From Havana to the world: Wanda's story, third place in Domestika contest

The young Cuban designer tells us how Domestika boosted her creativity and led her to place third in the Domestika contest.

In the dynamic world of design and illustration, talent finds its way in many forms. For Wanda, a recent graduate in Visual Communication Design from the Instituto Superior de Diseño (ISDi) in Havana, Cuba, Domestika became a key platform in her creative development. After participating in the Domestika Contest and being named one of the winners, her confidence and motivation have reached new heights.

She shares her experience on the platform, the lessons that have shaped her journey, and the impact this recognition has had on her career.

How did you discover Domestika, and what motivated you to join the platform?

I first came across Domestika during my studies at ISDi. One of my professors, noticing my passion for illustration, recommended several courses—many of them from Domestika. From that moment, I was drawn to the platform and its content. What really pushed me to officially join was the Character Design Contest, an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up.

How many Domestika courses have you taken, and which ones are your favorites?

Throughout my studies, I’ve explored numerous Domestika courses, guided by my professor’s recommendations. However, illustration-focused courses—especially those related to scene and character creation—have been my favorites. I love the variety of approaches and techniques that each instructor brings, and I’m always eager to learn from their tips and tricks.

How have Domestika courses influenced your creative and professional development?

Domestika courses have been a cornerstone in my creative and professional growth. They provided me with a solid foundation in illustration and design, expanding my perspective in a significant way. I learned to let go of self-doubt in my drawing process, which allowed me to unlock my creativity and strengthen my skills. Domestika has been—and continues to be—an essential tool in my journey as a designer.

Which course or instructor has had the biggest impact on you, and why?

The first Domestika courses I took had a profound impact on my career. In particular, I’m especially grateful for:

Digital Character Illustration: Concept and Color by Pamela Espino
Character Design for Animation with Photoshop by Caio Martins
Expressive Techniques for Character Animation by Memé Candia

These courses gave me the confidence and professional tools I needed to take my work to the next level. They helped me understand how to build characters with personality using composition, color, and expression techniques.

Have you applied what you learned in Domestika courses to personal or professional projects? Can you share some examples?

Absolutely! I constantly apply the knowledge and techniques I’ve learned in Domestika courses to every project I take on. These tools help me approach projects professionally, managing everything effectively from start to finish.

What motivated you to participate in the Domestika Contest, and how did you prepare?

My biggest motivation for entering the Domestika Contest was to overcome my fear of sharing my art. I believed that, regardless of the outcome, sharing my work on such an important platform could lead to someone connecting with my vision. I embraced the mindset of “no risk, no reward” and decided to go for it.

Creatively, I started by reviewing my sketches and previous notes, followed by an in-depth study of character references, storytelling, and illustration techniques.

How did you feel when you found out you had won first place?

Finding out I was one of the winners was simply incredible. I couldn’t believe that, in a platform filled with such talented artists, my work had been recognized at that level. The feeling was indescribable.

How has this recognition impacted your confidence and creative motivation?

This recognition has been a huge boost to my confidence and motivation. It reaffirmed that with passion and dedication, great things can be achieved.

What advice would you give to other creatives who want to participate in future Domestika Contests?

My advice for creatives considering entering future Domestika Contests is: Be brave! Don’t be afraid to take risks—that’s how great things happen. Don’t pressure yourself; instead, enjoy the process and find inspiration in the beauty of everyday life, because that’s where the best ideas come from.

Just submitting your project is already an achievement, so go for it! Most importantly, love what you do.

Wanda’s story is a powerful example of how learning, perseverance, and courage can open new doors in the creative world. Her journey inspires other designers and illustrators to keep exploring, learning, and, most importantly, sharing their talent with the world.

👉 Stay tuned for future contests and showcase your talent!