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  • Paul Auster's 5 must-reads
    Writing

    Paul Auster's 5 must-reads

    Explore the essential works of the late writer Paul Auster, whose masterpieces shaped contemporary literature. Discover the novels that defined his legacy and captivated readers worldwide.

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  • 5 Apps to Relax While Coloring
    Illustration

    5 Apps to Relax While Coloring

    Discover 5 calming coloring apps that blend creativity and relaxation, perfect for destressing on your smartphone. Why are you here? Let me try to guess: Did you use to find coloring on paper a relaxing pastime but lately your inner monologue has gotten so vile and uncomfortable that you need yet another distraction from your problems to be available on your phone? Shizophrenia and related issues are on the rise in the "civilized world"... And no wonder! Life can be hectic and directionless for many even with food on the table... And if food isn't on the table then you might be better off not coloring and relaxing with the following 5 apps, you have bigger fish to fry (no pun intended!)... Lake

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  • Acrylic Alchemy: Tips for Mesmerizing Fantasy Art
    Teacher Illustration

    Acrylic Alchemy: Tips for Mesmerizing Fantasy Art

    My journey through the realm of fantasy art spans three decades, intertwining my passion for bird photography with the intricate world of role-playing game illustrations. The fusion of these worlds has enabled me to inject a dose of realism into the fantastical, crafting pieces that captivate and tell stories beyond words. The cornerstone of my artistic practice is rooted in the initial stages: sketching thumbnails until I find the one that works, shaping it into a final drawing, and then basing the acrylic painting on this drawing. The thumbnail stage is crucial for composition, and for breaking down the grand vision into small, manageable sections. It's here that the painting begins to take shape, segment by segment, ensuring each piece contributes to the whole. If you don’t get your thumbnail right before you start your painting, you will have to start the whole painting process over later on. I prefer working on watercolor board, but watercolor paper works as well. I use a simple photocopy and some coal to transfer my final drawing onto the board for the painting. The mood is set using lighting, bounce light, shadow and movement. The painting steps themselves are divided into different coloring stages. I usually start dark and go lighter along the way, ending the process with all the finer details. To breathe life into my artwork, I rely on a meticulously crafted moodboard, a collection of references that infuse realism into the fantastical. Whether it's the anatomy of bat wings, the fierce facial expression of a T-Rex or raptor head, the graceful glide of flying dinosaurs, or the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes, each element serves to ground my creations in a semblance of reality while allowing imagination to soar. What makes a painting believable, isn’t just physical accuracy. The mood of the character, particularly when it occupies the focal point, is paramount. From the nuanced facial expressions to intricate details of a backpack, or the unique features of a creature companion, everything has to feel real. So it’s very important to look at the real word for inspiration. Hopefully by the end of the process the painting will capture both the eye and the heart. For those eager to dive deeper into the world of fantasy acrylic painting, to explore the interplay of realism and imagination, I’m thrilled to be able to share my creative process in the art of fantasy acrylic painting with you in my new Domestica painting course.

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  • Digital Embroidery on Photoshop: Art on Scarves
    Teacher Craft

    Digital Embroidery on Photoshop: Art on Scarves

    Hello! I'm Carolê, a visual artist and pattern and surface designer since 2010. I find inspiration as I travel across Brazil, always inspired by and breathing in our culture. In this context, the main narratives for my creations emerge. We begin our journey along the edges of the scarf, where each stitch reflects a story, a culture. In the world of digital embroidery, preserving the authenticity of the "little flaws" is what brings our art to life. In Photoshop, each "stitch" is an opportunity to show that imperfection is, in fact, perfectly human.

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  • How to commit to your novel in order to finish it
    Teacher Writing

    How to commit to your novel in order to finish it

    There’s nothing quite like the rush of excitement when you get a new novel idea. There’s also nothing quite so damning as hitting a wall and … um, wondering if you have what it takes to actually finish that novel. I recently talked with a writer who said he has a problem finishing because he’s unable to take the leap and commit to the time it takes to finish. “I find myself mulling the story over, thinking about the characters, and wondering what will happen next,” he says. “But I rarely take the time to sit down and put some of those thoughts into actual words.” It’s true, books require one thing beyond inspiration, great ideas, and wonderful writing: commitment. And that means that some days you’ll feel yourself plodding or outright stuck (and miserable). Writing a novel has been compared to months of pregnancy, running a marathon, climbing a mountain, or even going to war. And it can feel like all those things in one. So, one crucial task of finishing a book is to believe that the very act of finishing is magic itself because the stamina it takes to finish a novel is the same kind it takes to make a novel good. “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop,” said Confucius, who had to be talking about novel writing. It’s tough to keep moving, though. The slow march of daily progress can abrade against the sparkling zeal that fuels the early creative stages, and the day-after-dayness of it all often exhausts writers’ attention spans. It’s critical to remember that training for a marathon isn’t just about physical training; it’s also about preparing your mind to run for such a long time. This is where the metaphor of pregnancy doesn’t necessarily apply: Some novels take nine months, but some might take nine years. Writing The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao was anything but brief for Junot Díaz: It took 10 years. J.R.R. Tolkien labored 12 years over Lord of the Rings, as did Victor Hugo on Les Misérables. That’s fitting, you say, these are all big books. But Catcher in the Rye also took 10 years. You need to prepare your mind for the grind no matter what length or how ambitious your novel is.

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  • What are the Most Famous Architectural Styles in History?
    Architecture & Space

    What are the Most Famous Architectural Styles in History?

    Explore the most emblematic architectural styles, from Ancient Greece to contemporary architecture, and discover their evolution Throughout the centuries, architecture has been an artistic and cultural manifestation that has left a lasting legacy in the history of mankind. From ancient civilisations to the contemporary era, architectural styles have evolved and changed, reflecting the beliefs, technologies and aspirations of each age. In this article, we tell you about the main architectural styles, exploring their historical context, distinctive characteristics and cultural legacy. Classical architecture Ancient Greece

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  • Illustration Tutorial: Tips to Succeed on Instagram
    Teacher Illustration

    Illustration Tutorial: Tips to Succeed on Instagram

    Learn the tricks to create an attractive profile and position your professional presence on Instagram, with Alex de Marcos Social networks like Instagram have become a global showcase for artists from all over the planet: through our feed, we can access the talent of literally thousands of illustrators, designers, craft experts, and more. So, for a creative who wants to get noticed, mastering Instagram's tools to reach as many people as possible offers extraordinary opportunities. In the following video tutorial, illustrator Alex de Marcos (@alex_de_marcos) gives us some essential tips on how to position our illustrations on Instagram, taking advantage of the different functionalities the app offers. Discover them below:

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  • Design Tutorial: Prop Design for Filmmaking with Annie Atkins
    Design

    Design Tutorial: Prop Design for Filmmaking with Annie Atkins

    Dive into an immersive tutorial and discover the art behind crafting authentic vintage telegrams and aged documents. Ideal for aspiring designers and film aficionados alike Lights, camera, action! Filmmaking is a captivating blend of artistry and meticulous craftsmanship, where every detail contributes to the magic of storytelling. Among these essential elements are the graphic props that adorn film sets, transporting audiences to different eras and enriching the narrative tapestry. Ever wondered about the wizardry behind creating these mesmerizing props? Look no further, as Annie Atkins, the acclaimed graphic designer renowned for her work in film, unveils her secrets her course Designing and Making Graphic Props for Filmmaking. Let's embark on an enchanting journey into the world of prop design and discover the wonders that await.

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  • Elevate Your ChatGPT Experience With 6 Chrome Extensions You Can't Miss
    Domestika

    Elevate Your ChatGPT Experience With 6 Chrome Extensions You Can't Miss

    Enhance your ChatGPT usage with these top-notch Chrome extensions, offering additional features and advanced functionality. If you're always on the lookout for ways to enrich your online interactions, get ready for an exciting revelation! Today, we're unveiling the ultimate toolkit to supercharge your ChatGPT experience directly from your Chrome browser. These extensions promise to revolutionize your productivity, creativity, and efficiency. So, without delay, let's explore the six best ChatGPT Chrome extensions you absolutely need!

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  • The Best 6 Logic Pro Plugins
    Music & Audio

    The Best 6 Logic Pro Plugins

    Elevate your music with the top Logic Pro plugins—Jupiter-8, Elysium and more. Discover now! Welcome to the dynamic universe of Logic Pro X, where every beat, chord, and riff finds its digital canvas. In this world of music production, plugins reign supreme, serving as the catalysts for sonic innovation and creativity. Among these digital tools, there exists a handful that stand out, revered for their ability to turn ordinary tracks into extraordinary compositions. Join me as we delve into the world of Logic Pro's finest plugins, each a powerful instrument in its own right, ready to elevate your music to new heights. Get ready to explore, experiment, and uncover the secrets behind the best of the best.

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  • 5 Free Drawing Lessons for a Limited Time
    Illustration

    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!

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  • Watercolor Tutorial: color palettes in botanical illustration
    Teacher Illustration

    Watercolor Tutorial: color palettes in botanical illustration

    Botanical illustration techniques to create and apply color palettes to different types of illustrations with Ana Victoria Calderon When creating color palettes with watercolor, one of the best options is to be inspired by nature itself. If we start from images taken from botanical photographs, we will find color palettes that perhaps we would not use on our own initiative in our illustrations. In this way, we can practice with different colors and discover new chromatic combinations. Ana Victoria Calderon (@anavictoriana) teaches us how to extract the color palette from a floral photograph and replicate it using those same colors. Do you want to learn how to use the colors of nature? Pick a photo and let's get to it.

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

    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.

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  • Free Download: Photo Shoot Setup Checklist for Food Photography
    Photography

    Free Download: Photo Shoot Setup Checklist for Food Photography

    If you are a food photographer in the making this checklist will come in handy! And if you are a regular photographer, it might be helpful as well... When you find "Review the list of dishes to learn if there is any particularly time-sensitive" written in the PDF replace the word "dishes" with "models" and you'll be all set!

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  • Pinterest tutorial: the keys to succeed as a brand
    Teacher Marketing

    Pinterest tutorial: the keys to succeed as a brand

    Know the reasons why Pinterest is so important for your brand and learn how to read the success of your pins with Pinterest Analytics Natalia Escaño (@nataliaescano) is a designer and illustrator and is also one of the biggest Pinterest influencersin Spain, with more than one million followers on this platform, experience that has led her to work with brands such as L'Oréal Paris, Disney, True Religion and Daniel Wellington, among many others. As a great connoisseur and professional of this platform, not only at user level but also at business level, she has the keys to know how to stand out with a brand and reach the public through Pinterest. Below she explains the 5 reasons why you should trust your brand to Pinterest.

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  • A.I. times. Between impersonation and cohabitation
    Teacher Writing

    A.I. times. Between impersonation and cohabitation

    Despite the fact that I consider myself a fan of science fiction and seriously believe that it holds the keys to immunize us against the most undesirable projections of the future; and also despite the fact that, as Woody Allen said, inspired in turn by a phrase of Albert Einstein, "I care a lot about the future because it is the place where I intend to spend the rest of my life," I do not have a crystal ball to look into tomorrow and understand from this intricate present the impacts that Artificial Intelligence will have on the future: "I care a lot about the future because it is the place where I intend to spend the rest of my life", I do not have a crystal ball to peer into tomorrow and understand from this intricate present the impacts that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have on humanity, society, culture, trades, daily life, life, the universe and everything else (paraphrasing Douglas Adams).

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  • Illustration tutorial: how to draw wrinkles on clothes
    Teacher Illustration

    Illustration tutorial: how to draw wrinkles on clothes

    4 keys to give detail to your illustrations and drawings through wrinkles in clothes, with illustrator José Luis Ágreda Knowing how to draw wrinkles is one of the first challenges of any illustrator: if we place them incorrectly, without taking into account a series of rules that provide realism and coherence, anyone who sees our drawings will unconsciously notice that something is wrong.

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  • Davinci Tutorial: Color Grading for Beginners in 8 min
    Teacher Film & Video

    Davinci Tutorial: Color Grading for Beginners in 8 min

    Learn how to color-coordinate your projects and adjust their colors with Sonia Abellán's primary grading technique. Color grading is one of the most important jobs in the production process of an audiovisual project. It allows us to explore the expressive possibilities of color to provoke sensations in the viewer. In this tutorial, colorist Sonia Abellán Avilés (@soniabellan) gives us a series of tips to start a digital color grading process and adjust primary colors and lighting using DaVinci Resolve.

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