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A Year of Challenges, Gratitude, and Hope: Reflecting on 2024


As 2024 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the year—what a mixture of challenges, joys, and unforgettable moments it’s been.

Our sweet pup Lisa had quite the journey this year. In February, she needed knee replacement surgery, but her liver issues made it impossible. Her liver numbers were dangerously high, and both her doctors and we agreed to postpone the surgery. Instead, we focused on managing her pain with strong medication while working to improve her liver health. Finally, in May, she was able to have the surgery, and thanks to her incredible doctor, everything went smoothly. Recovery wasn’t quick—it took weeks of care—but by the beginning of July, Lisa was walking again.

Just when we thought the hard part was over, Lisa was hit with a severe case of pneumonia. Those were some of the scariest days. We truly thought we might lose her. But Lisa is a fighter. After time in the ER and hospital, she started to recover, slowly but surely. Then, in October, she had another procedure to remove multiple cysts. Today, I’m so happy to say she’s doing well. She’s still on her medications, including liver support meds, but that’s okay—she’s happy. And her little brother Pixel couldn’t be more thrilled to have his playful big sister back.

This year also brought me incredible professional opportunities that filled my heart. I was honored to speak and teach at multiple conferences, both online and in person, including two of my absolute favorites: KelbyOne Photoshop Conference and Adobe MAX. Words can’t express how grateful I am for these experiences. Sharing my passion for art and creativity with so many talented people has truly been a dream come true. I love connecting with others, exchanging ideas, and learning from every person I meet. It’s who I am, and I hope that 2025 brings even more opportunities to share, teach, and inspire.

Beyond work, I’m incredibly thankful for the new friends I’ve made this year. Each and every one of you has made me feel like I’m exactly where I belong.

So, as I say goodbye to 2024, I look forward to 2025 with excitement. I can’t wait for new opportunities, more connections with friends—old and new—and, of course, more time creating art, whether it’s photography, digital, or traditional painting. I’m also looking forward to long, peaceful walks with our pups, Lisa and Pixel.

2024 gave me so many memories, and I can’t wait to create even more in the year ahead.

Cheers to 2025!

My news of the week

From Dream to Reality: Capturing My Love for New York City

I want to share the story behind these two images with you because they hold a very special place in my heart.

The first time I “saw” the USA was in a movie set in New York City. In that movie, I caught my first glimpse of the Brooklyn Bridge. I remember feeling this incredible sense of awe and wonder. It was a mix of excitement and disbelief—is this real? Could people really see such beauty every single day? Could they walk across that iconic bridge whenever they wanted?
I started imagining their lives: Do they have electricity all day, every day? Can they just go to a store and buy whatever food they need? Can they gather with loved ones to celebrate whenever they want? For me, the thought of such a life was magical, almost too good to be true.
That feeling—“This is America”—filled my heart with warmth and inspiration. It may sound silly, maybe even naïve, but that’s exactly how I felt.
After that first movie, I began watching more American films, and so many of them were set in New York City. I kept seeing the Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo over and over again. It became more than just a place; it became a dream. In my mind, New York was alive, vibrant, and full of endless possibilities. I started imagining the people who lived there—how they went about their lives, how they embraced the magic of their city.
I fell in love with New York. It became the city of my dreams, where everything seemed possible.
As a digital artist and photographer, I have this deep need to capture and create what I love—what moves me. So last year, my husband and I finally traveled to New York, and I took my dream photos. To me, these aren’t just pictures. They are pieces of my heart that I was able to bring home with me.

Why am I sharing this story with you? For two reasons. First, I simply wanted to share a little piece of my journey and the inspiration behind my work. And second, I want to encourage you to create, express, and follow your heart. Whether it’s taking photos, painting, or creating in any form, it’s not about technical perfection. It’s about expressing yourself, capturing the things you love, and making your heart a little happier.

The Briiklyn Bridge. Black and White photography

 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!

If you enjoy my posts about art and technology, I’d love for you to subscribe to my newsletter! As a thank you, if you subscribe by the end of this month, I’ll send you a link to my custom templates, holiday coloring pages, and more.

For you, My News, Uncategorized

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

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

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!

My News, Uncategorized

Art Community

Hello, everyone!

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!

My News, My news of the week, Uncategorized

Unlocking Creativity at Adobe MAX: My Unforgettable Experience Teaching, Inspiring, and Being Inspired

Hello everyone,

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.

For you, My News, My news of the week

Domestic Violence

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.

REMEMBER: Help is available 24/7. Call, Chat, or TEXT

Just in case you missed it: You can read all my technology news on my Victoria Pavlov Tech Blog

Art, Uncategorized

Dreamer

Hello everyone.

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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Adobe, Adobe Firefly, AI, Generative, Generative AI, Uncategorized

Adobe FIrefly Book

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
Art, For you, Uncategorized

The Therapeutic Duo

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

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Happy Holidays

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!