We live in a Photoshopped World

I came across this video today that made me reflect a lot on various issues, some of them contradicting my own profession.

Take a look at the video below before I go further

See the thing is, we live in a photoshopped world. Everything around us has been photoshopped in one way  or another to attract people's attention. I am not implying only on the software Adobe Photoshop. I mean EVERYTHING has been altered into something a person would want to see because the world gets attracted to unusual or extraordinary things.

The news channels show people content they think will bring more viewers, hence they alter the truth.

Fashion and cosmetic industries use several techniques to make their models 'more beautiful,' hence altering people's perception of beauty.

All this is done because of competition, money and popularity, which is fine to a certain extent, but when it reaches a point where it affects a person's self esteem (in terms of beauty) or leads to conflicts (in terms of propaganda in news channels), it can be quite damaging.

This is a practice that has gone out of control. Being part of the Advertising industry myself, I personally retouch, transform and manipulate pictures when I have to, and I do that on my Youtube channel in form of tutorials. Considering this is a field of selling, it is fine as long as it doesn't completely alter the truth.

I also feel it is our parents' responsibility to ensure that we grow up focused on other important things instead of obsessing over beauty.

The pictures below shocks me tremendously:

http://www.globalshift.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/human-barbie-injects-teen-daughter-botox-425kk0303.jpg

The image above shows a woman injecting her 15yr old daughter with Botox to prevent wrinkles in the future. The mother herself has spent over £500,000 on cosmetic surgeries.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlVvdQfnebZiMVkAm3BC9pEqgHt55uBywaN97nfgmld9SmYGfuy9ydmyuNMdeAY3VBqeFQrEEBnYV3C0pxGwKIRVaJeQJwonof_TKDB96XZkf8UseQSlamtqJQglYt-lOq-K3vjSqU6Ze/s1600/barbie_in_real_life_20.jpg

The image above is of a Russian girl who endeavors to become a human barbie.

And last but not the least,

http://www.supanet.com/jocelyn-wildenstein-39960.jpg

Plastic Surgery gone wrong!

Remember guys, without all the makeup, 'photoshopping', cosmetic surgeries, packaging etc we are all perfect as we are. Embrace your inner beauty and be proud of yourselves. Nobody looks like that naturally. Never compare yourselves to what you see in various media and take extreme measures to look like that in reality.

I apologize for the long post, just felt the need to share my views.

Have a great weekend!

Nail Designs on Adobe Illustrator

I was really bored last night and decided to do some nail designs on Adobe Illustrator. I love nail art so this was real fun for me!

Each of the designs have been inspired by something. 

I don't know if you can figure out the birds :)

I personally love the leopard print one from the animal print designs. I think I will be painting my nails like that real soon!

I really enjoyed designing these and am thinking of making more soon.

Have a great weekend everyone! Stay creative!

Cheers.

Nooreen

designaholism@gmail.com

Color Correction in Adobe Photoshop

Have you ever taken a picture of yourself or a friend, and it turns out to have a red eye? or we put on too much makeup and ended up looking a bit too dark or brighter than normal?

Well, with the Selective Color option in Photoshop, we can correct that very easily within a few minutes and not let that lovely picture go to waste!

Below is an example of a picture I touched up in less than two minutes.

The image is taken from http://celebfwdmail.blogspot.com/2011/04/orange-aplenty-towies-lauren-goodger.html

You can watch the video tutorial I created below

Enjoy!

Don't forget to Like my page on Facebook! :)

Cheers!

Nooreen

designaholism@gmail.com

Designing Logos

Last night, I randomly had an idea to experiment with the image of an eagle and use it to design a logo.

I initially had no concept, which is a shame, but as I worked on the logo, I got a few ideas where this logo could possibly be used.

I searched an image from the net, traced it out into a silhouette using Adobe Illustrator, and then using a few Illustrator techniques, wrapped it around another image I designed of a globe.

Below is how it turned out.

 

Eagles in my opinion represent power, freedom, focus (because of their powerful vision)

This logo could therefore represent an organization dealing with global empowerment of people, hence enabling freedom,  achievement of goals and power.

I used red as it is the colour of movement, excitement and energy, which suits the eagle perfectly. 

The blue in the globe, adds contrast to the red and makes it more prominent as a globe. 

I find it fascinating how any object or element we come across in our daily life can turn into inspiration if we keep our minds open. 

If interested in a tutorial on this, let me know via comment, email  (designaholism@gmail.com) or  Facebook and I will be glad to make one for you.

For business enquiries, please email me at the address above.

Have a great day everyone!

Vector Shoe Rendering using the Gradient Mesh Tool in Adobe Illustrator

So I got bored one day and decided to render this shoe using the Gradient Mesh tool in Adobe Illustrator (My all time favorite tool!). It came out pretty well so I thought of sharing with you all.

 The original image has been taken from here

 Pretty realistic eh? This is why I love the mesh tool. Brings everything to life in vector form!

If you want to know how to use this tool, you can watch my tutorials on Youtube by clicking here and here.

The series of images below show the original, wireframe and final vector outcome of the shoe.

You know what? This has really inspired me to make  other shoe designs of my own! Let's see how far that goes :)

Till my next post, take care everyone!

Removal of eye glasses from images

It is said that eyes are the window to a person's soul. I don't know much about that, but I can agree that eye contact leads to better communication and portrays more confidence.

Unfortunately, not all people have clear vision and are therefore compelled to wear eye glasses. Eye glasses are not really bad, but they do block the true beauty of a person (unless you are one of those people who are made for glasses!!)

People often get their pictures snapped while wearing glasses and later wish they hadn't worn them. With Photoshop tools such as the Clone Tool, Healing Brush tool and Patch Tool, and a lot of patience, one can successfully get rid of them.

Below is my glass removal progression and outcome on Anne Hathaway. I will be posting a video tutorial on how to achieve this soon.

For more information, requests and business queries, email me at designaholism@gmail.com

Thank you, and till my next post, take care you all!

Mission Retouch & Transform

Have you ever had a photograph of yours that came out too dark, or you had an ugly zit that stopped you from using it somewhere? or you went overboard with your tan and ended up looking fried?

Do you have an old treasured black and white pic of a loved one that you would love to have in color instead?

Are you currently on braces and need a picture without them? Would you like to remove your eye glasses in your picture?

Or leave all that, would you like to magically transform yourself into a flying creature in fantasy land, or have a realistic 3D vector portrait made from your picture?

Well, guess what? In the world of design, everything is possible. It doesn't cost much, and in this web-based world, you end up looking as gorgeous as ever.

As of today, I will be posting various Photoshop possibilities in this blog, in my Facebook page and in my Youtube Channel. It is always fun to see great transformations taking place.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Take care and have a great day everyone!

For information or business queries, please contact me at designaholism@gmail.com.