My Tech Blog

Your First Firefly Video: Simple Prompts, Stunning Results

Victoria Pavlov

5 Jun, 2025

Hello everyone, and thank you for stopping by!

After sharing a few of the videos I created using Adobe Firefly Video, I received a lot of requests to share the prompts I used. So today is the day! This post is all about the prompts I used in Adobe Firefly Video.

Let’s dive in.

Today’s post is especially for my beginner readers. If you’ve just started your generative video journey in Adobe Firefly—or if you’ve never tried it before—you’re in the right place! I’ll walk you through the easiest and fastest way to bring your imagination to life.

Getting Started with Adobe Firefly Video

  1. Go to the Adobe Firefly homepage and click on Text to Video.You’ll be redirected to the Generative Video workspace.
  2. Before we jump into the prompts, I’d like to bring your attention to the Video Gallery.At the top of the page, click on “Gallery”. This will take you to the Community Gallery, where amazing users have shared their generative video creations.

Take your time exploring the gallery—it’s a great place to find inspiration and see what others are creating.

To preview a video, simply hover your mouse over the thumbnail.

If you want to try generating a similar video, click on it. You’ll be redirected back to the generative video workspace, and here’s the best part:

The prompt will already be filled in for you! Just click Generate and watch the magic happen.

Now, Let’s Talk About the Prompt You’ve Been Asking Me About!

Inside the Text to Video workspace (which I like to call the Generative Video Workspace), head to the Prompt area and type:

“A sunrise over the ocean, beautiful morning”

In the General Settings area, leave all settings at their default values.

Next, let’s fine-tune the camera and motion settings:

In the Camera area:

  • Shot Size: Extreme Long Shot
  • Camera Angle: Eye Level Shot

In the Motion area:

  • Motion: Zoom Out

Now, click on Generate. Adobe Firefly will analyze your prompt and all the specifications you set, and then create a beautiful 5-second video based on that input.

Once your video is ready, you can:

  • Download it by clicking the Download button.
  • Or, share it with the community by clicking “Submit to gallery.”

Let’s Try Another Prompt You Asked About

This next one is super simple—and you only need to change one setting.

Step-by-step:

  1. In the General Settings area, change the Aspect Ratio to Vertical.
  2. Type this prompt into the Prompt area:“A portrait of a puppy as a superhero, dark night, neon lights.”
  3. Click Generate and wait for the magic to happen—you’ll get an adorable superhero puppy!

Tip:

If you want to see the puppy’s full body, go to the Camera area and change:

  • Shot Size: Long Shot

Then click Generate again.

Bonus Tip:

To add a sense of superhero action, change the Motion setting to Zoom Out, then hit Generate.

Final Thoughts:

As you can see, it’s super easy to bring your imagination to life using Adobe Firefly’s Text to Video feature.

Here’s something important to remember:

  • Simple prompts are totally fine! You don’t need to write a “prompt poem.”
  • If you just want to give Firefly creative freedom, keep it short and sweet.
  • If you want specific elements—like scenery, colors, style, or action—then include more detailed prompts to guide Firefly toward your exact vision.

Dear beginner, I hope today’s post gave you more confidence to create with Firefly Video.

Always remember: It’s your creation. It’s your vision. That’s what truly matters.

And as always, if you have any questions—just ask! 💬✨

Why I’m Obsessed with These New Platypod Mounts

Victoria Pavlov

4 Jun, 2025

Hello Everyone!

First of all, thank you so much for stopping by — I truly appreciate it!
Many of you reached out to check on me because I haven’t been very active on my blog or social media lately. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for your care and support. It means the world to me.
The truth is, I had to take a step back to support a family member who needed my full attention and care. Life sometimes calls us away from our usual routines, and this was one of those moments. Thankfully, things are getting better now, and I’m so happy to be back in my studio — creating, teaching, and sharing exciting news, tools, projects, and tutorials with all of you again!

Speaking of exciting news… I’ve got something to share with you right now!

I’ve been testing some new gadgets over the past few months, and I’m thrilled to finally tell you about them — because they’re not just useful, they’re for everyone.

I’m talking about two brand-new releases from Platypod:

PLATYPOD® MAG – a magnetic phone mount

PLATYPOD® TAB – a secure mount for your tablet

PLATYPOD® MAGGRIP – MagGrip includes the Platypod Mag, two adhesive metal rings for non-MagSafe devices and the same vertical stem with 360° swivel head tiltable to 90° and solid metal controller as our ever popular Platypod Grip.

I’ve been using both daily, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier with them.

Why I Love the PLATYPOD® MAG

Let’s face it — our phones are with us all the time. They’re our communication hubs, our cameras, and even our mobile art studios. I’ve tried so many phone holders over the years, and most of them were either flimsy, bulky, or just frustrating to use.

That’s why I was so excited to try the PLATYPOD® MAG, and it did not disappoint. It’s secure, lightweight, fast, and incredibly easy to use. Just pop your MagSafe-compatible iPhone — or any phone with the included metal adhesive ring — onto the mount. It attaches to any standard 1/4”–20 bolt, and the magnetic grip is strong and reliable.

Even better, you can rotate and tilt your phone effortlessly while it’s mounted. As a photographer and artist who uses mobile devices constantly, this feature is a game changer.

  • Magnetic 1/4″-20 tripod phone mount
  • Directly compatible with iPhone MagSafe
  • Can also mount any non-MagSafe smart phone or the back of an Apple MagSafe charger using adhesive 55mm metal ring (2 included)
  • Ball joint for easy tilt positioning
  • Supports up to 2.2 pounds (1Kg)

Let’s Talk About the PLATYPOD® TAB

If you know me, you know how much I love my iPad Pro — I use it for everything: sketching, editing, watching shows outdoors, and even recording behind-the-scenes footage (if you haven’t tried that yet, trust me — it’s a must!).

The PLATYPOD® TAB holds my iPad Pro with ease. It’s stable, strong, and incredibly simple to mount. I’ve been using it every day for months, and it’s become a staple in my workflow — whether I’m creating, filming, or relaxing.

  • Tripod mount compatible with all iPads and similar tablets
  • Screen minimum 4.7 inches, screen maximum 11.2 inches
  • Combination lever controlled slide and screw controlled vise
  • Holds up to 3.3 pounds (1.5 Kg)
  • Three 1/4″-20 threaded mounting points

Final Thoughts

These tools have made my creative life easier, more flexible, and way more fun. If you’re looking for reliable mounts for your phone or tablet — whether you’re an artist, content creator, or just someone who wants smarter tools — I highly recommend giving these a try.

Thank you again for being here, and for your continued support. It’s good to be back — and I can’t wait to share more with you very soon!

With gratitude,
Victoria

Adobe Fresco: Where Digital Art Feels Alive

Victoria Pavlov

21 May, 2025

In the fast-evolving world of digital design, few tools have generated as much excitement as Adobe Fresco. More than just another drawing app, Fresco brings something rare to the table: it makes digital art feel alive. Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or a curious beginner, Fresco offers a mix of power, realism, and freedom that can completely change how you create.

Real Paint, Real Time: The Power of Live Brushes

The feature that truly makes Fresco stand out is its Live Brushes. These aren’t just fancy digital tools — they’re engineered to replicate the behavior of real watercolor and oil paint. When you use a Live Brush, the paint doesn’t just appear on the canvas. It moves. It spreads. It reacts to other colors, just like physical paint would.

  • Watercolor brushes actually bleed into the paper.
  • Oil brushes smear and build texture as if you’re working on a real canvas.
  • You can layer, blend, and glaze, creating effects that were nearly impossible in other digital apps.

This level of realism brings a new sense of joy and experimentation to digital painting. For traditional artists making the leap to digital, Fresco offers a familiar and forgiving experience.

A Hybrid Artist’s Dream: Pixel, Vector, and Live All in One

One of Fresco’s greatest strengths is how it blends different types of brushes in a single document. You’re not stuck choosing between pixel and vector anymore — you can use both.

  • Sketch in vector for clean, scalable lines.
  • Paint in raster for texture and depth.
  • Add dynamic color with Live Brushes for movement and realism.

This hybrid workflow means illustrators, comic artists, and designers can do all their creative thinking in one place — no more switching between apps.

Seamless Workflow with Creative Cloud

Adobe Fresco is built to integrate. You can start a sketch in Fresco on your iPad and pick it up later in Photoshop on your desktop — or vice versa. The cloud-based syncing is smooth and reliable, giving you true flexibility in how and where you work.

Pair this with Fresco’s ability to export directly to PSD, PDF, or high-res images, and you have a tool that not only creates beautiful work — it fits perfectly into your professional pipeline.

The WOW Factor: A Tool That Thinks Like an Artist

Fresco doesn’t just look good — it feels right. The pressure sensitivity, the canvas response, the brush physics — all of it is designed with artists in mind. Even little details, like the way watercolor pigment pools or how oil paint mixes on the screen, are rooted in real-world physics and materials science.

Want to create a soft sky that melts into the horizon? Done. Want to mimic thick impasto strokes of oil on linen? You got it.

This isn’t about simulating art. It’s about redefining digital painting as a fully expressive medium.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Adobe Fresco

Whether you’re a hobbyist sketching on your iPad or a professional illustrator pushing boundaries, Adobe Fresco offers a space where art meets innovation. It’s intuitive, powerful, and inspiring. And most of all — it gives you permission to play.

So if you haven’t tried it yet, go ahead: download Adobe Fresco (it’s FREE) and see what happens when your creativity meets one of the most advanced digital canvases in the world.

You might just forget it’s not real paint.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link to my book on Amazon and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Just Starting Out? Here’s How to Build a Creative Career That Feels Like You

Victoria Pavlov

4 May, 2025

So, you’ve just graduated. Or maybe you’re on your way into design or photography school, feeling both excited and unsure about what’s next.

You love creating. You’re constantly seeing stories in light, color, lines, and moments. You know this is what you’re meant to do — but now the big question looms: How do I actually build a career out of this?

First, take a breath. You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Your degree or school experience isn’t the destination — it’s just the starting line. School is where you learn the tools and practice your craft. But your real growth begins when you start working with real people, real projects, real emotion.

Start small. Photograph a local event. Design a flyer for a small business in your neighborhood. Offer to create portraits or social media content for a friend or a community group. Every experience builds your confidence, your skills, and your reputation. Real work is real progress, no matter the size.

And don’t underestimate the power of your local community. You don’t have to be in a big city to be seen. Some of the most powerful creative work is happening right in your neighborhood — you just have to look for it. Introduce yourself to local artists, makers, small business owners. Go to gallery nights, open mics, and pop-ups. Follow and connect with other creatives online who are building something where they live. People want to support other people who show up with heart and originality.

One of the biggest things I want to tell you is this: You don’t need to copy anyone else. You don’t need to look like other designers, photographers, or artists. You are not here to imitate — you are here to express. The most powerful work you will ever create will come from your lived experience, your emotions, your story. Let your heartbreak, your joy, your perspective shape your art. That’s what makes it real. That’s what makes it memorable.

It’s okay to build slowly. Social media will try to convince you that everyone else is ahead — but success doesn’t have a deadline. What you need is momentum, not perfection. Keep showing up. Keep creating. Keep evolving.

And yes, it’s scary to be seen. But building a creative career means letting people experience your work. That means posting your art, sharing your ideas, and standing behind what you create — even when it’s not “finished” or “perfect.” Your voice matters. Your work matters. You’re not too young to be a professional. You’re not too late, too early, or too anything. If you’re doing the work, you’re already in it. You’re already becoming.

Every creative you admire once stood where you are — unsure, curious, and maybe a little scared. But they moved forward anyway. Now it’s your turn. Be bold, be real, and most importantly, be yourself.

I’m rooting for you.

Photographers, Are We Still Storytellers in a World Full of Algorithms?

Victoria Pavlov

16 Apr, 2025

There was a time when a photograph was a moment — one click, one second, one chance to freeze a sliver of truth.

Back then, a photographer was a witness. A documenter. Someone who waited for the light to fall just right or for a face to turn slightly, revealing something unspoken.

But the landscape has changed.

Now, we shoot in RAW. We retouch. We composite. We train AI to generate dreamlike versions of what we once saw through the lens. In this new era, the photographer isn’t just a documenter anymore — we’re editors, curators, digital architects. We build stories in layers. We remove distractions. We adjust the mood. We sometimes even create what never existed in the first place.

And yet… the heart remains.

Because good photography — whether captured on a DSLR, manipulated in Photoshop — still begins with a question:

“What do I want people to feel when they see this?”

That, to me, is storytelling.

Technology has added complexity, yes. But it’s also unlocked new dimensions. Now, we can shape light after the fact. We can reimagine scenes. We can express emotions that were too subtle to capture in a single frame.

We’re not losing storytelling — we’re expanding it.

But here’s the thing no algorithm can replicate: intention. A camera, a program, an AI model — none of them know why you chose that angle. Why you softened the edges. Why you left that shadow in.

Only the photographer knows.

So no matter how advanced the tech becomes, I believe our role is more important than ever. We’re the ones steering the narrative — choosing what to say, and what to leave out. We’re not just clicking shutters anymore.
We’re creating meaning.

 Let’s talk:

Do you think photography has lost its soul — or evolved into something more?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Adjusting My Workflow: Using the Kuxiu Magnetic Stand with iPad Pro

Victoria Pavlov

15 Apr, 2025

Kuxiu Magnetic Charging Stand for iPad: A Must-Have for Creatives and Professionals

As someone who works with technology and creativity every day, I’m always on the lookout for tools that streamline my workflow, elevate my workspace, and simply make life easier. That’s why I was excited to try out the Kuxiu Magnetic Charging Stand for iPad — and I can confidently say it has quickly become one of my favorite desk essentials.

First Impressions: Sleek, Solid, and Seriously Smart

The first thing I noticed was the design — clean lines, a solid base, and a strong magnetic mount that clicks into place with satisfying precision. It’s clearly made with quality in mind, and it doesn’t just look good — it feels incredibly secure. Whether I’m using my iPad in portrait or landscape mode, it holds steady.

Wireless Charging That Just Works

One of the standout features is the built-in charging. Once mounted, the stand begins charging your iPad instantly — no cables to fuss with, no extra setup. For someone like me who constantly switches between devices, this small convenience saves a surprising amount of time and keeps my workspace tidy.

Perfect for Artists, Designers, and Everyday Users

I use my iPad for everything — from editing photos to creating digital paintings in Adobe Fresco and reviewing client work. I absolutely love my Apple Magic Keyboard and honestly can’t imagine working without it. But when it comes to digital painting, I need a very specific angle for my iPad Pro — one that allows me to position my hand comfortably while I paint.
Unfortunately, the Magic Keyboard doesn’t give me that flexibility. I was constantly detaching my iPad Pro and either holding it in my lap or resting it flat on my desk. To be honest, it wasn’t the most comfortable or efficient setup.
That’s where the Kuxiu Magnetic Charging Stand completely changed things for me.
With Kuxiu, I can adjust the height, angle, and even rotate the stand — giving me full control over how I position my iPad Pro. It allows me to set it exactly the way I need it, whether I’m sketching, painting, or editing. The adjustable angle makes it super comfortable for long work sessions, and the stable base means no wobble while drawing.

This product checks all the boxes.

Now let’s talk about what I’d like to see improved in this stand.

The magnetic mount is great—it makes it super easy to remove the iPad when I need to move around, and just as easy to snap it back into place. But rotating the iPad Pro while it’s mounted is a challenge. I have to hold the iPad directly to rotate it, which often messes up my artwork because I end up touching the screen. Sometimes I even have to close the app just to reposition the iPad.
I’d love to see some kind of handles or grips around the mount that would let me rotate the iPad without touching the screen. Right now, when I rotate it, the entire mount tends to shift, which means I have to hold down the base with one hand while turning the iPad with the other. It’s not ideal.
Another issue is stability—when I raise the iPad to its highest position, the stand can tip backward. It definitely needs a stronger, more stable base to support the weight and keep everything secure.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The Kuxiu Magnetic Charging Stand has improved how I use my iPad every single day. It’s more than just a stand — it’s a productivity and creativity booster.

This article may contain affiliate links. I only share products I use and love. Thank you for supporting my work and helping keep this blog running!

You can check it out here: Kuxiu Magnetic Charging Stand

(This is an affiliate link — I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase, at no extra cost to you.)

Is AI Making Us More Human? A Reflective Look at Tech, Emotion, and Connection

Victoria Pavlov

4 Apr, 2025

We live in a time when machines can finish our sentences, recommend what to watch next, and even book our appointments with a simple voice command. Artificial Intelligence is all around us—and it’s evolving fast. From both a professional and personal perspective, I find it incredibly helpful and genuinely exciting. I love technology, and I work with it every day. But amid all this high-tech convenience, I’ve found myself asking a question that feels deeply personal:

Is AI making us more human?

At first, that question might sound strange. AI is a tool, a collection of algorithms and data, not something with heart or emotion. But perhaps that’s exactly why we’re noticing something stirring in us. The rise of AI is challenging us to look inward. To reflect on what can’t be coded, predicted, or generated.

The Human Things We’re Holding Onto

As machines get smarter, we’re becoming more aware of the things they can’t do. They don’t feel. They don’t grieve, love, laugh spontaneously, or get goosebumps from a sunset or a song. They’re not gazing at a sunrise, listening to music, or caught in a wave of emotion. They don’t feel the sudden urge to grab a paintbrush and express what’s inside. They don’t feel the need to bring their emotions to life through art—whether it’s poetry, painting, digital or traditional. They don’t feel the urgency to call someone and share good news or pour their heart out.
And in that contrast, we’re reminded of what it truly means to be human.

We’re clinging tighter to conversations that matter. To stories, to shared moments, to stillness. We’re realizing that our ability to connect, to care, and to create meaning—those are not just soft skills. They’re our superpowers.

Slowing Down to Connect

Oddly enough, the speed of technology is inspiring many people to slow down. To unplug more often. To ask deeper questions. We’re craving time with loved ones, looking for purpose in what we do, and seeking joy beyond the scroll.

Maybe it’s because we know AI can give us information—but it can’t give us wisdom.

It can organize our calendars—but it can’t help us decide how we want to spend our lives.

The Choice We Still Have

The truth is, AI isn’t good or bad on its own. It’s a tool. The real question is: How do we want to live in this new world?

If we choose empathy over efficiency, presence over productivity, connection over convenience—we may just find ourselves becoming more human, not less.

And that, I believe, is something worth holding onto.

Custom Coloring Pages Made Easy in Adobe Express

Victoria Pavlov

31 Mar, 2025

Today, I want to show you how to create your own custom coloring page—one you can use digitally or print out and color with pencils.

In these exciting times, as technology advances every day, it’s no surprise to see kids watching cartoons on tablets or phones. From both my personal and professional experience, I’ve seen that children are just as interested in traditional art as they are in digital.

So I thought—why not take that excitement to the next level by helping kids design their very own custom coloring book, bringing their imagination to life? The best part? It’s super easy and a lot of fun!

Coloring books and pages aren’t just for kids—they’re a creative outlet for all ages. For children, coloring builds fine motor skills, focus, and confidence. For adults, it offers a calming, almost meditative break from the stress of daily life. Whether it’s a way to connect with your inner child or just unplug for a little while, coloring is a joyful, judgment-free way to express yourself.

Let’s dive in!

Open Adobe Express webpage

Click on “+” icon

To get started, open your design workspace. In the “Get Started” pop-up, type “Drawing” in the search field. 

Click on “drawing”

Adobe Express created a new empty canvas. Click on “Templates.”

Express will redirect you to the “Templates” workspace. Click on “Generate coloring page” and type “Happy Puppy.”

Double-check the spelling (just in case), and click on “Generate.” Express will generate four variations of the puppy based on your text or prompt. Click on the one you like the most, and Express will add it to the canvas.

At this step, if you want to use your coloring page as a traditional one—using coloring pencils—click on “Download.”

You have two choices:

1. Download as a Transparent PNG – This version has no background, which is ideal if you’re not sure about your paper size. You can easily adjust the size of the puppy before printing, since there’s no background to worry about.

2. Download as a PNG file – This version includes a default white background, which is perfect if you’re ready to print it as is.

For digital coloring, follow the steps below:

Time to color this cute puppy! Click on the Brush tool. In the Drawing workspace, specify your brush settings. Express offers an extensive library of brushes, but for now, we’ll choose the “Hard Round” brush from the “Basics” library.

You can use any default color, or click on the settings icon to choose any other color you prefer.

Specify the brush size and paint away! Don’t forget that you can change the brush size, color, and type of brush at any time.

Now that you’ve finished coloring the puppy, click on “Background” and choose a color for the background.

Now click on the “Decorative” brush library, and then click on the “Ground Fern” brush. Use any color you like! Also, don’t forget to increase the size of the brush for a more natural ground effect.

Using this brush, add a few accents next to the puppy.

And voilà! You just colored your first coloring page—created from scratch and colored right here in Adobe Express.

Now it’s time to download your project. To do so, click on the “Download” icon and download the coloring page as a PNG file.

Whether you’re creating for yourself, a child, or someone who just loves to color, making your own custom coloring page is a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few simple tools and a bit of creativity, you’ve created something unique—from scratch—that brings joy, calm, and a little bit of magic to the day.

So whether you print it out or color it digitally, take a moment to enjoy the process. Art doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to come from the heart.

Happy coloring, and keep creating! 💛

Making a complex selection in Photoshop with just one click.

Victoria Pavlov

17 Mar, 2025

Proof That Magic in Technology Exists! Yes, now we can remove backgrounds or select complex objects with just one click—and the results are super impressive!

Most workflows require removing backgrounds or selecting objects, and not every background or object is simple. I know from my own experience that sometimes I spend so much time trying to remove a busy background or select a very complex object. Sometimes, it feels overwhelming.

So when I saw that the Photoshop team released an updated selection tool in Photoshop Beta, I jumped in right away to try it. By the end of my testing, I was extremely happy and excited!

Let me show you what I’m talking about.

If you haven’t downloaded Photoshop Beta yet, you can get it through your Creative Cloud app. Simply open the app, search for Photoshop Beta, and click download! 

Start by opening the image you want to edit.

If you haven’t opened the Contextual Task Bar yet, go to Window > Contextual Task Bar.

In the Contextual Task Bar, click on “Remove Background” and watch the magic happen! 


And this is the result—just in one click!

This is the magic I was talking about!

I recorded a video with a few more examples—you can watch it below. I hope you’re as impressed as I am!
If so, give it a try—remove a complex background or select a complex object using Photoshop Beta and share your results with me! I’d love to see what you create. 

I am on :
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Photoshop on iPhone

Victoria Pavlov

25 Feb, 2025

Hello, everyone! Welcome to my studio. Today is a very exciting day—Photoshop has introduced a new family member: Photoshop on iPhone! Yes, Photoshop on iPhone!! 🎉
It’s a game changer. Now, imagination and creativity have no limitations! We can work on our projects in Photoshop literally from anywhere. Isn’t this a dream come true?

If you know me, you know that Photoshop is like the air I breathe. I work with it all day, every day. And now, I can use it from anywhere—even while playing with our pups outside, just using my phone!

I am truly impressed with this release! Let me explain why.

Photoshop on iPhone has all the essential tools to work on any project—whether it’s creating fun graphics for my social media posts or delivering professional work for my clients. Everything I need is right at my fingertips.

I can seamlessly use my own images, access photos from Lightroom and Adobe Stock, and even leverage Generative Fill. From masking to painting, photo compositing to retouching—it’s all available right within the app, right on my iPhone!
As you can see I am super excited and I can’t wait to share with all the tips and tricks you can use in Photoshop on iPhone.

Here are a few images I created in Photoshop on iPhone

I recorded a short video for you about the new Photoshop on iPhone.

Head over to the iPhone App Store and download Photoshop on iPhone! Have fun, and let’s get creative together.
If you have any questions about Photoshop on iPhone or want me to record a specific tutorial, just let me know! I’d be more than happy to help and answer any questions.

If you enjoy my content, please subscribe to my blog, YouTube channel, or Patreon —it would mean a lot and really help me out!