The largest creative community
Learn about the origins of this artisan technique Not long ago, crochet was considered old-fashioned and unattractive. However, like many other crafts, this fiber art technique has recently been given a modern spin and thus a second life. Discover the types of personalized pieces you can create armed with thread and a crochet hook, such as clothing, accessories, toys, and decorations.
Kaos shares tips for publishing your first video with YouTube Studio Every month, over 2 billion users consume over a billion hours of video content per day while logged into their YouTube accounts. One of the most popular video-sharing platforms available, it is also a great gateway for others to learn about your work. Juan Bermudez, also known as Kaos (@estudioKatastrofico), is an illustrator, writer, and–since 2011–YouTuber. Over the years, he has explored different ways to tell stories through drawing and video. Through his channel, he has worked with different brands and created an impressive portfolio. In this tutorial, he will show you how to upload videos to YouTube Studio, step by step. Discover more in the video below:
Learn to make a French knot, with Kseniia Guseva The French knot is one of the oldest, simplest, and most useful decorative stitches in embroidery. The technique is also known as the forbidden stitch: legend has it that, centuries ago, young Chinese women were not permitted to use the stitch because the fine embroidery it was used for in China would strain their eyesight. Today, in Europe, the stitch is not so delicate: it is typically used to fill particular areas of a piece such as the centers of flowers, or anywhere a single dot is required. Kseniia Guseva (@faimyxstitch) has been embroidering every day since 2016, creating stitchwork cityscapes—an interest shaped by the architecture of her hometown of Saint Petersburg—while also feeding her other passion: upcycling. In this tip, she shows us how to make a French knot:
Discover the possibilities of video and YouTube as a way of showing off your talent to lots and lots of people Although it may not be the most popular platform for presenting portfolios, YouTube can be very effective at showing off your work and creative processes. Juan Bermúdez–better known as Kaos (@estudiokatastrofico)–is a YouTuber, illustrator, and writer with a degree in Fine Art. In his course, YouTube: Creating a Channel from Scratch, he will teach you the advantages of using this social network as a means to make your work more visible and what to keep in mind. Here he lists some of his favorite creative portfolios on YouTube and the strategies they use to showcase their products or their creative process: Little King Goods This channel belongs to a leather craftsman who sells products such as wallets, belts, purses, and watch straps. Their videos give the viewer a unique insight into the creative processes behind making each piece. What makes Little King Goods stand out is that customers can purchase the materials and tools and assemble pieces themselves, in addition to buying the finished product. This YouTube channel also teaches its customers DIY methods, showing them how to make the leather objects themselves.
Learn the history of the spirits and folklore that continue to inspire Japan's most iconic cultural creations, from Studio Ghibli to Pokemon Mascots are a feature of everyday life in Japan: neighborhoods, drugstores, the military, and even prisons have their own cuddly characters. This year, banned from taking to the streets because of COVID-19, many mascots began posting pictures of themselves on social media, adding blue wigs and scales to their typical costumes. These features are a tribute to Amabié, a 174-year-old mythical beast whose image, legend has it, has the power to protect people from plague. The social media trend started when one illustrator rediscovered Amabié and posted their illustration of the creature online, dubbing it a “new coronavirus countermeasure”. The post went viral, and within no time thousands of other people were sharing their own versions of Amabié. Amabié is what is known in Japan as a yokai, a sort of supernatural spirit or monster from Japanese folklore. Some are believed to bring luck, while others bring misfortune. Many originate from superstitions, and they can be characterizations of everything from earthquakes and rivers to diseases and cures.
Learn how to transfer your illustration from paper to fabric using carbon copy paper, with Koral Antolin All you need is thread, a hoop, a needle, and a little patience to transform a blank canvas into a masterpiece. Embroidery is an entire world of different stitches, styles, and techniques, yet each piece begins the same way: a drawing on fabric. How can we get the best results when transferring the design? The answer is much simpler than you might have thought. The work of designer and embroiderer Koral Antolín (@koralantolin) fuses two of her great passions: drawing and embroidery. She is the founder and one of the creatives behind Fábrica de Imaginación and Studio.fi. Koral’s work combines embroidery stitches using a traditional neele and a Kantan needle to create unique portraits. In this tutorial, Koral Antolin will teach you how to transfer your illustration from paper to fabric using carbon copy paper for fabric, step by step. Discover more in the video below:
Domestika's community on Instagram tried to guess what the Pantone Color of the Year will be 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year declaration, which serves as inspiration for all kinds of creative projects. As happens every year, as we approach December, speculation and bets arise about what will be the new color that Pantone will choose. This color of the year arises from a long investigation, and its choice has repercussions in sectors ranging from fashion to graphic design. That's why we asked the Domestika community on Instagram what they think the Pantone color of 2021 will be, and below we show some of the most voted bets:
Illustrator Adolfo Serra reveals his creative routine and the keys to fighting creative block Renowned Spanish Illustrator Adolfo Serra (@adolfoserra) specializes in books for children and young adults. He spent much of the lockdown reconsidering the nature of creativity. His colourful style is full of fantasy and is often influenced by the new places and cultures he discovers while traveling, which is one of his greatest passions. But the lockdown rules prevented him from moving, so his energies focused on finding inspiration in the things around him. In this Domestika Diary, Adolfo reveals the multitude of ideas waiting to be discovered and turned into art in our immediate surroundings. He invites us into his studio and talks about his creative routine, his sources of inspiration and his techniques for avoiding the dreaded creative block:
Discover the possibilities of this craft technique to create amazing textile art with your hands With a worldwide renaissance of embroidery, contemporary creators are expanding the textile art horizons. From realistic textile illustration to abstract art, it offers countless creative possibilities. If you want to get started in embroidery, or you want to learn new techniques to create with your hands, these 10 embroiderers and experts in textile art will teach you step by step:
Juanamatú shares three practical tips for keeping your felt toys in good condition Needle felting is a technique that involves felting wool with a barbed needle and sculpting it into different shapes. With a few materials, patience, and a lot of creativity, you can use this technique to make adorable toys to decorate your home. Katerin J Gómez–the creative mind behind @Juanamatú–is a needle felting toy artist who sculpts memories into decorative objects. She creates toys inspired by your pets, loved ones, and favorite characters. However, what is the best way to take care of these companions? In this tutorial, Katerin shares some practical tips for keeping your felt toys in good condition. You can watch the video below:
Textile artists recommend the embroidery books that helped them the most. Use them to find inspiration for your next projects There are plenty of embroidery resources online, but don't overlook traditional books as sources of inspiration. You'll discover new artists and see techniques, stitches, finishes, or materials in much more detail. We asked several textile artists to give us their favorite recommendations for embroidery books. What are yours? Let us know in the comments! Nayla Marc (@naylamarc) This designer and embroiderer based in Villa Ballester, Argentina, teaches the course Introduction to 3D embroidery. Among the books she enjoys most about the art of thread and needle are the following: The Embroidery Stitch Bible: Over 200 Stitches Photographed with Easy-to-Follow Charts, by Betty Barnden This is a reference guide for those who want to perfect their embroidery technique and learn new tricks. It includes basic stitches, such as the classic cross stitch, and more elaborate ones explained thoroughly. It has more than 200 techniques and stitches with enlarged diagrams and photographs.
Find out how to use off-screen voice-overs to define the tone of a story The use of off-screen voice-overs to add an extra layer of meaning to what you see on the screen is common practice in audiovisuals. With voice-overs, screenwriters and directors can change their story’s tone and add elements that highlight the narrative. As an option, a voice-over can create a new atmosphere, structure a story, guide the script. It also serves as a way to engage the audience in the story. To write good voice-overs, we have compiled a series of excellent examples of audiovisual work that use this technique, and that will undoubtedly inspire you: American Beauty (Dir. Sam Mendes, 1999) This is a classic example of how the narration can keep the viewer engaged and fill in the story’s gaps. The movie begins with the protagonist telling us he is dead, and we see the sequence of events that lead him to his death. Through this narration, we learn about the protagonist's past, his circumstances, and the people around him. In this case, the off-screen voice-over allows the audience to become deeply engaged in the story and learn the facts, culminating in the final twist. American Beauty is an example of off-screen narration that directs the story.
Learn with 5 experts to master this tool to create attractive compositions For all the letters and drawing lovers, brush pen calligraphy is an extremely stimulating activity. Almost like an extension of your hand, it allows you to create beautiful lines for compositions that can be used in different projects, from those of personal expression, to those of design or brand identity. Learn the basics of the brush pen calligraphy with five experts and get to work right away. To watch each class, just click on its red title. Enjoy!
Learn how to use SketchUp–a program for architects and interior designers–and discover what it’s for with Alexandra Proaño SketchUp is a 3D modeling program, which is mainly used in the fields of architecture and interior design. However, it also has many other uses. Alexandra Proaño (@alexandra_proano), an architect and 3D artist specializing in architectural rendering or visualization, talks us through using SketchUp and explains its main uses. Discover more in the following video:
Check out some amazing retro artworks dedicated to this holiday As any other celebration, Thanksgiving Day is ever-present in popular culture, and can be found in artwork since it first began. We compiled some vintage art, illustrations, posters and postcards that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Learn how to delve into your thoughts and feelings using photography with Laura Zalenga Laura Zalenga (@laurazalenga) is a German freelance photographer with a passion for creating self-portraits filled with emotion. In 2018, she was one of seven international artists selected for the Adobe Creative Residency. She has worked for Adobe, Artemide, Disney, Lufthansa, Sony, and many more and been featured in a Sky Arts documentary. In her Domestika course, Laura takes you on an intimate journey of self-discovery and experimentation through the art of self-portrait photography. ‘Self-portrait taught me everything I know about photography. It also taught me how to accept myself more and how important it is to spend quality time with yourself.’ She finds inspiration within her memories, moods, and emotions, other times in places, light conditions, and even everyday objects. Her style is defined by clear visual language, the power of telling stories, and showing raw, honest emotions. Let’s get to know her and her unique and emotional art.
Discover Domestika’s Crafty Tuesdays live stream series and get inspired to craft your own DIY creations The Crafty Tuesdays series emerged as part of Domestika Live’s live stream series, where creatives specialized in craft, handmade, and DIY projects from different disciplines share with you their secrets and tips to create unique projects with your hands and answer questions from the audience. Here are ten of the top broadcasts from this series of handmade projects and some others you can make with the materials you have at home.
Josune Imízcoz shows us how to master tone, aesthetics, and emotion in audiovisual storytelling on social media Josune Imízcoz (@josune_imizcoz) has written for newspapers, presented on TV and radio, and is a journalist whose creativity is constantly evolving. Lately, she has been specializing in digital audiovisual storytelling, i.e., videos especially conceived to be shared and consumed on social media. The videos aim to tell great stories in a few seconds, trying to connect with an audience that is overexposed to information on the internet and on social media. It is essential to pay particular attention to tone, aesthetics, and emotion when creating digital content. What are those, exactly? Josune defines them as follows:
Adapt this guide to create your own beaded jewelry designs Elsa and Dani are a duo of contemporary jewelry creators, founders of Fatto (@fatto), a creative studio. They create unique pieces that combine different techniques and materials, such as textiles, metals, and diverse pieces, such as beads. They believe that the process of creating pieces with your hands is also an act of personal care and affection.
Learn how to create a brush for digital illustration with Rogério Puhl A great set of brushes is very valuable to illustrators working with Adobe Illustrator. Each brush will have its own characteristics–thicker or finer, rounded or straight line, textured or plain effect–and these characteristics will impact your end results. Brushes are so important that many digital artist create them and then make them available for other professionals to download, either for free or for a fee. In this tutorial, illustrator, art director and graphic designer Rogério Puhl (@rogeriopuhl) will teach you how to create your own brush set in an easy and intuitive way. Discover more in the video below:
Activate your creative engines exploring these challenges with family and friends Are you still figuring out how to spend your family time this holiday season? These creatives, experts in disciplines such as illustration and graphic design, accepted some of Domestika’s creative challenges that you can try at home with family and friends. Spend some quality time with a creative twist! You’ll only need a pen, paper, color pencils or markers, watercolor or acrylic painting, objects you can find at home, and if you’re feeling like it, your tablet or computer for some digital drawing activities. To read full instructions on each challenge and learn more about each creative, please click on its red title. Enjoy!
Discover the possibilities to photograph your favorite dishes during the holidays and share on social media What would the holidays be without our favorite dishes? Without a doubt, the creation of fond memories often happens when we share food at the table. Food photography is that creative discipline in which everything that food makes us feel is transferred to an attractive visual language. During this holiday season, prepare your camera (or your mobile) to capture the dishes that you will enjoy with friends or family, and share your results on your social media. Below, members of Domestika's community share projects that will whet your appetite to create. If you want to see the details of each project and more images of the series, click on its red title.
Discover some incredible examples that use Unreal Engine 4 Architectural visualization is a discipline that merges architecture, design, and illustration. The purpose is to attractively represent architectural projects. Architect and info-architecture expert Miguel Albo (@miguel_albo) explains that this process resembles creating a simple video game. After defining some basic elements' properties, you will be able to recreate a real space, or create an entirely new virtual one.
Three professionals working in communications, entrepreneurship, and business reflect on their 'extreme' experiences of working from home It was already becoming an ongoing/long-term trend. It’s now become an imperative: the new normal. Remote working was already the standard for many creative professionals, but for others, it has marked a significant change. Studies carried out in countries like Spain, the United States, China, and South Africa have shown that employee productivity can increase by up to 15% just by working from home. "In the past, the words 'working from home' conjured up images of people lying half-naked on a couch or in a bathtub while tapping away at their laptops. These clichés have been replaced by the truth: people who are able to reconcile their work life and home life, without having to make personal sacrifices, are more productive and happier," says Nicholas Bloom, a researcher and professor at Stanford University in the United States. Nicholas led a macro study on remote working involving employees from companies in China. The study highlighted the benefits of working from home. Marcelo Tas (@marcelo_tas), Mònica Rodríguez Limia (@rodriguezmon) and Cecilia Tham, professionals working in communications, entrepreneurship and business, tell us about and reflect on their own “extreme” experiences of working from home. Discover more in the video below:
Learn how to promote your portfolio and build a community with Juan Bermúdez Romero, aka Kaos With over 700,000 users subscribed to his channel, Kaos (@estudiokatastrofico) knows that using YouTube can be the ideal strategy to promote your career as an artist. A writer and illustrator based in Spain, Juan Bermúdez Romero, better known as Kaos, decided to use his YouTube channel as a personal portfolio and has collaborated with major brands like Disney, Wacom, Fiverr, and many others. In his Domestika course, he teaches you to create your own YouTube channel and share your portfolio with the world. One of the most crucial steps in this process is creating a video portfolio that will be the channel trailer. First, you’ll need to define your goals and values. Then, you can set out to create your channel’s trailer to showcase your portfolio. You must follow three pre-production processes: the idea, the script, and the storyboard.
This artistic discipline, different to photojournalism, captures real scenes in the unique style of the photographer Photography lovers have been transported to far-away corners of Brazil by Sebastião Salgado’s photos. They have roamed the streets of Paris through the eyes of Robert Doisneau. Documentary photography freezes conflicts, stories, and scenes in time, yet using a more artistic and authorial approach than, say, photojournalism.
Learn to create viral content for social media and see your likes and shares soar Social media has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives: we swipe, click, share, like, and save posts every day. Our desire to share content with our friends, family, and followers is what causes posts to reach more and more people and even become “viral.” In the digital world, if a piece “goes viral,” it means it has become incredibly popular in a matter of hours or days, having been shared by thousands, if not millions, of people on social media. The term is used as a marketing strategy to promote products and services. While, in general, viral content has a short shelf life, it’s still very effective. Publicist Renato Farfán (@nato_farfan) is an expert in creating viral content for social media. In this blog, he shares four key points that will help arrive at the best ideas for your next viral post.
Find out which materials you’ll need to start creating botanical illustrations with watercolors Designer and illustrator Paulina Maciel (@pau_maciel) has made a career of botanical illustration with watercolors. She has worked on projects for brands such as Palacio de Hierro, Desigual, and various creative agencies. To capture a flower’s beauty or the intricacy of its filaments, not only will you need an understanding of color and botany, but also the right materials. In the following video and the guide below, Paulina shares which materials she uses every day and explains how she works with them.
Learn the importance of materials and aesthetic elements in choosing the color of your space Choosing the right color palette is one of the biggest decisions of any interior design project and it is not one you should take lightly. The color you choose will affect the entire project, from your materials to your furniture, so knowing how to bring these elements together is key to a successful design. In this tutorial, Vasso Asfi (@studiolav) shares some basic principles and tips for choosing the right color palette for your next project.
Develop all your creative potential and learn from the best watercolor experts Watercolor painting is popular for the freedom it provides. Both the technique used to stroke the paper with the brush, and the way the colors are mixed, offer the opportunity to add your own personality to the sheet. For this reason it is often said that, more than a technique, watercolor is an attitude. But mastering it is not always easy: the balance between the amount of water and pigment will always define the final result and only experience will teach you to control the process. These five courses taught by professionals will help you start, develop and improve your talent. They are essential for those who know the unpredictability of watercolor and are an excellent option to make the most of Domestika's Black Friday.
