A Creative Journey After Retirement: The Story of Loli Crespo and Her Passion for Learning on Domestika

Discover how Loli Crespo, a retiree from Vigo, has found a new passion through Domestika courses, transforming her daily life into a continuous creative pursuit.

Loli Crespo, born in Pontevedra and living in Vigo, spent much of her life in education. With a degree in Primary Education and a specialization in Philology, she worked at various schools, serving as the director of CEIP Pintor Laxeiro for 10 years. Always passionate about art and creativity, she found in Domestika the perfect platform to keep learning and exploring her creative side after retirement. With over 30 years of experience as a teacher and director, Loli has now immersed herself in a world full of artistic techniques and new skills. Today, she shares her experience and what she has learned throughout her journey on Domestika.

1. What motivated you to keep exploring your creative side after retiring?

I've always had a creative side, even as a child, and I was able to nurture it throughout my career as a teacher. After I retired, my daughter told me about Domestika, an online platform that offers the chance to learn and explore many different areas, with no set schedules or time limits. It seemed like a perfect fit for me to keep exploring my creative side while also opening new doors.

I love learning and I’m naturally curious, so I didn’t hesitate. Just a few days later, I received a gift in my email: a course by Ana Victoria Calderón called "Modern Watercolor Techniques."

That spark lit up, and since then, I haven’t stopped learning.

2. What stood out to you about Domestika courses?

What first caught my attention was the platform itself—online courses with no time restrictions, at my own pace, and available to me forever so I could go back and watch them whenever I needed to. And that’s exactly what I do, going back to them when I have questions or want to review a concept. Each time I rewatch a video from a course I've taken, I discover or think of something new.

As I explored further, I found other courses covering different topics and techniques. My curiosity got the best of me, and I started expanding into new areas.

One important feature of the courses, which I really appreciate, is the resources they provide. These are a great source of information and inspiration. Before starting the assignments the instructors give, I spend a lot of time reading their suggestions, advice, and even learning about their influences. From this perspective, I’ve learned so much. It broadens your mind, encourages you to explore, and motivates you to keep learning, which is what I enjoy the most.

3. What new creative techniques or skills have you learned so far?

I’ve taken—and continue to take—watercolor courses, as well as courses using graphite pencils and ink, since those are the mediums I’m most familiar with and enjoy the most. But I’ve also tried other courses with different media and techniques that I hadn’t explored before.

One thing I’ve loved is creating patterns to apply to products. Seeing my designs on stationery or textiles—it's wonderful. Since digitalizing the patterns was essential, I had to dive into learning Photoshop, something I never imagined doing a few years ago. I thought it would be too hard. I’m still learning, making progress, and getting by.

I’m also learning to work with oils and oil pastels, focusing on techniques like transfers. The last course I took, taught by Jesús Cisneros, fascinated me.

I’ve also discovered the world of sketchbooks, drawing every day without pressure, which led me to learn bookbinding so I could make my own sketchbooks. It saves a bit of money, teaches you a creative skill you can personalize, and adds a warm, personal touch to your work. I believe, like the wise Japanese say, that imperfection is beautiful, and we can find beauty in the imperfect.

4. How has your daily routine changed since you started dedicating time to these creative activities?

I’m a restless person, and I need to do things that motivate me and make me think.

After I retired, before I started the Domestika courses, I kept up my daily routines of housework and, above all, reading. I also had the habit of waking up very early.

But that didn’t last long. After taking my first Domestika course, I began dedicating a lot of time to creative activities. On average, I spend a couple of hours in the morning and as much time as I can in the afternoons. Often, I get so caught up in what I’m working on that I lose track of time, letting myself get fully absorbed and enjoying it a lot.

I feel lucky to be able to spend time on creative and intellectual work, which I believe is essential for good mental health.

5. What personal benefits have you found from continuing to develop your creativity at this stage in life?

Creative activities offer many benefits, not just for me, but for anyone who wants to open their mind and discover new things—or even discover more about themselves.

There’s nothing more valuable than the effort we put into our work, using our bodies when we read, write, or draw. This stimulates neurological and motor connections, something that only happens during learning and experimentation. I want to emphasize this because being part of the creative process brings personal satisfaction and is a constant source of happiness.

When we engage mentally and physically in creation, we ask ourselves questions, reflect deeply, seek answers, and generate new ideas. It’s a personal journey that is unique to each of us.

I believe that participating in these creative processes is a right everyone should have.

6. Is there a discipline or course you've always wanted to learn, and now finally had the chance to explore?

Definitely. While working at the school, I had a colleague who handled digital projects and was amazing with Photoshop. I would watch her in awe, not understanding anything she was doing, and I thought I’d never be able to learn it. But I always figured I’d try one day, when I had more time. That day finally came, and I’ve learned so much. I’m far from an expert, but I can get by—and when I’m stuck, my daughter helps me out with any doubts.

I also want to dive into Adobe Illustrator, which seems very useful for what I plan to do next.

7. What creative projects have you done or hope to do thanks to the skills you’ve gained from these courses?

I’d like to focus more on pattern creation and applying them to products for sale. It’s not easy because there are so many talented professionals in that field. Sometimes, when I create something I like, I find out that something similar already exists, so I keep experimenting until I find something that feels right and excites me.

I also have a (somewhat utopian) project in mind related to nature. I’d love to write and illustrate a book about endangered animals and plants in Galicia, as well as wetlands at risk of disappearing due to climate change. I’m not aiming for a scientific compendium, just something visual. The idea is still very early, so we’ll see if I can develop it over time.

8. How do you feel about sharing your work with others, whether on social media or in online creative groups?

I’m not much of a social media person, but I do post some botanical watercolors on Instagram and share some of my Domestika projects on Facebook.

What I really enjoy is sharing the creative process behind my projects with the Domestika community. My goal isn’t just to explain the technical side of things; I also try to share my enthusiasm and excitement for what I’m doing.

9. What advice would you give other retirees thinking about learning something new through online courses?

I’m not big on giving advice, but I would tell them to remember that life offers many opportunities to keep growing. You’re bound to find something that makes you happy—you just have to look for it and practice it.

One of the best parts of learning through online courses is the interaction with instructors and other students, like through the forums.

When you learn something new, you often stumble upon unexpected things that can surprise you and open new paths. The human quest for knowledge is timeless and universal. Although I didn’t pursue this professionally, I ended up seeking and finding it. And since it’s not tied to a job (which can add pressure), you have a sense of freedom that you should take advantage of. As a retiree, it’s important to be aware of this.

10. Have you noticed any positive changes in your emotional or mental well-being since dedicating more time to creative activities?

Science tells us that mental health and creativity are closely linked. In my case, diving back into creative activities has brought many benefits, from the joy of turning a room in my house into a painting studio (my personal space) to the other benefits I’ve mentioned: keeping my mind active, feeling calm and fulfilled, experiencing satisfaction, joy, and fun—and, of course, even frustration. But I see frustration as positive because it challenges the mind to find solutions, and there are always plenty of those.

Spending time on creative activities helps maintain personal balance.

Loli’s story is an inspiring example of how retirement can mark the beginning of a new creative adventure. Through Domestika, she has discovered new passions, learned techniques she never imagined, and immersed herself in a world where creativity has no limits. If you’re thinking about making the most of your free time in a creative way, don’t hesitate to join Domestika and start your own learning journey!