Paint By Numbers

Victoria Pavlov

12 Apr, 2024

It’s a sunny early spring day outside the window: green grass, blue sky, and the promise of fresh fruits bring a sense of joy. What better way to capture this springtime spirit than by creating a vibrant still life?

I’ve put together a delightful still life featuring one of my all-time favorite fruits – the apple (who can resist its charm?). And here’s the best part – it’s a paint-by-numbers kit! Now, why did I choose paint- by-numbers for this project?

Paint-by-numbers art is wonderfully positive because it’s easy, and anyone can do it. You follow the numbers and colors provided, turning painting into a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It helps you focus and be present with each stroke, creating a sense of accomplishment when you see your finished masterpiece. Whether you’re new to art or a pro, paint-by-numbers welcomes everyone to join in the fun. It’s a great way to feel inspired, relax your mind, and share the joy of creativity with others.

Download the sketch from my Patreon and use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to enjoy! You can also use it for traditional painting with your favorite medium.

Please don’t forget to share your finished art with me On IG or X

Adobe’s NEW Structure Reference

Victoria Pavlov

4 Apr, 2024

Use Adobe’s NEW Structure Reference to realize your vision with Firefly.

I will start this blog post differently from my usual. Before we dive deep into a new Structure Reference feature, I would like to share a story.

For more than a few decades, many people have told me that they want to express their feelings through art, but they can’t paint. They’ve tried, but they feel like they can’t. They don’t necessarily want to paint professionally; they just want to express themselves and bring their art to life. These individuals feel a sense of emptiness because of this inability.

Recently, someone very close to me experienced profound grief due to the loss of several family members. It was a frightening time as we tried to help her find solid ground and begin to heal as much as possible, given the circumstances. One of the things that brought a smile to her face was pencils and paper. However, she became disheartened because she tried to express her inner feelings through painting, but she couldn’t quite capture them. So, I introduced her to Adobe Firefly and she loved it so much. Every morning, I would send her images I generated in Adobe Firefly to brighten her day. Now, with the help of Adobe Firefly, she can and will express her feelings through art.

The point I am trying to convey is this: we all have a desire to express ourselves through art. But not all of us can paint. Feeling like we can’t express ourselves in the way we desire sometimes leads us to stop trying.
I always say that art is for everyone. Art should not be judged by its technical correctness or the medium we use. It is a universal language through which we can communicate with each other. Art makes the world better and brighter.

Now, with immense excitement, I’m thrilled to introduce you to the remarkable new feature in Adobe Firefly – Structure Reference. This innovative addition assists you in guiding Firefly on the structure of the generative image it creates based on your prompt. Allow me to demonstrate how you can utilize it.

1: Type the prompt you want Firefly to use
summer day, countryside, beautiful, oil painting

2: Click on “Upload Image” in the Structure Reference panel.

3: Select the image you want to use as a reference image. It could be a few brush strokes, a simple sketch with a few lines, or a more complex image.

P.S. Feel free to download and use my sketch.

Firefly will check the image for Content Credentials

4: Now, with the reference image uploaded, you can slide the “strength” slider all the way to the right. This slider indicates how closely Firefly will adhere to the structure of the reference image. A higher number instructs Firefly to follow the structure of the reference image more closely.

5: Now, click on “Generate” and get ready to witness the magic.

Tip: Choose a style from the “Style” reference library or use your own style reference to enhance the image. Once you’ve selected the style, click on “Generate” again to create a series of four images with the specified style applied.

I hope you’ll create stunning images using Adobe’s NEW Structure Reference feature, whether you use your own reference image or mine. If you do, please share the results with me on IG or X, and let’s keep the conversation going.

Apple Vision Pro: what I love and what I don't

Victoria Pavlov

7 Feb, 2024

I decided to pre-order the Apple Vision Pro when Apple introduced it. I love working with technology, and as a big fan of Apple, I decided to try it. Was I sure I would love the Vision Pro or be willing to use it and integrate it into my work and daily workflow? No, I wasn’t sure.
In this blog post, I will share with you what I like, what I love, what I don’t like, or what I wish to have in the Apple Vision Pro.

Note: As with any great technology, we will see some individuals misusing the Apple Vision Pro. This blog post is not for those people but for those who intend to use any technology properly.

Design:
Apple Vision Pro’s design did not disappoint. Once again, Apple has masterfully combined elegance, beauty, and spatial computing. Featuring a curved 3D laminated glass display on the front, an aluminum frame on the sides, and a flexible cushion along the side, plus a removable (and adjustable) headband, the Vision Pro looks elegant. It’s also easy to put on/off and adjustable for comfort. You switch between the single loop band and the optional dual loop band, which Apple included in the package.

Specifications:
Multiple sensors, microphones, and cameras make the entire experience seamless and will make you say “WOW” so many times (believe me, while you’re using the Apple Vision Pro, you WILL say “WOW” more than once).
When you put on the Apple Vision Pro, you will blend your digital world with the physical one. You communicate with the digital world using your eyes, hand gestures, and voice. Yes, spatial computing has arrived.
You select anything simply by looking at it, and your hand becomes your ‘mouse click.’ Combining your eyes, hands, and voice makes everything seamless and makes you feel like you are in the future.

Apps:
As of today, the Apple Vision Pro has 600 native apps designed specifically for it, along with an impressive number of apps compatible for use with the Vision Pro.
Six hundred native apps might not sound like a lot, but it’s just the beginning, and I am sure we will have more than ‘enough’ Vision Pro apps.
For me, it’s important to combine work and have ‘mental relaxation time’ in my daily routine. The Apple Vision Pro makes it easier for me: I use scenery from the environment as my digital workspace, and I display my ‘workspace.’

I love taking breaks to meditate with one of my favorite Apple Fitness coaches, Christian.

The beautiful scenery, sound, and digital workspace make my work more enjoyable and less stressful and give me a positive mental boost.
You can open multiple windows and display them all around you. You can make each of them bigger, smaller, closer, or farther away. You can customize your space in a way you like and feel comfortable.

If you know me, you know that the first thing I did was download Adobe apps. As of today, I have downloaded Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Fresco, Adobe Behance, and Adobe Firefly (Adobe Firefly is a native Vison Pro App).

Did I enjoy using these apps with the Vision Pro? Yes, I LOVED using Firefly, Behance, and Lightroom on the Vision Pro. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. I also liked using Adobe Fresco, but it’s a bit challenging for now (maybe it’s because Fresco is not a native app for Vision Pro, it’s the iPad version) if you want to use brushes. Working with shapes and colors is easy and enjoyable.

I downloaded a few more apps (Sky Guide, Illustrated, Disney+, and more), and I enjoyed every second of using them.

Now let’s summarize:

Design and Confort:
I LOVE everything about the design. It’s an incredible piece of technology with a beautiful and elegant style.
Vision Pro is a little heavy (not exceptionally so), but it is noticeable. Does it make it difficult or painful to wear? No, it doesn’t. As mentioned above, you can change the straps to adjust the comfort of wearing the Vision Pro.
If you wear glasses, submit your VALID glasses prescription to Apple during the ordering process so that ZEISS can make ‘Optical Inserts’ for your Vision Pro. You can upload the prescription at the same time you are placing your Vision Pro order.

The Apple Vision Pro works best in an environment with some light. If you are in a dark room without any light, the cameras in the Vision Pro may have trouble seeing your hands. In such cases, the Vision Pro will suggest bringing more light into your physical space.

Productivity:
I am incredibly impressed and wowed by all that I can do (as of today) with the Vision Pro. It’s easy and enjoyable to navigate. The Apple ecosystem makes everything seamless.
The ability to blend physical and digital spaces brings your entire experience to a completely different level and makes you say ‘WOW’ so many times.
All sensors, cameras, and microphones support your effortless navigation using only your eyes, hands, and voice, and this makes you say, “Yes, the era of spatial computing is here!”

You can connect your wireless Bluetooth keyboard if you prefer a physical keyboard instead of the Vision Pro’s digital keyboard (which I love).

If you prefer the ‘physical touch,’ you can connect an Apple Magic Trackpad via Bluetooth.
You can connect AirPods or Beats headphones to Vison Pro as well.
If you love games, you can connect controllers (MFi, Xbox, PlayStation, or any controller that works with iPadOS).

I can extend my MacBook screen by connecting it to the Vision Pro. Now, I can be anywhere without the limitation of my MacBook’s screen size. I can make my screen bigger or smaller and completely redesign my digital space in a way I like.

Note: Because I am a digital artist, I received a lot of ‘advice’ to connect a drawing tablet to the Vision Pro to paint instead of using my eyes, hands, and voice. Here is my response to it: I am not planning to connect any tablet or anything else, except maybe a Magic Trackpad or keyboard (as of today), to my Vision Pro. Why?

1:I don’t feel the necessity of doing it.
2:I didn’t buy spatial computing technology to convert it into something else. I want to enjoy the wonderful spatial computing feature of the Apple Vision Pro.
3:If I want to paint (digitally), I will use my Mac Studio or MacBook Pro with a tablet connected to it.

Face Time:
Vision Pro will scan your face (easy-to-follow instructions will be provided) to create your ‘Persona.’ When you use FaceTime, people will see your 3D persona. The persona will mimic all your facial expressions along with physical gestures.
P.S. It’s a great feature (beta for now), but there’s room for improvement.

Apps:
I would love to have more scenery in the ‘environment’ section.
When purchasing apps, I would greatly appreciate it if Apple did not require my password every single time (currently, Apple gives you the choice not to require a password for free downloads). When you put on the Vision Pro, Apple uses Optic ID, which provides secure authentication that utilizes the uniqueness of your iris. So why does Apple require an Apple ID password whenever I try to purchase something?

3D part of the Vision Pro:
It’s out of this world. It’s simply exceptional. I can talk about it for a long time how great it is but I will stop here.

Price:
It’s not cheap. But as always, quality comes with the price. It starts at $3,500.

Should you buy it:
It’s your personal decision to make. It’s a professional piece of technology that is not cheap. You need to ask yourself: ‘Will I use it every day, once a week, or once a month?’ You know if your answer is ‘every day’ or ‘every other day’ and you can afford the price.
The Vision Pro is not about 3D, movies, games, or any other specific feature. It’s all combined together, making it the best piece of technology (as of today).

Am I happy with my decision to purchase the Vision Pro?
Yes, I absolutely am.

I’ve worked with technology for as long as I can remember, but I’ve never experienced anything like this. You can call me ‘overly sensitive,’ but when a butterfly landed on my finger (while using the “Encounter Dinosaurs” app), my heart skipped a beat. I had NEVER experienced anything like that before. I finally understood the meaning of a ‘magical moment,’ and I experienced it.

And this is only the beginning of spatial computing, and I can’t wait to see what is coming next!

Beauty standards are wrong

Victoria Pavlov

27 Nov, 2023

Very often, people project their expectations of how a person should look or dictate what they believe a person should look like. It’s not uncommon to see individuals painting someone or creating fan art, infusing their own perception of beauty into their artwork. This phenomenon doesn’t just happen out of the blue. Painters and writers frequently depict a person’s appearance based on their personal tastes and preferences. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this practice, it becomes problematic when artists alter a person’s facial or body features.

I’ve never comprehended or accepted the notion of “beauty standards,” and I never will. Every person possesses a unique and intrinsic beauty. People aren’t like seasonal fashion trends; we are inherently diverse, and this diversity is one of the most beautiful and powerful aspects of humanity. As an artist, I firmly believe that the essence of portrait artistry lies in capturing what you see, rather than imposing your own preconceived notions of how the subject should appear.

In my opinion, every child should have the opportunity to attend portrait painting classes from an early age. These classes not only nurture a child’s artistic abilities but also serve as a vital lesson in appreciating the diversity of facial structures. No two individuals are identical, and this understanding helps children recognize that we are all unique and beautiful in our own myriad of ways. This forms the foundation for resisting societal pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals.

Affiliate links are provided below. Your support is greatly appreciated.

PLATYPOD GRIP

Victoria Pavlov

20 Nov, 2023

I have incorporated mobile devices into my professional workflow for many years, utilizing them for behind-the-scenes documentaries, portraits, products, pets, and landscape photography. Having the right tripod is crucial to me because I aim to minimize the time spent securing my phone on the tripod or setting it up, allowing me to focus on capturing images. Despite trying numerous phone grips, I’ve never been fully satisfied, as I consistently required assistance to secure my phone and stabilize the tripod.
When I tried the NEW Platypod Grip, I finally found what I was looking for: a beautiful, elegant, easy to use, and lightweight design.

I feel confident that my phone is securely mounted, and I can use any tripod to attach the Platypod Grip. The Platypod Grip can hold up to 5 pounds! It has a very solid design and can accommodate large plus size phones even with thick cases.

So, if you’re searching for a professional grip to secure your smartphone or know someone passionate about mobile photography, the Platypod Grip is the ideal choice. It provides the freedom to unleash your creativity.

Pre-Order Platypod Grip

If you’re unsure why you should use a tripod in mobile photography, below are just a few examples of why you absolutely should.

Here’s a quick rundown on why using a tripod for mobile photography is a game-changer.

Stability Is Key:

One of the most critical aspects of photography is stability. Even the steadiest hands can introduce unwanted shakes and blurriness to your photos. A tripod eliminates this issue entirely, providing a rock-solid foundation for your mobile device. This stability ensures that your shots are crisp, clear, and free from any unintentional motion.

Low-Light Savior:

Mobile cameras have made incredible strides in low-light photography, but they still have limitations. When the lighting conditions are less than ideal, a tripod becomes your best friend. It allows for longer exposure times without any hand-induced tremors, resulting in beautifully lit, noise-free, and professional-looking images.

Unleash Your Creativity:

With a tripod, you’re not bound by the limitations of handheld photography. You can experiment with unique angles, long exposures, and intricate compositions that would be challenging to achieve while holding your mobile device. A tripod provides a stable platform for you to explore your creative vision fully.

Self-Portraits and Group Photos:

Gone are the days of struggling to fit everyone in the frame or relying on the kindness of strangers to take a group photo. A tripod lets you become the photographer, ensuring that everyone is in the shot, perfectly framed, and looking their best. It’s the ultimate solution for hassle-free self-portraits and memorable group snapshots.

Consistency Is Key:

Whether you’re working on a photography project or maintaining a consistent visual style for your social media feed, a tripod is your trusted ally. It ensures that every shot is taken from the same perspective, with identical framing and composition. The result? A cohesive and professional-looking body of work.

Perfect for Mobile Videography:

If you’re into mobile videography, a tripod is a must-have. It eradicates the jerky, shaky footage often associated with handheld recording. Instead, it allows you to capture silky-smooth videos that look polished and cinematic. Your vlogs, tutorials, and creative video projects will thank you for it.

In summary, don’t underestimate the importance of using a tripod for your mobile photography endeavors. It’s a simple yet invaluable tool that can instantly elevate the quality and creativity of your shots. Whether you’re chasing that perfect sunset, experimenting with long exposures, or capturing the ideal group photo, a tripod is your ticket to achieving outstanding results. So, take a step towards photographic excellence and invest in a reliable tripod – your mobile photography will never be the same again.

Adobe Firefly Book

Victoria Pavlov

18 Oct, 2023

I am thrilled to announce my new book: “100+ Prompts to Ignite Your Everyday Creativity!” Delve into handpicked prompts crafted to spark your daily creativity with Adobe Firefly. Let your imagination soar like never before!

In a digital age marked by unprecedented technological advancements, Generative AI stands as a paragon of innovation. At the heart of this phenomenon is the art and science of prompting — the process of feeding specific cues to a model to elicit desired responses. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast seeking a deeper understanding, a developer aiming to harness its capabilities, or a creative writer desiring to collaborate with the machine, this book is your compass.

“100+ Prompts to Ignite Your Everyday Creativity” is more than just a compilation of cues. It’s a journey through the multifaceted dimensions of human intellect, emotion, and creativity, made possible through the lens of advanced artificial intelligence. These prompts have been curated not just for their utility, but for their ability to push the boundaries of what we believe machines can achieve.

Beyond the simple utility of each prompt, you will find insights into the philosophy of AI interactions, the nuances that make a difference, and the art of asking the right questions. Think of this book as a toolkit, a treasure trove of sparks designed to ignite inspiration and pave new avenues of exploration in the vast world of Generative AI.

As you delve into these pages, remember: The future of AI is not just about the answers machines can provide, but the questions we dare to ask. Here’s to your journey of discovery, innovation, and boundless creativity.

By the end of this book, my hope is that you not only gain a deeper appreciation for the marvels of Generative AI but also feel empowered to craft your own prompts, fostering a symbiotic collaboration between human intuition and machine intelligence. Dive in, and let your journey with Generative AI truly begin!

100+ Prompts to Ignite Your Everyday Creativity

Who is Victoria White?

Victoria Pavlov

11 Sep, 2023

Hey friends,

The past few days have been tough, you know? I’ve been feeling kinda low, just stuck in this loop of sadness and frustration. It just seems like, no matter what I do, I can’t quite reach that place I’m aiming for in my professional life. I keep asking myself, “What’s missing? Why isn’t it clicking?”

So I turned to my rock, my incredible husband, just pouring out all these feelings of doubt. And you know what he told me? That I’ve got it all wrong. That there are so many people out there, especially little ones, who are looking up to me. They see me as someone who brings a splash of color, a dose of inspiration into their lives through my art and classes.

He reminded me that giving into this funk isn’t just letting myself down, but it’s also dimming the light for those people who are genuinely excited to see what I create next. It was a real wake-up call, helping me see that I’ve got a responsibility not just to myself but to everyone who finds a spark in what I do.

So, I’m shaking things up a bit with this blog post – steering clear from our usual tech and art chat. I’ve noticed a question popping up quite a lot from you all, a question that’s remained a mystery… until now.

“Who is Victoria White?”

Yep, you’ve got it. I’m finally spilling the beans, going off the beaten path to answer the one question that’s been on your minds. So, sit back, relax, and let’s have a heart-to-heart as I share a bit of the Victoria White story with you.

I grew up in a family full of musicians, so it was pretty much a given that I’d find myself in front of a piano from a very young age. From the time I was four until I reached nine, I was hitting those piano keys, learning the ropes and finding my rhythm. But then, a decision was made — having two budding musicians in the house was a bit too much. Sadly, I was the one chosen to bow out of the musical path.

It broke my heart, not going to lie. Yet, it’s that same heartbreak that nudged me in a different direction, one filled with colors and canvases. Yep, I turned to painting, channeling all those melodies into strokes of paint, creating my own kind of music, but on paper.

I jumped into art classes and, would you believe it, by the age of 14 I was hosting my very first solo exhibit. That day was kind of magical, honestly. Seeing people actually come out to see my art and hearing them praise my talent — it did something big to me. It sort of carved out this permanent, happy space in my life, you know?

From that day on, art wasn’t just a hobby or a pastime. It became a part of who I am, a second “me,” you could say. It turned into this language that I could speak more fluently than any other, my go-to way to express all the big and small things swirling around inside.

When I hit 17, my world kinda flipped on its head. I found myself in this really intense survival mode, having to flee the place I called home and starting over as a refugee. Just when I thought I was finding my footing, life threw a few more punches my way — losing a loved one and facing domestic violence.

It was… a lot, to say the least. I hit pause on my art, this thing that had been my rock for so long. I just couldn’t bring myself to create, not with everything going on. And that pause stretched out for a long, long 5 years.

So there I was, trying to settle into this new place I was learning to call home, and bam — suddenly we’re smack dab in the middle of a war zone. Basics like food and water became luxury items, and we had to say goodbye to the comforts of heating in winter and cooling off in summer — electricity was a no-show.

It was down to just the bare essentials, you know? Mom and I, we had to let go of pretty much everything we owned — jewelry, furniture, our collection of books — all to make sure we could scrape together enough to get half a pound of baby food for my little one. It was that kind of time, a period of just holding on and getting by day by day.

Just when I felt like I was running on empty, like all the hope had been squeezed out of me, this little glimmer of light appeared, thanks to our neighbor. Picture this: they introduced me to the world of Photoshop.

Mom stepped up, big time. She took this last piece of jewelry, a keepsake from her own mom, and sold it to gift me a fresh start. That cash became my ticket to classes in Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D Studio Max. I poured everything I had into learning, evolving, growing.

Guess what? I not only finished those classes but rocked them so hard that, by the end, my teacher threw up his hands and admitted I had surpassed him. Yep, I did it.

The country was still caught up in the war, and having electricity was like winning a mini lottery, happening only on the rarest occasions. I mean, most people around didn’t even know what a computer was back then.

So picture this: I’m shelling out cash to my teacher just for the chance to spend an hour a week in his office, getting my hands on Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D Studio Max. And my golden ticket during this time? A Photoshop class book from Adobe.

I practically ate that book up, you know? I knew it like the back of my hand, from the very first word to the very last. It wasn’t just a book, it was my lifeline, pulling me through hunger, cold, and the chaos around. It held this promise, a whisper that kept saying, “Hang in there, better days are coming for you, your mom, and your little one.” It was more than hope; it was a beacon in the darkness, guiding us towards brighter times.

This is my answer to the other question you so often ask me: why I am apsest with Adobe. Yees, that book, and one hour per week working with Photoshop and Illustrator made me to be where I am now and who I am now.

So, there I was, landing in the USA with my 13-year-old kiddo by my side and a grand total of 45 bucks to my name. I hit the ground running, juggling like four or five jobs at the same time, just hustling non-stop.

After a few months of hard graft, I managed to scrape together just enough to grab this low-spec computer from Target — cost me 243 dollars, leaving me with a fiver to last the week. Yeah, it was tight.

One gig I had going was cleaning streets. The pay wasn’t in cash but it did keep us fed — a daily meal at a buffet for both me and my daughter. It was hard yards, but we were making it, one day at a time, one meal at a time.

The game-changer — I got my hands on a copy of Photoshop. The exact name slips my mind, but it had this super cool 3D feature. I went all in, pouring every last dime into it. Yeah, it put me behind on rent for a good ten days, with nothing but a loaf of bread and a jar of pickles holding down the fort in the fridge.

But man, I was on cloud nine because now I had Photoshop. It was like suddenly having this amazing language where I could chat, express, and CREATE! It felt like the world just opened up, and I was ready to paint it with all the colors of my dreams, one digital brushstroke at a time.

So yeah, this is me opening up the book on who I am and the rocky road that led me here. Smooth sailing? Not even close. It’s been a rollercoaster of falling down and dragging myself back up, but with Photoshop and Illustrator by my side, I kept pushing forward. I know it might sound a bit too simple, but that’s the raw truth.

That’s why you’ll hear me saying it over and over: “Photoshop saved my life.” And you know what? It really did.

Who is Victoria White? I am, Victoria White, wearing the hats of mom, wife, and artist, navigating the worlds of digital imaging, photography, and traditional art. This blend allows me to craft pieces that speak to you, to share a slice of myself with every creation.

When you step into my classes, expect more than just a technical rundown of “do’s and don’ts.” It’s about marrying technology and passion, guiding you to find that sweet spot where art meets heart. Because to me, that’s what art truly is — it’s a fervent dialogue, a place where our inner voices find a canvas, be it digital or traditional.

In this vibrant world, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s akin to learning the alphabet of a new language — the language of art. It’s about helping you craft narratives that are uniquely yours, equipping you with the skill set to paint your stories vividly, with every nuance captured.

So, whether you’re navigating the intricate paths of digital artistry or exploring the heartfelt strokes of a traditional canvas, remember that art, in essence, is a labor of love, a passionate endeavor that goes beyond techniques, resonating deeply within the soul.

So, for all of you who want to know me and my art better, please join my Patreon and Facebook Group.

Let’s make art together.

Generative AI imaging has the potential to provide advantages to freelancers who are engaged in digital imaging work.

Victoria Pavlov

16 May, 2023

In the rapidly evolving world of digital imaging, new technologies constantly emerge, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer among these advancements. In this blog post, I will explain my thoughts about why digital artists should embrace AI-generated images as a powerful tool to unlock new realms of creativity, expand artistic possibilities, and captivate audiences like never before.

Occasionally, like every artist, I face creative blocks from time to time. AI-generated images can be an invaluable tool to overcome such hurdles. When inspiration seems elusive, AI-generated images can jumpstart the artistic process, helping artists break through creative stagnation and find new directions for their work. The unexpected and novel outcomes produced by AI can ignite fresh ideas and rekindle the artistic flame.
Working on a photo compositing project for a client could be overwhelming. Only some clients provide you with all the necessary assets for the project. Often it could be just one main character or object, and you need to find the remaining assets you need. So what will you do? Of course, you will go to some stock websites where you will spend hours and hours trying to find the right image(s). Why hours? Because you need to find a few examples of each asset (for the client to choose from), you need to find all of the images at the right angle, viewpoint, colors, and light. All these hours you spend on the stock website cannot guarantee that you will find the right image(s). This could get even more complicated if the client needs a specific image from a specific part of the world. What will you do now? Pack your bag and fly there to take a picture of the city, scenery, and landscape. Who will pay for that? Your client? How long will it take to deliver the project to the client? So by the end how much will you charge the client? What is the right price to cover all expenses, make a profit, AND be reasonable (because this is what all clients want)? This is where AI comes to the rescue. AI significantly speeds up the creative process by automating certain tasks AI can generate landscapes, characters, abstract patterns, or even surreal compositions that push the boundaries of imagination. AI algorithms can generate initial sketches, color palettes, or even complete compositions, serving as a starting point for artists to build upon. This allows artists to focus their time and energy on refining and adding their personal touch, expediting the artistic workflow and enabling the realization of ideas in a more efficient manner.

AI opens up a world of possibilities. By harnessing the power of AI, artists can push the boundaries of their creativity, expand their artistic horizons, and create captivating, visionary artwork that resonates with audiences in profound ways. So, let AI be your artistic ally, and unlock the untapped potential that lies at the intersection of human imagination and machine intelligence.

Wacom Intuos Pro Pen

Victoria Pavlov

1 May, 2023

So many of you have asked me why I use a Wacom tablet and how it could benefit a digital imaging workflow. I get many questions about how to customize the Wacom Intuos Pro pen.
Let me answer your questions in this blog post:

In today’s world, digital imaging has become an integral part of various industries, such as graphic design, animation, and photography. The advancement of technology has made it possible for artists and designers to create stunning visual designs and artwork through various digital tools. One essential tool that has revolutionized digital imaging is the Wacom tablet.

A Wacom tablet is a digital input device that enables artists and designers to create digital artwork with precision and accuracy. The tablet features a pressure-sensitive pen that mimics the feel and behavior of traditional brushes and pencils. The tablet’s surface is designed to provide a natural drawing experience and offers a range of customizable buttons that can be used for quick access to frequently used commands.

The use of Wacom tablets in digital imaging has become increasingly popular due to their numerous benefits. Here are some of the reasons why a Wacom tablet is an essential tool for digital imaging:

Improved Precision and Control

A Wacom tablet provides artists and designers with a level of precision and control that cannot be achieved using a mouse or trackpad. The pressure-sensitive pen allows for variable line weight and stroke width, making it possible to create natural-looking brush strokes and intricate designs. The tablet also provides greater accuracy when selecting and editing individual elements in a design.

Faster Workflow

Using a Wacom tablet can significantly speed up the design process, enabling artists to work more efficiently. The customizable buttons on the tablet can be programmed to perform frequently used commands, allowing artists to switch between tools quickly. Additionally, the tablet’s pen can be used to zoom in and out of designs, making it easier to work on fine details.

Ergonomic Design

Working on a computer for extended periods can be challenging and can lead to discomfort. The Wacom tablet’s ergonomic design helps to alleviate these issues by providing a more natural and comfortable working position. The tablet can be positioned at a comfortable angle, reducing strain on the neck, shoulders, and back.

Greater Flexibility

A Wacom tablet offers greater flexibility when working on digital designs, as it allows for more natural and intuitive drawing and painting. This flexibility makes it possible to create a wider range of designs, from intricate sketches to detailed illustrations and animations.

Customizing the Wacom Intuos Pro pen is important in setting up the device for your specific needs and work style. Here are the steps to customize the Wacom Intuos Pro pen:

Install the Wacom drivers on your computer. You can download the latest drivers from the Wacom website.

Open the Wacom Tablet Properties application on your computer.

Click on the “Pen” tab. This will display the available pen settings.

Adjust the “Pressure Sensitivity of the pen. The pressure sensitivity settings determine how much pressure is required to create a line with different thicknesses. You can adjust or set the pressure curve to match your drawing style. Using the “Try Here” window, you can try the new setting right away.

Assign functions to the pen’s buttons. The Wacom Intuos Pro pen has two buttons that can be customized to perform different functions. You can assign functions such as undo, redo, or brush size to these buttons. Click on the button you want to customize and select the desired function from the drop-down menu.

Adjust the pen tip feel. You can adjust the pen tip feel to change the tactile feedback you get when using the pen. Click on the “Pen Tip Feel” button and adjust the slider to the desired setting.

Customize the pen’s eraser settings. The Wacom Intuos Pro pen has an eraser on the opposite end of the pen that can also be customized. Click on the “Eraser” tab and adjust the eraser settings as desired. You can customize “Eraser Feel” as well.

Customize the express keys. The Wacom Intuos Pro tablet comes with a set of customizable express keys. You can assign functions such as zoom, pan, or brush size to these keys. Click on the “Mapping” tab, and click on the “Express Keys” tab and select the desired function from the drop-down menu for each key.

Save your settings. Once you have customized the settings to your preferences, click on the “Save” button to save the changes.

Adobe Firefly Beta

Victoria Pavlov

30 Mar, 2023

AI Imaging: Revolutionizing the World of Digital Imaging.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making waves across various industries, and the world of digital imaging is no exception. AI imaging can revolutionize capturing, editing, and creating visual content. From intelligent editing tools to automatic image enhancement, AI transforms the creative process for photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists.
Beyond editing and enhancing existing images, AI is also breaking new ground in generative images.
Adobe entered the space of generative AI by introducing Adobe Firefly (Beta). Adobe Firefly is a powerful tool to bring your imagination to another level. With Adobe Firefly, you can bring your imagination to life through generated hyper-realistic images or impressionism-inspired paintings by typing a text/prompt. Adobe Firefly doesn’t stop there. Adobe Firefly can generate a text-based image based on your text/prompt. This is only the beginning. I am so excited to see what Adobe Firefly brings to us next.

I will answer the question I was asked so many times: “Will AI replace art made by humans?” My answer is: No, AI will never replace human art. AI brings an extra tool to our tool belt.

You can join the beta too.
I want to share a few images I generated with Adobe Firefly and all prompts I used to generate them.

NOTE: Adobe Firefly is for only NON-COMERCIAL use while in beta.