This blog post is a bit different from my usual ones. As this year comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the many conversations I’ve had with so many of you. With that in mind, I’ve decided to make a few changes to how I approach social media.
While I truly enjoy social media, I value meaningful interactions over fleeting engagements. My goal is to connect with people who genuinely want to engage in conversations—not just because my posts happen to pop up in their feeds during a quick scroll.
I want to build a community rooted in our shared passions for art, photography, design, and the exciting possibilities of AI. After thinking long and hard about where to focus, I’ve chosen Instagram as the platform to bring us together.
If you’re not already following me on Instagram, now’s the perfect time! Follow me, send me a message there, and as a thank-you, I’ll share a free download of holiday-themed Adobe Fresco sketches and some of my custom adjustments for Photoshop. But that’s not all—each month, I’ll be offering exclusive free downloads for my Instagram followers. Together, we can create a unique and inspiring art community where creativity thrives.
Let’s connect, collaborate, and build something extraordinary on Instagram!
P.S. If you missed my announcement, I’ve moved all my technology-related conversations, including tutorials, to my dedicated tech blog. Be sure to check it out for in-depth content and updates!
I’ve received so many questions from you about my experience at Adobe MAX this year, why I’m so passionate about Adobe, and how I developed my public speaking skills. In this post, I’ll do my best to answer them all!
My Experience at Adobe MAX
Speaking at Adobe MAX was my dream. The combination of Adobe MAX, Photoshop, and the Sci-Fi lab I taught made that dream come true. I cannot thank enough the two special people who supported me from our first meeting until I saw you in front of my last lab room. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
My time at Adobe MAX was nothing short of incredible. From teaching three hands-on labs, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones, every moment was filled with gratitude and excitement. Adobe MAX is the world’s largest creativity conference, and it was an honor to be part of such an inspiring event.
From the opening keynote on Day 1 to the inspirational keynote on Day 2, and all the creativity-boosting moments in between—like MAX Sneaks and the mind-blowing sessions—I left feeling more energized and driven than ever. MAX pushes creativity to new heights, and I walked away feeling deeply connected to this global community of creatives. It’s a powerful reminder that we are all part of something bigger, more inspiring, and filled with endless possibilities.
Why I Love Adobe So Much
At one point in my life, I was living in a country torn apart by war. My family consisted of just three women: my mother, my six-month-old daughter, and me. We faced unimaginable challenges—no food, no water, no heat during freezing winters, and no air conditioning in the scorching summer. Our biggest meal was often a single slice of bread that I would divide between my mother and my daughter.
To even get that slice of bread, I would stand in line for hours in the freezing cold. We had no water for days, so I would risk climbing to the roof of our nine-story building to gather snow, just to have something to drink. Occasionally, kind neighbors would offer us a few drops of water, which I would collect in pots to bring home. To survive the winter, we covered our windows with blankets to block out the cold wind. Although it kept us warmer, it left our apartment in darkness. On lucky evenings, if we found kerosene, we’d have light for an hour. I remember what it was like to be so hungry that I would stare at food pictures in a book, dreaming of something to eat. We burned books, shoes, and furniture just to stay warm. We lived like this for years.
Despite these terrible conditions, all I dreamed about was having a scrap of newspaper and a pencil to draw. Painting was my passion, and my soul ached for it. I didn’t have a computer, and even if I did, there was no electricity to power one. My mother sold my grandmother’s diamond ring to buy baby formula for my daughter and food. Instead of using what little was left for more food, I bought a Photoshop classroom book. Holding that book, reading it, and memorizing it from cover to cover made me feel connected to something bigger. It gave me strength.
Photoshop became a beacon of hope in a dark time. That one book helped me survive and reminded me of the creativity that still lived inside me. Adobe, and specifically Photoshop, became a lifeline for my family. I truly believe that Adobe and Photoshop are part of the reason my mother, my daughter, and I survived. I can never express enough gratitude to Adobe and Photoshop for giving me that hope.
How I Developed My Public Speaking Skills
I learned the art of public speaking from my mother. She was an incredible teacher, and from a young age, she taught me the importance of expressing myself clearly and confidently. When I present, whether on stage, in a classroom, or at a community gathering, I feel at home. Sharing my passion and knowledge with an audience brings me immense joy and makes me feel alive. There’s nothing more rewarding than connecting with others through creativity and education.
I hope this post has answered some of your questions. If you have more, don’t hesitate to ask!
If you’d like to check out my tech blog, click here.
Today marks another year since I lost my daughter to domestic violence. Another year has passed, and it has not gotten any easier. My daughter died at her own father’s hands. Her name was Mariam. All these years, I’ve blamed myself for not being able to save my baby (I know it was impossible in that situation), and I’ve been asking her for forgiveness.
But this year, I did something I haven’t been able to do for so many years. I didn’t see my baby grow up, so I painted a portrait of her as I imagined she would look now. It wasn’t easy—many emotions were involved—but I did it.
This year, I also decided to turn my pain into something positive. In the next few weeks, I will create a Facebook page for domestic violence survivors where we can all heal and see the beauty of the world through art. I will share the group with you when it will go live.
So, I am asking all of you, if you are a domestic violence survivor, to join my group. If you know someone who is, please share it with them.
Remember: Violence is NEVER OK. It’s never OK if someone apologizes after abuse saying, “I’m sorry,” “I’m sorry I was mad,” “I’m sorry, it will never happen again,” “I’m sorry, you know I love you,” or “I’m sorry, but it was your fault, you made me do this.” REMEMBER: It’s not your fault. You DON’T deserve it. You DID NOT make anyone abuse you.
This is the shortest post I just want to share with you my latest painting. This is the first piece from my “Dreamer” painting collection.Here’s why I decided to work on this painting collection.
Dreaming is a vital part of the human experience, fueling creativity, growth, emotional health, societal progress, and personal resilience. It reminds us that, regardless of age, there is always potential for change, improvement, and the realization of our aspirations.
Thank you for your time
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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!
Painting and Photography for Mental HealthIn our fast-paced and often chaotic world, finding moments of tranquility and self-expression has become essential for maintaining our mental well-being. While traditional therapy and mindfulness practices have proven beneficial, there are alternative avenues that can provide solace and healing. Two creative outlets, painting, and photography, have emerged as powerful tools to support mental health, allowing individuals to explore their emotions, enhance self-awareness, and find inner peace.
Painting, a timeless art form, offers a unique opportunity to channel emotions onto canvas. It enables individuals to externalize their inner struggles, hopes, and dreams through colors, shapes, and strokes. Engaging in painting allows one to embrace the present moment, engaging in a meditative process that promotes mindfulness and stress relief. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a novice with a paintbrush, the act of painting itself can be immensely therapeutic, providing a sense of control and a means to express the inexpressible.
Similarly, photography has become increasingly accessible to people through the ubiquity of smartphones and digital cameras. It empowers individuals to capture fleeting moments, freeze emotions, and document their personal journeys. Photography offers a unique perspective on the world, encouraging individuals to slow down, observe their surroundings, and find beauty in the simplest of things. This act of mindfulness, coupled with the ability to express oneself visually, can be immensely empowering and calming, fostering a greater connection with oneself and the world.
Both painting and photography share a common thread: they provide a safe space for self-expression. By engaging in these creative processes, individuals can explore and express their deepest thoughts and emotions without needing words. They allow a non-judgmental exploration of one’s inner landscape, offering a sense of liberation and release. This, in turn, can lead to increased self-awareness, improved emotional well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose. Moreover, painting and photography can serve as a bridge to connect with others. Artistic endeavors often create opportunities for individuals to share their work, seek feedback, and engage in meaningful conversations. By connecting with fellow artists or enthusiasts, individuals can develop a sense of community and support, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. This connection can be particularly valuable for those who may struggle to articulate their emotions verbally but thrive in creativity. Incorporating painting and photography into our lives is not about creating masterpieces; it is about embracing the process, the journey, and the healing power of self-expression. Whether you paint with vibrant strokes or capture the world through a camera lens, these creative outlets can become potent tools in our mental health toolkit. They offer us the opportunity to be present, discover our inner selves, and connect profoundly with others. So, pick up a brush or grab your camera, and let the therapeutic magic of painting and photography unfold. Your mental well-being will thank you for it.
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. Read More
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us, and it’s a time for joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or another winter holiday, this is a special time to enjoy the magic of the season.
For many, the holidays are a time for gift-giving and spreading cheer. It’s a chance to show our loved ones how much we care about them and to make them feel special. It’s also a time to indulge in delicious holiday treats and to create special memories with our friends and family.
One of the best things about the holiday season is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the present moment. In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But during the holidays, we can take a step back and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Whether it’s sipping on a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or spending quality time with loved ones, the holidays are a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.
This holiday season, let’s make a conscious effort to spread joy and cheer. Let’s be kind to one another and remember the true spirit of the season. Let’s make this holiday one to remember, filled with love, laughter, and joy. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!
For many years, I thought about sharing this story with you, my readers. But I wasn’t brave enough to do it, and I thought that some people could find it funny or worthless to share. Last year’s events taught me something that only life could teach: if you have something to share that could change the life of even one person for the better, do it. So, this is my story of the Winter Holidays: We had a very close family, and we celebrated the holidays like every family. Everything stopped at age 16, and I never had a Christmas tree after or celebrated any holiday. We lost everything, but we survived. Life was an experiment in survival. The lack of money and food washed away the possibility of a joyful celebration of the winter holidays. My mom and I were able to give my daughter a used book from our home collection (we had only a few left). So we wrapped it in a newspaper at night, so she did not see it, and gifted it to her on Christmas morning. My daughter’s gift to us was a spoon from our kitchen wrapped in newspaper. Christmas celebration was about reading books about people from other countries. They were like reading a fairytale that never became a reality. Now, every year during winter Holidays, I feel like I am in a fairytale story. It’s not about buying expensive decorations or gifts. It’s the fact that “I can celebrate and feel joyful.” Winter holidays are about celebrations, families, hope, and happiness. Today, I went to the store and saw all the winter decorations. Once again, I felt like “I can feel the joy.” This feeling never gets old. Why am I sharing this story today? Please don’t forget about those in need during this joyful season of celebrations, someone who needs our help or a reminder that they are not alone. Below, I have attached a few links you can use to spread hope and a smile. If you don’t want to use those links, please donate $1 at your local grocery store or online. Thank you.
Today I want to talk about a topic that is very close to me, and this topic is about who I am and what made me who I am today. I shared with you part of my life in my book, but today is more about my life after the war. My entire family (from both sides) are refugees. No one from my family was born and stayed lived at their birthplace all their lives. My entire family for three generations were fighting for their families, fighting to stay alive, and to build happy and peaceful lives for their children (including yours truly). I was a refugee/immigrant twice in my life. Twice I had to start from scratch. Twice I learned a new language. When you are learning a language from the comfort of your home – it’s nice, it’s the joy of learning something new. When you have to work to support your child and family from the first day in a new country without knowing a single word of the native language in that country – it’s stressful. Stressful because you don’t have time for a smooth transition. You don’t have time to learn because you have a child or family members you need to provide with warm clothes, food, electricity, an apartment, heat, and education. To be honest, I didn’t have the opportunity to take a single class to learn English. I learned English while working, cleaning toilets and cleaning streets. I felt, and I feel that I am the luckiest person in the world. I could work. I put a roof over my child’s head. It felt like magic (even now, after so many years). Mothers and any good human will do everything necessary to provide for their child and to survive. We all did this to the best of our abilities.
Survival has its price.
This is what I want to talk about today. I ran for my life from Baky, Azerbaijan. I did not know if I would survive. It was scary, extremely scary. I had my mother and grandmother to take care of. I was thinking only about them, how to protect them, how to keep them alive. When your survival instinct kicks in, you don’t feel panic, and you are not scared. You are just frozen, and you are surviving. At some point when Azerbaijani “people” surrounded the house and when my mom and I were hiding, I was thinking that I would show myself to them, knowing that they would torture and kill me slowly. I thought that it was ok because I would give my mom time to run. We survived, and I felt my entire life was passing as I had silence around me. I did not feel anything. I was trying to forget all that had happened. This was my mistake. When we ran from Baky, we left (as many Armenian people in Azerbaijan) everything we loved, families separated, and many lost their loved ones. My mom, grandmother, and I left practically everything, but for me leaving my easel and paint supplies was the end of my art life. I did not paint for many, many years, and for me, it was the end. In the last year and a half, we lost our auntie, my mother-in-law, and my mom. Because of COVID, I could not say goodbye to my mom and even attend her funeral. At that time, I understood that I needed help, I needed help to be able to sleep at night, I needed help to release this “survival mode.” I understood that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of bravery. It’s OK to pause for a few minutes and take care of yourself and your mental health. Why did I decide to talk about this today? It’s simple —war in Artsakh (my nation, Armenian people of Artsakh under unprecedented war from Azerbaijan). Armenian people are still trying to survive, keeping their territory and homes. Even this week, Armenian soldiers were brutally killed by the Azerbaijan army. Azerbaijani army occupying Armenian territories, disconnecting life support such as gas and electricity). Mothers and fathers of Artsakh don’t know if their children will be alive tomorrow. The same is going on in Ukraine. Watching all of this, how refugees are trying to survive, seeing crying children, mothers, fathers, grandparents brought all my memories back. I feel the pain and horror of those people. Today, I want to ask you to help people to survive, to help people to survive not only physically (and this is a priority), but mentally as well. Don’t let them go inside “their shells,” don’t let them feel “frozen” as I felt.
Any war has only one face: the face of horror, devastation, losses, refugees running for their lives, cold, hunger, homelessness, and feeling alone.
Talk to them, hug them, tell them that they are not alone. As an artist, I know the power of art. People who are trying to survive today have nothing left. They are trying to survive. So many children (an entire generation of children) lost access to simple things such as water, food, and their home. During the horror of the war, a simple piece of paper and pencil, coloring books, and toys would make their hearts happy (even for a few minutes). They would see the light, and they would see the bright colors of childhood. It’s important. It’s important to protect the mental health of refugees right away, today, not tomorrow. So I am asking you to donate art supplies. If you are an artist, donate your artwork.
I’m very excited to announce my NEW online art store. As an artist, I create original art both digitally and traditionally every day. Many of you have asked how you can buy my original art or if I sold my art on clothing and other products? Now I do and I need your support. Please consider placing an order today for yourself or for a loved one. Thank you!
I am excited to announce the Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator Conference. On March 2nd, 2022. During this full-day conference, you will learn about getting started and easily navigating in the digital imaging world.
All classes will be accessible for up to one year to all attendees.
The full-day conference pass price is $79.99
All classes are available as stand-alone classes for $29.99 each
Let’s talk about creating unique art even if you’re not a painter. You asked me, and I heard you.So let’s get started
