Apple Studio Display Review: A Creative’s Perspective

Victoria Pavlov

13 Jan, 2025

The Apple Studio Display has been a game-changer for my creative workflow, bringing stunning visuals, seamless macOS integration, and a sleek, minimalist design that inspires creativity. However, no device is without its shortcomings, and it’s important to address both the pros and cons of this display from a real-world user perspective.

The Pros: What Makes the Studio Display Shine

1. Gorgeous 5K Retina Display
With its 5120 x 2880 resolution and P3 wide color gamut, the Studio Display offers crystal-clear, color-accurate visuals that are essential for creative work. Whether I’m creating my art in Adobe Illustrator, editing photos in Photoshop and Lightroom, or reviewing my AI-generated art, the colors look rich, vibrant, and true to life.

2. Beautiful Design and Build Quality
Apple’s design language never disappoints. The all-aluminum chassis and clean, minimalist aesthetic make this display a centerpiece for any workspace. It feels premium and solid.

3: 12MP Center Stage Camera: A Pleasant Surprise
As a photographer, I’m naturally picky when it comes to cameras. Whether I’m attending virtual meetings, recording creative content, or live streaming, I rely heavily on high-quality cameras to ensure a professional, polished look.What truly surprised me—in the best possible way—was the Studio Display’s 12MP Center Stage camera. The Center Stage featurekeeps me perfectly framed and in focus, even when I’m moving around. It’s a game-changer for content creators and remote workers who want to stay dynamic and engaging without worrying about adjusting the camera angle.For someone who spends a lot of time on camera, the Studio Display’s built-in camera delivers remarkably smooth tracking and crystal-clear image quality, making it a reliable and seamless option for any creative professional.

4: Stand
The tilt-adjustable stand, configurable from -5° to 25°, is a feature I truly appreciate and use frequently. It allows me to adjust the display to the perfect angle, making long hours of creative work much more comfortable and efficient.

The Cons: Where the Studio Display Falls Short

While I love the Studio Display, it does have some limitations that creative professionals should be aware of:

1. No HDR Support
Shockingly, the Studio Display doesn’t support HDR (High Dynamic Range). For creatives working with high-contrast video or photo editing, this can be a deal-breaker. While the display offers excellent (the best in my opinion) color accuracy and brightness, the lack of HDR supportmakes it feel a bit outdated compared to other high-end monitors in the same price range and even monitors that cost less have HDR support.

2. Limited Port Selection
The Studio Display offers one Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports, which is adequate for most users. However, if you’re someone who requires multiple HDMI or DisplayPort connections, you’ll need to invest in a dock or adapter, which adds extra costand desk clutter.

3. Pricey for What It Offers
There’s no way around it—the Apple Studio Display is expensive. Priced at $1,599 (or more with upgrades), it’s a significant investment. While the build quality and integration with Apple products justify the cost for many, the lack of HDR and limited portsmay make some creatives question the value for money.

Is It Worth It?
For creatives like me, who are deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Studio Display is a stunning and reliable companionthat elevates both creativity and workflow. While it lacks HDR support (which I desperately need) and comes with a high price tag, I still wouldn’t trade the Studio Display for any other monitor. It’s an inspiring tool that brings out the best in my work—and that’s priceless.

Final Thoughts
Despite its limitations, the Apple Studio Display delivers outstanding visuals, impeccable design, and seamless macOS integration that make it worth the investment for Apple users. It’s not perfect, but it’s the most powerful and beautiful monitor I’ve ever worked with, and I love how it inspires me to create more every time I sit at my desk.

Victoria Pavlov

8 Jan, 2025

My Tech Blog

Hello, everyone!

Happy New Year!

I’m kicking off the new year by sharing something I’m truly passionate about and use every single day. Can you guess what it is? That’s right — I’m talking about Platypod!
I’ve been using Platypod products for the past few years, both in my professional and personal workflows, and I couldn’t be happier with them. In fact, my Platypod tripod is the first piece of equipment I pack in my camera bag whenever I’m preparing for a trip. It’s lightweight, incredibly versatile, and, best of all, it can be used in places where “traditional” tripods just don’t work.
Whether you need to mount your camera on a tree, a car, a window, a building, or directly on the ground for a low-angle shot, Platypod makes it possible.
If you know me, you know how much I love capturing low-angle images of sunsets over the ocean. But before I discovered Platypod, these shots were stressful to get! Trying to keep my camera safe from waves and sand while getting the perfect angle was a constant challenge. Now? It’s so much easier — and so much more enjoyable. Also, four spike feet keep the tripod steady even on the sand and help you keep the tripod slightly above the surface, which protects your camera from the sand.

I want to share my thoughts on the new Platypod Delta with you.

Full disclosure: Platypod sent me the Delta for review, but with no strings attached. What I’m sharing today is my honest opinion.

So, let’s talk about the Platypod Delta. It’s light, compact, steady, and beautifully designed. It’s so lightweight and compact that it can fit anywhere — even in the back pocket of my jeans!
But don’t let its small size fool you. The Delta is SUPER versatile and EXTREMELY functional. Whether you’re using it for professional photography, personal projects, digital cameras, or even your phone, this tripod delivers.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using it for low-angle photo sessions in my studio, and guess what? I’ve been really impressed.
Here’s a fun example: our puppy, Pixel, hates having his picture taken — whether it’s with a professional camera or a phone. It’s always a struggle to get him to cooperate. So, I decided to try out the new Delta tripod for a session with Pixel, and I couldn’t believe my eyes! Since the camera was positioned at a low angle, instead of towering over him, Pixel was super relaxed. He even lay down right in front of it!

Honestly, this little tripod made a huge difference. I loved the experience, and I think Pixel did too!

Tip: If you want to bring the camera up higher, simply position the Delta on top of an Apple Box, and you’re good to go!

I LOVE macro photography, so I decided to try the Platypod Delta in my macro photography workflow. Just like with the Pixel example, it was an absolute joy to use!

Tip: If you prefer mobile photography, you can mount your device using the Platypod Grip + Platypod Disc and attach it to the Platypod Delta. With this setup, you can secure your mobile device ANYWHERE you need for the perfect shot!

Conclusion:

The Platypod Delta is a fantastic addition to the Platypod product line. Having a steady device for taking photos is something we all need, and the Delta’s lightweight design and versatility really make it stand out. On top of that, all Platypod products are well-made, and their customer support makes the whole experience even better.

Now, you might be wondering — am I starting to sound like a sales pitch? Nope, I’m not! I’m just a happy Platypod user, sharing my honest opinion with you.

Give it a try, and trust me — you’ll thank me later!

Making the Impossible Possible: Adding Creative Details with AI

Victoria Pavlov

6 Jan, 2025

Hello, everyone!

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Today, after getting so many requests from you, I’m excited to show some real-life examples of how AI can be a helpful tool in your daily creative workflow. Let’s dive in and explore how AI can make tasks easier, faster, and more fun!

We’ll start with something that, as a parent of fur babies, I can totally relate to. Our Pixel isn’t a fan of having his picture taken — he simply ignores the camera. But, of course, as his mom, I still want photos of him for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

Today, I’ll show you how I can easily add a birthday hat and a cupcake to a picture of Pixel in Photoshop.
Let’s get started by selecting the area where I want to add the hat.

Note: Today, I’ll show you how to easily add creative details to an image using Adobe Photoshop.

In the contextual task bar (within the prompt area), I’ll type “birthday hat, bright colors” and click “Generate.”

Generative Fill, powered by Adobe Firefly, will analyze the selected area along with the overall image — considering composition, lighting, and other details. It will then process the prompt and generate three variations of a birthday hat based on the provided specifications.

Feel free to choose the hat variation you like the most. Pick the one that best fits your style and brings out Pixel’s personality!

Note: Did you notice that Generative Fill even added a shadow under the hat? It seamlessly blends into the image, making it look natural and realistic!

Select the part of the image where you want to add a cupcake. I chose the bottom of the image because I wanted to position the cupcake slightly away from Pixel.

Next, type “a birthday cupcake, very colorful” in the contextual task bar and click “Generate”. Generative Fill will then create a cupcake based on your prompt.

And just like that, we’ve added a few fun details to the image by simply typing a prompt. Easy, isn’t it?

As a photographer, I know that clients often request additional details to be added after a photoshoot is finished. Now, with AI, making those adjustments is simpler, faster, and easier than ever before!
Today, we’ll add an elegant cup of coffee to the image.
First, select the part of the image where you want to place the coffee. In the prompt area, type “an elegant cup of coffee” and click Generate. Generative Fill will create a cup of coffee based on your prompt.

Note: I want to draw your attention to the shadow under the generated cup. Generative Fill didn’t just add a cup of coffee — it also adjusted the perspective, colors, and lighting to perfectly match the image. The shadow placement makes the cup look natural and seamlessly blended into the scene.

We are living in exciting times, where we now have access to tools we could only dream about a few years ago. These advancements give us unlimited possibilities, making the impossible possible with progressive technology that’s accessible to everyone.

So, my friends — stay creative, keep exploring, and never stop imagining!

Is the Apple Pencil Pro Really Worth the Hype (and the Price)?

Victoria Pavlov

3 Jan, 2025

The Apple Pencil Pro is a game-changer for anyone who values precision and creativity in their digital workflow. Whether you’re an artist, designer, student, or professional, this tool delivers an unparalleled experience.

I’ve been working with my iPad Pro as part of my creative workflow since it was first introduced, and the same goes for the Apple Pencil. In professional digital art, photography, and design workflows, the Apple Pencil plays a huge role. Its design and behavior feel just like the pencils we used in school, but with the added power of technology. The best part? There’s no steep learning curve—it’s familiar, intuitive, and ready to go right out of the box. The Apple Pencil Pro brings some highly anticipated new features, including Squeeze, Barrel Roll, Haptic Feedback, and Apple Pencil Hover. These additions elevate the user experience and make this tool even more indispensable.
As you can probably tell, I’m a big fan of the Apple Pencil. I love creating with it, and I frequently share my work on social media. Many of you have asked me about my thoughts on the pencil, and today, I’m excited to share them with you!

The Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with Apple’s latest generation iPads:

Pros:

1. Exceptional Precision
The responsiveness is incredible—there’s virtually no lag. It feels so natural, like you’re using a traditional pen or pencil. Honestly, it’s hard to believe it’s digital.

2. Pressure Sensitivity
It picks up even the tiniest changes in pressure, which makes drawing or writing feel totally organic. It’s as close to real-life tools as you can get.

3. Tilt Detection
Shading and creating angle-specific strokes couldn’t be easier. It’s so intuitive, you don’t even have to think about it.

4. Comfortable Design
The lightweight, ergonomic design makes it super comfortable to use, even during long creative sessions. Trust me, your hand won’t hate you after hours of work.

5. Magnetic Charging
This is one of my favorite features! The magnetic attachment to the iPad isn’t just convenient—it’s genius. It keeps the pencil charged and always ready to go. Plus, the battery life is impressive, so I never have to worry about it dying mid-project.

6. Integration
It works seamlessly with iPadOS features like Scribble and apps like Adobe Fresco and Adobe Lightroom. Whether you’re sketching, editing photos, or taking notes, the Apple Pencil Pro just gets it done.

Cons:

1. Price
Yes, it’s pricey—there’s no sugarcoating that. But for professionals and serious creatives, the investment is 100% worth it. The experience is just that good.

2. Customization
Apple does offer free engraving options (emojis, initials, names—you name it!), which is fun. But let’s be real, as artists and designers, we’d love even more ways to personalize it. Custom sleeves would be a great addition, letting us show off a little flair while keeping it functional.

3. Extra Tips
Here’s an underrated feature: the option to switch out tips for different tasks.

• Writing: Firmer tips are perfect for crisp, clean handwriting.

• Sketching or Painting: Textured or softer tips give that “traditional” feel we all love for detailed work.

• Gaming or Navigation: Rounded tips make everyday use and gaming so much smoother.

Including these extra tips in the box or making them more accessible would take this pencil to the next level.

4. Case
If you’re like me and take your Apple Pencil everywhere with your iPad Pro, you know how tricky it can be to keep it safe. A travel case specifically designed for the Pencil is a must-have. Not only does it protect your tool, but it’s also great for storing tips and adapters.

Final Thoughts:
The Apple Pencil Pro is honestly a must-have if you want to level up your creativity or productivity on an iPad. The precision, responsiveness, and seamless app integration make it totally worth it—especially for pros and serious hobbyists. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.

Why Adobe’s Photography Plan is Still Worth It: My Honest Thoughts and Tips to Save Money

Victoria Pavlov

17 Dec, 2024

Megaphone on yellow background. 3d illustration.

Hello everyone! How are you doing?

By now, many of us in the Creative Community have heard about Adobe’s recent updates to the Photography Plan pricing. In this post, I want to share my thoughts about it.

First: I encourage you to read Adobe’s official blog post for all the details.

Second: I want to highlight something important—you can AVOID paying more by staying on or switching to the Yearly subscription paid up front plan.

Now, here’s what I think: Adobe’s Photography Plan is an incredible package for both professionals and enthusiasts.

How I Use the Adobe Photography Plan Daily
This is not a sales pitch (I don’t work for Adobe). If you know me, you know I always share what I truly think and feel.
Let’s break this down by the tools included in the plan:

1. Adobe Lightroom

Includes: Lightroom (desktop & mobile) and Lightroom Classic.

It doesn’t matter where you are—Lightroom gives you access on both desktop and mobile. Whether you’re doing global edits or making slight adjustments, Lightroom makes everything possible.

As a photographer, this accessibility has made my workflow so much easier. The AI tools, manual tools, and everything in between allow me to edit faster and more accurately. The best part? Everything syncs across the Lightroom ecosystem, and I can control what gets synced and what doesn’t.

2. Adobe Photoshop

Includes: Photoshop on desktop, Photoshop mobile, and Photoshop Express.

Photoshop is the app we all know and love. I’ve been using Photoshop since version 1, and it’s incredible to see how much has changed. What used to feel impossible just a few years ago is now easily achievable.

With the constant updates and new features, I can now work faster and deliver even higher-quality results. As a professional, this means I can showcase my work at its very best, attract more clients, and still have time to enjoy life outside of work.

3. Adobe Firefly

Includes: Text-to-image, Generative Fill, Generate a Template, Generate a Vector.

AI is now a huge part of any creative workflow, and Adobe Firefly has taken things to a whole new level. Whether I’m starting from scratch or using Firefly-powered tools in Photoshop and Lightroom, AI has unlocked a new level of creativity for me—and I couldn’t be happier about it.

4. Extras

Includes: Cloud Storage, Adobe Portfolio, Thousands of Adobe Fonts, Behance, Creative Cloud Libraries, and step-by-step tutorials.

I build all my websites for my business using Adobe Portfolio—it’s incredibly easy to use and manage, which keeps me happy.

I’ve also been on Behance since day one, and it has been amazing. I’ve made so many friends, collaborated on projects, and even landed paid opportunities through Behance.

As for Creative Cloud Libraries, I use them every single day to streamline my work.

Is $119.88/year Too Much?
Here’s my honest take: No, it isn’t. Adobe hasn’t raised the price of the Photography Plan for over 10 years! Meanwhile, many non-Adobe apps (which aren’t even professional tools) have increased their prices multiple times over the past few years.

Let’s face it—everything is more expensive now, from groceries to books. That’s just the reality we live in.

Conclusion
For me, paying a bit more for the Photography Plan is worth it. Adobe consistently delivers new tools and innovations without charging extra for updates, which is rare—most of my non-Adobe apps require additional payment for every update. Plus, don’t forget—you can still avoid paying more by staying on or switching to the Yearly subscription plan.

Create Stunning Custom Holiday Cards with Adobe Express

Victoria Pavlov

12 Dec, 2024

It’s a festive holiday season, and I want to share with you the easiest way to spread the joy of the season—by creating custom cards in Adobe Express! The best part? It’s easy, fast, and a lot of fun! So, let’s get started.

First, choose the size for your card. In this blog post, we’ll create a digital card. If you’re looking to make a printed card, I’ve recorded a video tutorial on how you can do that.

For this post, let’s create a seasonal greeting for an Instagram post. To do this, I’ll select the “Instagram Square Post” size.

After selecting the size, Adobe Express redirected me to the workspace, where everything is set up and ready for me to start creating. On the left side of the screen, Express displays a variety of templates I can choose from. I can also use the search bar to type specific keywords and narrow down the template options to fit my needs.

You also have an additional option: Generate Template. As you can see, Adobe Express provides plenty of choices to get started, making it easy to create something uniquely yours.

But today, I’ll start with a blank canvas. First, click on “Elements” on the left side of the screen. Then, navigate to the “Backgrounds” tab and type “winter” in the search bar.

Adobe Express will display all the backgrounds based on your search. Feel free to choose the one you like best. I selected a background with cool colors that isn’t too busy.

Next, click on the “Design Assets” tab and type “winter” in the search bar. Choose any asset that catches your eye. I decided on a simple Winter tree. This asset is standalone (without a background) and complements my cool-toned background perfectly.

Now, type “snowflake” in the same “Design Assets” search area and select any snowflake that you like.I selected an asset featuring a group of snowflakes. Using the Rotate tool, I rotated it 180 degrees, resized it, and positioned it at the top of the document.

Click on the “Text” icon, then select “Add your text.” Type any message you like. I chose: “Warm wishes for a joyful winter season!”

Now, change the color of the text and the outline color, if needed. Don’t forget that you can adjust the “Outline Thickness” to your preference. You can also change the font, if desired. To save time, you can use the fonts under the “Recommended” section provided by Adobe Express.

Note: I left part of the left side of the document empty in case you want to add some custom text or assets to it.

With the text selected, click on “Animation” and then choose “Animate All.” Pick any animation you like, and Adobe Express will animate all the text and objects in the document.

And just like that, your custom greeting card is ready! Remember, you can add as many or as few details to the card as you like—it’s your vision, your art.

I hope you enjoyed this short tutorial! If so, please share your card with me on my social media platforms—I’d love to see your creations.

I’ve saved the card we created as a template in Adobe Express. Click the link below to be redirected to Express, where you can use this card as-is or customize it however you wish.

Happy Holidays!!!

Create a Festive Holiday Greeting Card Featuring Your Pet in Photoshop

Victoria Pavlov

10 Dec, 2024

Hello everyone,

Some of you, my readers, have asked me to show how to create a Holiday Greeting card featuring your pet in Photoshop, especially if your pet doesn’t like posing or wearing anything. In this blog post, I’ll show you how easy it is to do using Photoshop’s Generative Fill. So, let’s get started!

I took a photo of our Lisa in our backyard, and today I’ll use this image in our workflow.
Start by creating a new document in any size you like. Feel free to choose any document orientation as well. For this tutorial, I’ll be using a landscape orientation.

Gradient Tool > Use any gradient you like. I selected a gradient from the “Reds” folder under the “Gradients” category, specifically the Red_05 gradient. Set the gradient type to Linear. Apply gradient to the background layer. I applied the gradient from right to left.

I want to customize the gradient. To do this, I will click on each color stop in the gradient and change it to the colors I want.

Next, copy a photo of your pet and bring it into the document. Resize the pet’s layer if needed, and feel free to reposition it anywhere in the document.

Click on “Remove Background” in the Contextual Task Bar to remove the background.

Select the top of the pet’s head (the selection should be larger than the object you want to add to the image). In the Contextual Task Bar, type “Santa’s Hat” in the prompt area and click Generate. Generative Fill will create variations based on the image, selection, and prompt. Choose one of the three variations (and don’t forget to delete the two you won’t be using).

Now select the pet’s neck area and type “Festive Winter Scarf” in the Contextual Task Bar to generate the festive scarf.

Select the top of the document and type “Festive Holiday String of Lights” in the Contextual Task Bar to generate a string of festive lights

Now, add any text you like using your preferred font.

Voilà! Your greeting card is ready. This is a simple example of how you can use a photo of your pet and add festive details to it. You can choose to add more or fewer details to the card—it’s entirely up to you!

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Winter Magic: Free Instagram Story Templates and Custom Photoshop Adjustments

Victoria Pavlov

4 Dec, 2024

Hello everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post—I truly appreciate it! Today, I have something special for you.

I’ve created a collection of Instagram Story templates for you to use this winter. These templates are perfect for sharing your photos or artwork during the season. The best part? They’re fully customizable! Simply click on a template to open it in Adobe Express, where you can swap out the pictures for your own and personalize every detail to your liking.

In addition, I’ve also made custom Photoshop winter adjustment files. Download them directly into Photoshop and start using them right away! Each adjustment is fully customizable, with folders containing adjustment layers. Just click on any layer to tweak it exactly how you want.

Photoshop Adjustments
Download Winter Adjustments Presets

Adobe Express Instagram Story Templates
Click on the template to open it in Adobe Express.

Enjoy these resources, and let me know how you use them—I’d love to see your creations!

The Heart of Thanksgiving: Gratitude, Kindness, and the Magic of Art

Victoria Pavlov

26 Nov, 2024

Hello, my friends,

As we step into the warm embrace of Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the countless blessings in my life. At the very top of that list is you—yes, you, my amazing readers. Thank you for being here, for taking the time to engage with my words and my art. You inspire me every day to keep creating, sharing, and connecting.

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it’s a gentle nudge to pause and appreciate the good in our lives. In a world that can often feel chaotic, kindness becomes a powerful force. I truly believe that even the smallest act of kindness—a smile, a helping hand, or a thoughtful word—can create ripples of positivity. We all have the power to lift each other up, to make someone’s day a little brighter. And isn’t that the essence of Thanksgiving?

For me, art has always been a bridge—a way to connect not only with others but also with myself. It’s a source of calm in the storm, a space to relax, reflect, and rebuild. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or just doodling, art has this incredible ability to bring people together. It speaks a language we all understand, one of emotions, colors, and creativity.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to pick up a paintbrush, a pencil, or even just a piece of paper. Create something, no matter how simple or imperfect. Let your mind wander and your heart guide you. Share it with someone you love, or keep it as a quiet reminder of the joy of creating.

As I sit here writing this, I’m filled with gratitude—not just for the big things but also for the little moments that make life beautiful. For the laughter shared with friends, the warmth of a cozy fire, the joy of creating, and the simple yet profound gift of connection.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. Whether you’ve been here for years or just stumbled upon my blog today, know that you matter. Your presence means the world to me, and I hope my words and art have brought even a little light into your life.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, kindness, and all the things that make your heart happy. Let’s continue to create, connect, and spread joy together.

With gratitude,

Victoria

Mastering Custom Brushes in Adobe Fresco: Create Your Unique Tool Today!

Victoria Pavlov

19 Nov, 2024

Adobe Fresco comes with an incredible collection of brushes right out of the box. Plus, you can expand your toolkit by downloading brushes from Adobe’s website or even importing your favorite Photoshop brushes into Fresco.

But let’s be honest—sometimes, as artists, we’re looking for that one perfect brush to bring our vision to life (I know the struggle—I’m one of those artists!). So, can you create a custom brush in Adobe Fresco? Absolutely, and I’m here to show you how.

Here is the image I painted in Adobe Fresco just a few days ago.

For my custom brush, I’ll merge all layers except for the shadow layers beneath the fruit. I’ll bring the size of the fruit down.

From the Basic library (Pixel Brushes), select the Hard Round brush

Increase the size of the brush and select the Eyedropper tool. Tap on the Multicolor icon to enable it. Hover the Eyedropper tool over the fruit, and just like that, you’ve created a new brush!

Now, let’s customize the brush! Open the Brush Settings and adjust the options to suit your preferences. Below, you can see how I’ve customized the brush settings for my specific needs.

Time to save your new brush! To do this, tap on the three dots next to the brush name and select Save a New Brush.

Give your new brush a meaningful name that reflects its purpose or style.

Specify whether you want the brush to include the color or not. Finally, choose the library where you want your new brush to be saved.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a new brush in Adobe Fresco!