. Separate your illustration into different layers and save each one separately onto your computer. Now you can create your own filter!

    • 4
    • 0
  • Free Download: Photoshop Brush Pack
    Illustration

    Free Download: Photoshop Brush Pack

    Felixantos shares over 70 brushes for illustration and concept art Víctor Félix Díaz (@felixantos) is a Peruvian concept artist and illustrator. He specializes in the creation of characters and settings, as well as portraits and caricatures. He has worked in advertising, animation and video game projects. His concept art style consists of turning everyday characters into the protagonists of stories with attractive narratives.

    • 8
    • 0
  • Once Appon a Time: Today's Apps in the Past
    Design

    Once Appon a Time: Today's Apps in the Past

    Take a nostalgic leap with Luli Kibudi's designs Luli Kibudi (@bylulikibudi) is a graphic designer originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She currently lives in Barcelona, Spain. Her work experience includes work in marketing and advertising, branding and editorial design. In her Once Appon a Time series (derived from a pun on the term app), Luli produced a visual essay exploring the modern functions of apps compared to objects we used to use in the past. The result is an attractive retro-modern graphic combination. Learn about her project below:

    • 7
    • 2
  • How to Create a Counter in After Effects in 7 min (TUTORIAL)
    Teacher 3D & Animation

    How to Create a Counter in After Effects in 7 min (TUTORIAL)

    Learn to use basic expressions to create a counter that’s easy to edit and animate When creating graphics in Adobe After Effects, often we need to include counters–numeric figures that either increase or decrease. Merely showing a percentage isn’t the same as animating it so that we see it go from zero to another number–this makes it much more attractive and eye-catching. Yimbo–an animator and motion grapher–is an expert when it comes to working in After Effects, especially when using expressions. Expressions are mathematical formulas that can be interpreted by the program and that make our work a lot easier. Below, Yimbo explains step by step how to create a counter using expressions in After Effects. Oh, and if you want to go ahead and use the expression that he uses, here it is. All you have to do is copy it: n=effect(“Slider Control”)(“Slider”); Math.floor(n) + “%”

    • 2
    • 0
  • 5 Aerial Photography Instagram Accounts You Should Follow
    Photography

    5 Aerial Photography Instagram Accounts You Should Follow

    Discover how beautiful Earth looks from above Aerial photography allows you to observe natural and human-made patterns on the Earth's surface. They are made from aircraft, rockets, satellites, and recently, with drone-mounted cameras. In addition to obtaining interesting information about the topology, hydrology, and other important terrain data (which has applications in urban planning, agriculture, and much more), aerial photography has an undeniable artistic component. Meet 5 aerial photography accounts on Instagram that will surprise and inspire you. Bernhard Lang This German photographer with experience in the fashion and advertising world started working with aerial photography in 2010. His Aerial Views project has received numerous awards since then. He captures photos from the windows of helicopters and other small aircraft. He is interested in both the patterns and structures that can be seen from above and the impact of human activity on nature.

    • 2
    • 0
  • What Is Mold-making?
    Craft

    What Is Mold-making?

    Discover this crucial step in manufacturing sculptures, ceramics, and much more Whether we’re using artisanal or industrial processes, two essential items that we need to reproduce an object are 1) a liquid material that will go hard when heat is applied and 2) a mold. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about large-scale industries such as automobile manufacturing or small workshops producing artisan products: molds are essential for reproducing objects. But… how are molds made? What is mold-making? Mold-making is creating a mold that will later be used to duplicate a particular object or artwork. It can be made from different materials, including metal, plastic, clay, and plaster.

    • 0
    • 0