• Living with mistakes
    Teacher Illustration

    Living with mistakes

    When we stop fighting with our mistakes and choose to live with them, a new attitude appears that relates the illustrator with his own imperfect work, with new, much healthier and, above all, much lighter ties. When we deny and try to harshly correct our mistakes, a self-demandingness can appear that if we let it grow too much, it can pull us, first a little and then a lot, until we deviate and leave us in a place where it becomes more and more difficult to feel the enjoyment of doing something as noble as drawing. Fighting so much with the mistakes can become an obstacle for creation, also supposing an extra load of stress that we are already pulling and bringing a fog for a mind that, now more worried about achieving something, almost forgets to experience something. To stop fighting with our own mistakes allows us to open a kinder space so that the next time we “make a mistake” we can take the time to consider the possibility of living with them and also consider the possibility of including them as part of our work. Accepting that these mistakes are in themselves the flip side of every success and that, because of this, successes and mistakes make us the creative that we are, creates the possibility of trying to create a dialogue (and perhaps a style) using both sides of the coin, knowing that mistakes more often reveal the most honest aspects of each person. Does this mean to stop looking for constant improvement? Never, but it does mean a change in the attitude with which we choose to improve. We can lighten our quest for improvement by changing the conflict as a starting point and move to a much calmer place of acceptance where there is the peace of mind that comes from ceasing to pursue so demandingly. Drawing without the possibility of erasing, is a practice that can help us to relate back to our work. To see undeniably the things we would like to improve, to see the things we would like to throw away, to see without the possibility of hiding the things we would like to change and, also, to see the things we would like to keep. Living with mistakes in this way allows us to find ourselves again in our work. Because to stop fighting with mistakes is also to stop fighting with oneself. And to close, a practical invitation: Join my Domestika course Professional Illustration Techniques: From Sketches to Vectors where you will learn the necessary techniques, both analog and digital, to turn a draft into an editorial illustration with a professional finish, with which you feel identified. See you there! El Profe.

  • Illustration Tutorial: How to Create Color Palettes from Images
    Teacher Illustration

    Illustration Tutorial: How to Create Color Palettes from Images

    Learn to make color palettes for your designs from the colors and images that inspire you with Catalina Estrada The colors we choose for our illustrations say a lot about our style and give a unique touch to anything we want to represent. The one-color palette will transmit a series of sensations completely different from those that other tones would achieve. Therefore, knowing which colors we want to use in our illustrations, and being able to choose them well, as the Adobe Capture app allows us to do with images, will help us make our mark on our work. In the following video tutorial, illustrator and print designer Catalina Estrada (@catalinaestrada) explains how to use Adobe Capture and Illustrator to import color palettes from our favorite photographs, to be used in an illustration. Watch the video below:

  • Illustrator Tutorial: How to Create a Brush for Vector Portraits
    Teacher Illustration

    Illustrator Tutorial: How to Create a Brush for Vector Portraits

    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:

  • How to Draw a Frog (+Free Download)

    How to Draw a Frog (+Free Download)

    Dive into the world of frog illustration with our free PDF guide! From basic shapes to vibrant colors, discover techniques to bring these charming creatures to life. Close your eyes for a moment and envision a vibrant place where lush forests whisper secrets and hidden ponds shimmer with life. Can you hear the gentle croak of frogs echoing through the trees? Imagine sitting on the edge of that pond, pencil in hand, ready to capture the magic of these captivating creatures on paper. Welcome to an adventure like no other as today, we're immersing ourselves in the enchanting world of frog illustration. This journey is about to become ribbiting!

  • 5 Free Drawing Lessons for a Limited Time

    5 Free Drawing Lessons for a Limited Time

    Elevate your drawing skills with free access to 5 lessons for a limited time. Dive into the world of art and unleash your creativity! We’re ending this month with a bang. Starting today, you can access five free drawing lessons that promise to ignite your artistic journey like never before! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, these lessons are designed to spark your creativity and help you master the craft of drawing. So, get ready to sharpen your pencils, clear your canvases, and embark on an adventure filled with lines, shapes, and endless possibilities! These lessons will only be available for a limited time, starting from 00:00 CET on April 30th, 2024, and open for enrollment for just 15 days! Remember, to access these free lessons, you need to be registered at Domestika. So, if you’re not already part of our creative community, now’s the perfect time to join!

  • How to Draw a Lion (+Free Download!)

    How to Draw a Lion (+Free Download!)

    Unleash your creativity with our free PDF guide on How to Draw a Lion. Master the art of illustration and bring the king of the jungle to life on paper today! Ah, the art of drawing. It's like a dance between your imagination and the paper, isn't it? And what better subject to dance with than the majestic lion? With its regal mane and piercing gaze, the lion embodies strength, grace, and a touch of mystery. So, dear reader, if you're ready to embark on a wild artistic journey, grab your pencil and let's dive into the savannah of creativity! Illustration, drawing, and art transcend mere skills. They embody the essence of our souls, reflecting our deepest thoughts and dreams. Today, we're excited to share a delightful surprise: a complimentary PDF guide on How to Draw a Lion. Yes, you heard it right! A majestic lion, eagerly awaiting your touch to spring to life on the canvas.

  • Crafting Magical Worlds: The Art of Composition in Fantasy Illustration
    Teacher Illustration

    Crafting Magical Worlds: The Art of Composition in Fantasy Illustration

    As an illustrator, my creative journey has led me through a myriad of projects, from animation art to book publishing, to advertising, to comic creating. However, it's in my personal time where I truly delve into creating my own personal fantasy art, creating Risograph prints that are inspired by whimsical adventures that are fully my own. Through my monthly Riso print club, I share a new fantastical print every month, each one a testament to the magic of storytelling and illustration. It helps me make a new fantasy print each month, and has helped me find my own voice and taste in a field where a clients vision can sometimes take precedence.

  • Urban Anna's secrets for illustrating captivating facades
    Teacher Illustration

    Urban Anna's secrets for illustrating captivating facades

    As artists, our canvas extends beyond mere buildings; we are the narrators of urban tales, entrusted with the noble task of encapsulating the essence and spirit of the facades and spaces we depict. Join me, Urban Anna, on a creative odyssey where we delve into the captivating world of watercolor, unveiling four secrets to infusing life into our architectural muses.

  • How to Draw Trees (+Free Download)

    How to Draw Trees (+Free Download)

    Once in a lifetime a tree drawing tutorial stands in your way and dares you to make the change your life needs, desperately...! Are you ready? You can always pretend this window opened up by accident in your browser and go back to your treeless ways... But I hope I can convince you it was all destined to happen. Hear me out: Recent studies show that drawing trees is beneficial for your overall health. People who know how to draw trees are statistically more likely to be successful in life, love and money metrics than those who don't... That's what my doctor told in my last appointment... My broken arm is still swollen, unresponsive and sore, but my drawing skills are getting better each day (with my other arm...)!

  • Blending Tradition & Technology: A Guide to Mixed Media Illustration
    Teacher Illustration

    Blending Tradition & Technology: A Guide to Mixed Media Illustration

    In the vibrant world of illustration, artists continuously explore and innovate to express their unique visions. The blend of analogue and digital techniques represents a fusion of tradition and modernity, offering limitless possibilities for creativity. This article delves into practical ways to combine these two realms, providing artists with the tools to enrich their visual storytelling.

  • How to Draw Hair (+Free Download)

    How to Draw Hair (+Free Download)

    Are your illustrated characters balding rapidly? We have the perfect free downloadable tutorial on how to draw hair! It will look good as new! Hairstyle is a key point in character design. How would you like us to perceive your fellow cartoons? If you take proper care of their appearance they could become iconic, but if your illustrations only have three long greasy hairs (because you got lazy drawing the fourth) we will think your characters are institutionalized in a mental hospital, at best... Or at worst, that they are all Homer Simpson's relatives... Is that what you were looking for? Iconic Cartoon Hairdos

  • Clip Studio Paint Tutorial: the 8 basics for illustration
    Teacher Illustration

    Clip Studio Paint Tutorial: the 8 basics for illustration

    Learn the basic keys of the drawing and illustration tool with José Luis Ágreda The drawing and animation program Clip Studio Paint is one of the most interesting alternatives to Adobe Illustrator, although it is perhaps less well known. The software, of Japanese origin, is created especially to help in the illustration process, so it is worth trying it out in order to compare it with other more popular ones. José Luis Ágreda (@agreda), illustrator and comic book artist who was also recently the art director of the animated film 'Buñuel en el laberinto de las tortugas', is an expert in the handling of Clip Studio Paint and has synthesized everything you need to know when starting to use the program in 8 essential points. Discover the Clip Studio Paint tutorial in the following video:

  • How To Draw and Color a Snail Like a Pro!

    How To Draw and Color a Snail Like a Pro!

    Unlock your creativity with our free PDF tutorial on drawing and coloring a snail. Dive into step-by-step instructions and unleash your inner artist. Perfect for beginners and seasoned illustrators alike, discover the joy of bringing your artwork to life! Are you ready to dive into the world of illustration? Imagine a quiet afternoon, your sketchpad ready for action. Now, imagine adding a charming snail to the mix, slowly crawling across the page. Intrigued? Well, you're in luck because we're about to spill the beans on an exciting artistic adventure that will have you buzzing with inspiration. We all know that art has the power to transport us to different realms, evoke emotions, and ignite our imagination like nothing else. Whether you're a seasoned illustrator or just beginning, there's always something magical about putting pen to paper and bringing your ideas to life. And what better subject to explore than the humble yet utterly fascinating snail?

  • Sparking Creativity: A Guide to Concept Art & Worldbuilding Inspiration
    Teacher Illustration

    Sparking Creativity: A Guide to Concept Art & Worldbuilding Inspiration

    In the creative fields of concept art design and worldbuilding, finding fresh inspiration is crucial for developing immersive, engaging environments and narratives. Whether for video games, films, novels, or any other medium, the ability to conjure vivid worlds from scratch is a useful skill to have. This article explores diverse strategies to spark inspiration and fuel the creative process for concept artists and worldbuilders.

  • Line Art: Tips and Tricks for Digital Artists

    Line Art: Tips and Tricks for Digital Artists

    Dive into the world of precision line art with our free PDF guide, packed with tips on stroke control, detail enhancement, and more. Perfect for digital artists looking to elevate their character art! As creators, we understand the allure of a well-crafted line, the way it dances across the page, bringing characters and worlds to life. Whether you're a seasoned illustrator or just starting out on your artistic journey, mastering the art of line work is essential. That's why we're thrilled to offer you an exclusive peek into the world of impactful line art with our free PDF guide. So, grab your tablet pen or favorite pencil, and let's embark on a journey to perfecting your lines!

  • Free Download: How to draw Manga characters

    Free Download: How to draw Manga characters

    Unlock the secrets to drawing manga characters with our step-by-step guide, from facial proportions to expressive (or just massive) eyes and hairstyles. With a rich history spanning decades, each artist brings their unique perspective to Manga. Well, some artists bring their dull perspectives to Manga too. In this tutorial, drawing inspiration from beloved classics such as Sailor Moon our focus will be on crafting a unique character through the use of diverse hairstyles, eye shapes, and shading techniques. Sailor Moon became particularly famous in the 90s for successfully re-popularizing the magical girl subgenre, and its sentai elements... You read it correctly. Don't confuse the term with a similar one starting with "h"... Manga has a "rich" history indeed! We'll take it step by step so you don't get lost in your character's eyes. So, let's begin this tutorial steadily and thoughtfully!

  • 7 Feminist Illustrators You Should Follow

    7 Feminist Illustrators You Should Follow

    Dive into the world of feminist art through 7 illustrators who are making waves with their powerful visual stories. Ready for a journey through the vibrant world of feminist illustration? If you're seeking inspiration or simply want to immerse yourself in captivating visual narratives, look no further. We've curated a list of 7 feminist illustrators whose work is as empowering as it is mesmerizing. From bold colors to witty commentary, these artists are redefining the representation of women in the art world. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and maybe even a little bit enlightened.

  • Free Download: How to draw folds in clothing

    Free Download: How to draw folds in clothing

    Don't make your characters wear cardboard boxes unless it makes sense with their personalities... Consequently don't turn all your characters into cardboard wearing weirdos just because you don't know how to draw proper fabric clothing...! You might be working on a rebuttal to counter my previous statements... Fold your thought and let's get started! Fabric Dynamics

  • Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw a Swan (+Free Download)

    Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw a Swan (+Free Download)

    Did you know that swans share the genus Cygnus within the family Anatidae... You might understandably, not care... But, don't worry: In between all this trivial information, you will also find an easy to follow step by step swan drawing tutorial that you can't miss out on!

  • Drawing Tutorial: How to Shade an Apple (+Free Download)

    Drawing Tutorial: How to Shade an Apple (+Free Download)

    Mastering shading is essential for creating depth and realism in your drawings. We chose an apple because it's pretty close to a sphere which happens to be a primary building block for shading. Grab your pencils or your tablet or your computer and let's get started! You can also grab a friend and tattoo the apple on their back... It's your choice, don't ever let anyone put you down!

  • Free Download: Human Anatomy Fundamentals

    Free Download: Human Anatomy Fundamentals

    In this article, Sarah van Dongen will guide us through her basic rules for human anatomy. Explore basic human anatomy guidelines, including body and facial proportions, and insights into various body parts. Some humans might be "basic", but human body certainly isn't basic at all... Nonetheless, who cares about the accurate representation of the stapedius, the tiniest muscle in the body involved in acoustic reflex, when watching their favorite cartoons? Sure the cartoons will be hard of hearing as a consequence of having inaccurate "stapediuses"... But they might suffer even worse conditions not having other, more important organs, anyways...!

  • Free Download: How to Draw a Dragon

    Free Download: How to Draw a Dragon

    Are you often found daydreaming of far away lands and fantastic creatures when suddenly a voice resonating inside your head, like a dragon's grunt, heard inside an empty cave, wakes you up to realize that you've been dissociating the entire time, at a social gathering, again? You don't have to answer! I know it's a hard confession to make... But, if you want to draw a dragon to scape your mundane reality, this Free Download got you covered!

  • How to Draw Plants Better (+Free Download)

    How to Draw Plants Better (+Free Download)

    You are old enough, now! You should be able to draw plants a bit better than your preschool self. And I don't care if you are a licensed physician or an unemployed historian or a AI reliant "graphic designer". Wouldn't it be worrying if you found out your psychotherapist draws like an infant...? Practice your doodles and make your preschool self proud!

  • 6 apps for drawing poses

    6 apps for drawing poses

    Improve your drawing skills with these amazing posing apps designed for artists. The world of internet and technologies has helped us a lot when it comes to drawing, since it facilitates all kinds of processes. For example, in the past to make drawings of people, we needed to have models to pose for hours, whereas today we have it at our fingertips, with applications made specifically to have all kinds of poses on which to base our drawings. With them, you will have a wide variety in which the body of the character is the protagonist, so you can observe every detail calmly and make a drawing of the body with all the precision you want. You can add these applications to the different Domestika drawing courses and make your artwork improve progressively. Take a look at the list we have created and choose the one that best suits your needs. Poseit