Finding Comfort in Creativity Using Photoshop
These artists are using Photoshop as a creative outlet for their experiences, and so can you.
As we navigate a world of dramatic changes, we are confronted with unanticipated challenges and questions about how to best protect and support those we love. Just as important, though, is determining how to effectively deal with all the emotions we’re experiencing ourselves.
In times like this, creativity can be an outlet that allows us to process our experiences and express our emotions, while also motivating and inspiring ourselves and our communities. Adobe Photoshop can help bring that creativity to life.
We’re excited to share some ideas on how you can channel your own creativity and use your art to inspire others to do the same. We’ve also scoured our global Photoshop community to find examples of how people are funneling their own experiences into art and finding personal fulfillment in creativity. We hope their work and ideas inspire you as much as they inspire us.
Fueling empowerment
Expressing creativity in a variety of ways is an excellent form of self-care. Two ideas you may consider are personal mantra cards and motivational posters. Creating a positive reminder for yourself and others to see each day can be a simple yet powerful influence.
“This Too Shall Pass”
Shanti Sparrow
Living and creating in New York City during the COVID-19 crisis has been a unique experience for Australian illustrator and designer Shanti Sparrow. She turned her knack for designing posters and brochures in Photoshop to her personal benefit, reminding herself that good times are still ahead.
**“You Will Be Fine”
**Julie Masalska
“This message to myself reminds me that bad times pass, and everything will be fine — eventually,” Julie Masalska says. She created this design in Adobe Fresco and Photoshop while listening to “Eventually” by Tame Impala for inspiration.
**“Most Creative”
**Julie Masalska
Using Adobe Photoshop on iPad and Photoshop on her desktop, Julie used hand lettering and humor to share a motivational and encouraging message.
**“Fight Against Coronavirus”
**Sivakumar S
This reminder to keep a positive attitude while staying at home and practicing recommended safety measures puts a unique spin on the message by channeling the artistic style of old-school arcade games.
Inspire others to create
Creativity unites us all. As we draw comfort from the act of creating, some expressions become the building blocks of creativity for others. We may be separated, but here are a few ideas of how you can harness your talents, create yourself, and encourage others to work together on creative projects from a distance.
**“Adobe Coloring Book”
**Adobe
Color along with us as we serve up new illustrations that you can either finish with your favorite Adobe apps or simply print out. Each week this spring, the Adobe Coloring Book will release new pages created by some of our favorite artists. Who can you invite to join you in this creative experience? Explore the coloring book here.
**“Postcards from Quarantine”
**Ambre Carladous
Italian artist Ambre Carladous took on the challenge to analyze the meaning behind the word “contagious.” She wanted to create postcards that could share uplifting messages and “show the world that ‘contagious’ can also be something positive that can move or change the world.” Who in your life could use a surprise note in the mail? View the entire series on Behance.
**“Stay Home Posters”
**Katie Gorbacheva
Using Illustrator and Photoshop, Katie Gorbacheva developed a series of posters for print and social media to promote stay-at-home measures. She also designed a paper house that can be printed, decorated, and glued together as a simple but entertaining crafting activity. How might you make your designs available to others for their own creative expression? View Katie’s work on Behance.
**“Advice for the Public Infographic”
**Atul Charde
Another creative way to engage with your community is using your skills to share factual information about best practices and guidelines. Atul Charde used Photoshop and Illustrator to create this infographic made available for free use by his local media outlets and by others on social media. How can you use your design talents to help others?
Experiences become art
British sculptor Antony Cormley says, “Unless art is linked to experience and the fear and joy of that, it becomes mere icing on the cake.” Your experiences — good and bad — give you a unique artistic perspective to share with the world, and we believe that art makes the world a better place. Enjoy these examples of experiences becoming art from the global Photoshop community.
**“Our Caregivers, our Heroes”
**Benoit Lapray
French artist Benoit Lapray released this series of images to pay tribute to medical professionals all over the world. “I wanted to say a huge thank you to all the medical staff for their incredible work during this crisis and their dedication to others,” he says. View the entire series on Behance.
**“COVID-19”
**Justin Peters
German photographer and digital artist Justin Peters uses Photoshop to merge reality with his imagination. His take on the COVID-19 crisis highlights a shared global experience.
“Amongst the Red Lights”
Albert Dros
All is quiet on this Amsterdam street that is normally busy 24/7. Albert Dros used his camera, Lightroom, and Photoshop to capture this unique moment in time in a series of images. “These streets have never been so empty,” Albert says. View the entire series on Behance.
**“COVID-Illustrations”
**Meier Delphine
For many of us, recent weeks and months are defined by feelings of confinement. Meier Delphine took these feelings and used Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to bring them to life. “Staying home can be tricky, especially for a long time. Sometimes, I do feel like this, squashed between my computer and my cat who demands to play with me,” she says. View the entire series on Behance.
Adobe is committed to supporting our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find helpful resources and a message from Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen here.