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  • Illustration Tutorial: How to Break Down a Surreal Composition
    Teacher Illustration

    Illustration Tutorial: How to Break Down a Surreal Composition

    Discover how abstract shapes and visual hierarchy help reveal the deeper meaning in a painting—featuring a breakdown of Renee McGrit’s surreal composition. Understanding composition in art is key to unlocking how visual storytelling works. In this breakdown, artist and educator Tanya Konova takes us inside one of her favorite artworks by Renee McGrit, guiding us through the creation of a compositional summary that reveals the painting’s deeper meaning.

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  • Step-by-step illustration: how to create expressions with only 3 lines
    Illustration

    Step-by-step illustration: how to create expressions with only 3 lines

    Did you know that you can convey emotions with just a few strokes?. Step 1: Draw a base face. Start with a simple face shape: it can be a circle, an oval or a basic silhouette. You don't need to add details, the important thing is that you have a neutral template where you can try different expressions. Tip: leave enough space to place eyebrows, eyes and mouth. Step 2: Draw two straight eyebrows. Draw two horizontal lines on top of the face shape. These lines represent the eyebrows, and their position or inclination will begin to suggest emotions. You can try long, short, straight or angled strokes.

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  • 8 ideas to get you started in watercolors
    Illustration

    8 ideas to get you started in watercolors

    Start painting with simple, relaxing and colorful projects. Watercolor is one of the most versatile and accessible techniques to get you started in illustration. Here are 8 easy ideas to get you started in watercolor, lose your fear of the brush and discover everything you can express with this technique. 1. Simple flowers Draw basic flowers like daisies, tulips or lavender. They are perfect for practicing soft shapes, color mixtures and loose brushstrokes. They are also very decorative and always nice to paint. 2. Fruits and vegetables. Start with simple pieces such as lemons, strawberries or carrots. Their organic shapes and vivid colors will help you practice gradients, light and shadow. 3. Skies at sunset. Color transitions in the sky are ideal for learning to blur and control water. Add silhouettes of mountains or trees to create a simple but striking composition.

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  • What is impasto in painting and how to apply it in digital illustration
    Illustration

    What is impasto in painting and how to apply it in digital illustration

    The impasto, a centuries-old technique to add texture and emotion to painting, did you know that it can be replicated in digital? We explain how to achieve it in traditional media and in your digital illustrations. What is impasto? The impasto is a painting technique that consists of applying the paint in a thick and visible way, generating volume and texture on the canvas. The stroke of the brush or palette knife is not concealed: it forms an active part of the work and adds dynamism. Painters such as Van Gogh or Rembrandt used this technique to intensify the light and emotion in their compositions. The paint stands out from the canvas, capturing the light in a different way and bringing a tactile sensation to the viewer. Learn more in this video about impasto with water-based oil paint.

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  • The 10 most recognized tattoo artists in the world
    Illustration

    The 10 most recognized tattoo artists in the world

    International Tattoo Day is celebrated on July 17. A date that recognizes the cultural and artistic value of tattooing as a form of body expression. To pay tribute to this day, we compiled the 10 most influential tattoo artists worldwide, with diverse styles and outstanding careers.

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  • 5 Photoshop tricks to streamline your creative workflow
    Illustration

    5 Photoshop tricks to streamline your creative workflow

    Do you work with Photoshop on a daily basis and feel that you could optimize your time?. Photoshop is one of the most powerful tools for designers and illustrators, but it can also become a maze of layers, brushes and shortcuts if you don't know how to get the most out of it.

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  • Free Illustration Tutorial: Art of Sketching Everything
    Teacher Illustration

    Free Illustration Tutorial: Art of Sketching Everything

    Illustrator Alberto Russo shares his top technique to boost creativity and track your artistic progress with a sketchbook. If you're looking to improve your drawing skills, there's one simple yet powerful habit every aspiring illustrator should adopt: filling a sketchbook. According to professional illustrator Alberto Russo, this daily practice is one of the most effective ways to develop your artistic abilities, experiment with new techniques, and visually track your creative evolution over time. In this tutorial, Alberto walks us through his step-by-step sketching process, using a lion portrait as a reference. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing proportions, focusing on the aspect ratio of width and height, and reproducing it carefully on paper.

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  • Free Illustration Tutorial: How to create a pixel-style portrait
    Illustration

    Free Illustration Tutorial: How to create a pixel-style portrait

    Master the Process of Designing Pixel Art Avatars Using Photoshop If you've ever wanted to turn a photograph into pixel art, this step-by-step tutorial is the perfect place to start. Pixel art portraits are not only a fun creative exercise but also a great way to design unique avatars for social media, video games, or digital art projects. In this guide, Jude Buffum, an experienced pixel artist, walks you through the process of creating a perfectly symmetrical pixel art portrait using Photoshop. You’ll learn essential techniques for preparing your image, creating symmetrical designs, selecting color palettes, and using classic pixel drawing tools.

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  • Free download: Guide to understanding the rule of thirds in portraits
    Illustration

    Free download: Guide to understanding the rule of thirds in portraits

    Improve the composition of your portraits with this free guide on the rule of thirds. Learn from Gabriela Niko, an expert in illustration. Want to improve the composition of your portraits? The rule of thirds is one of the most important principles in creating a balanced and attractive image. To help you master it, at Domestika we give you a free downloadable guide with the key concepts to take your drawings to the next level.

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  • Who is Amy Sherald? The artist who painted Michelle Obama and revolutionized contemporary portraiture.
    Illustration

    Who is Amy Sherald? The artist who painted Michelle Obama and revolutionized contemporary portraiture.

    Meet Amy Sherald, the artist behind Michelle Obama's portrait, and discover how her work is transforming contemporary art. Amy Sherald is an influential figure in contemporary art for her unique style and dignified representation of the African American community. Her international fame grew after she officially portrayed Michelle Obama, but her career was already significant.

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  • Illustration Tutorial: 5 Creative Color Palette Tips Every Illustrator Should Know
    Teacher Illustration

    Illustration Tutorial: 5 Creative Color Palette Tips Every Illustrator Should Know

    Master Color Theory with These Easy and Inspiring Tips from Illustrator Allison Cole If you've ever stared at your canvas wondering which colors to choose, you're not alone. For illustrators and surface designers, color palette decisions are key to making artwork pop and feel cohesive. In this tutorial, artist and surface designer Allison Cole shares 5 expert color palette tips rooted in color theory to help you level up your creative process. Whether you're designing a pattern, illustration, or digital artwork, these color palette techniques will help you work with confidence and create more vibrant, harmonious compositions.

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  • Painting Tutorial: Toning the Canvas
    Teacher Illustration

    Painting Tutorial: Toning the Canvas

    Master the Art of Preparing Your Canvas for a Perfect Painting Foundation Toning your canvas before painting is an essential step that can dramatically impact the final result of your artwork. By applying a thin, even layer of color, you create a harmonious base that helps unify your composition and enhances the vibrancy of your paints. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tone a canvas using burnt sienna and Gamsol, ensuring a smooth and balanced surface for your next masterpiece.

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  • The 6 Most Common Mistakes When Starting Out in Illustration
    Illustration

    The 6 Most Common Mistakes When Starting Out in Illustration

    Starting illustration is exciting, but mistakes can slow progress. This article covers common beginner pitfalls and gives practical tips to avoid them. Frustration is completely normal when you're starting out. Many beginners look at professional illustrators on social media and think, "How do they create such amazing work?" The truth is, over time, common mistakes gradually disappear with practice. This article will highlight the most frequent beginner mistakes and share tips on how to overcome them.

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  • Top 5 Art Deco Artists
    Illustration

    Top 5 Art Deco Artists

    Art Deco reshaped design, architecture, and illustration in the 1920s and 1930s. Its geometric elegance and sophistication left a lasting impact on fashion, advertising, and art. 1. Tamara de Lempicka No list of Art Deco artists would be complete without Tamara de Lempicka. Her portraits of women stand out for their bold colors, geometric forms, and sleek aesthetic that perfectly captured the modern spirit of her time. Influenced by Cubism and the avant-garde, her signature style remains an enduring symbol of Art Deco glamour and sophistication.

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  • Illustration Tutorial: Inspiration to Organize a Sketchbook
    Teacher Illustration

    Illustration Tutorial: Inspiration to Organize a Sketchbook

    Make Your Sketchbook More Dynamic with These Creative Layout Techniques A sketchbook is more than just a place to draw—it’s a space for exploration, creativity, and storytelling. Whether you're an illustrator, a picture book artist, or simply someone who enjoys sketching, how you arrange your sketches can enhance the visual appeal and functionality of your sketchbook. In this tutorial, illustrator and picture book maker Raahat Kaduji shares creative sketchbook layout ideas to make your pages look more engaging and dynamic.

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  • Drawing Warm-up Tutorial: Draw Your Breakfast
    Teacher Illustration

    Drawing Warm-up Tutorial: Draw Your Breakfast

    Master simple techniques to enhance your sketching practice and bring your creativity to life When it comes to drawing, preparation is key! Whether you’re sketching for fashion design, illustration, or personal projects, warming up helps you loosen your hand and get into a creative flow. In this tutorial, illustrator Josefina Fernández shares her go-to method for starting a drawing session, from choosing the right tools to layering color for depth and vibrancy.

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

    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.

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  • Procreate Tutorial: How to Creatre Stunning Patterns
    Teacher Illustration

    Procreate Tutorial: How to Creatre Stunning Patterns

    Learn How to Create Flawless Repeating Patterns with Illustrator’s Powerful Tools Creating seamless repeating patterns is an essential skill for illustrators and surface designers, allowing you to develop eye-catching designs for textiles, wallpapers, packaging, and more. In this tutorial, Allison Cole, an experienced illustrator, shares her step-by-step process for designing patterns using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring smooth and dynamic compositions.

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  • Meet the Winners of the Domestika Contest
    Illustration

    Meet the Winners of the Domestika Contest

    At Domestika, we highly value creativity, but also the ability to share the process and teach others. Recently, we held an illustration contest in which we received 142 high-quality projects from our creative community. Domestika invited its creative community to design a captivating character inspired by two themes: "The Bright Side," focused on positivity and joy, and "The Dark Side," centered on mystery and intrigue. With a $500 prize at stake, the competition was fierce, and the level of entries was exceptional.

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  • Procreate Tutorial: How to Make an Animation
    Teacher Illustration

    Procreate Tutorial: How to Make an Animation

    A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Animation Assist for Cute and Easy Animations Bring your kawaii illustrations to life with simple and adorable animations in Procreate! If you’ve ever dreamed of animating cute clouds, twinkling stars, or any of your favorite characters, this guide is the perfect starting point. Hi, I’m Becky Cas, an illustrator with a passion for kawaii and pastel colors, and today, I’ll walk you through creating a charming animation in Procreate using Animation Assist.

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  • Illustration Tutorial: Warm Up Exercises to Create Nature Illustration
    Teacher Illustration

    Illustration Tutorial: Warm Up Exercises to Create Nature Illustration

    Master Dry Media Techniques to Create Vivid and Realistic Nature Sketches Nature offers endless inspiration for artists, and creating lush, nature-inspired illustrations is a wonderful way to connect with the outdoors. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced illustrator, warm-up exercises using dry media can help bring your sketches to life. Hi, my name is Alexandra Finley, and I'm an illustrator passionate about drawing and painting nature. Today, I’ll share simple but effective warm-up exercises that use tools like graphite sticks, colored pencils, and tombow markers to create vibrant nature illustrations.

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  • Abstract Painting Tutorial: How to Balance Composition in Abstract Art
    Teacher Illustration

    Abstract Painting Tutorial: How to Balance Composition in Abstract Art

    Learn the Art of Balancing Chaos and Order to Create Abstract Paintings That Captivate Abstract art is a realm where creativity flows freely, unrestricted by the constraints of traditional forms. However, crafting a visually striking piece requires more than splashes of color and random patterns. It demands a well-balanced composition that guides the viewer's eye and evokes emotion. In this blog post, abstract artist Josh Jensen shares his insights into creating harmonious compositions, exploring the delicate interplay between order and chaos, and using techniques to achieve visual depth.

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