This week, I was taught how to use Adobe Firefly AI for image generation, which was really useful for visual development. I learned that clear, focused prompts work best, for example, describing both the subject and the style, like “fungi-covered bulldozer in a misty forest, painterly style, soft lighting.” You can adjust the aspect ratio before generating and choose from several variations. In Photoshop, I also used Firefly’s Generative Fill by selecting an area, right-clicking, and entering a prompt to quickly add or modify parts of an image. This is great for filling backgrounds or testing out environmental ideas. Firefly is especially helpful for generating fast concept references, though it’s more suited to exploration than final designs. I also found that referencing an image (when the feature is available) can help guide the output more closely to your intended aesthetic.
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Technical Notes Maya: Q/W/E/R = Select / Move / Rotate / Scale Alt + LMB/MMB/RMB = Orbit / Pan / Zoom Hold J while rotating to snap in 15° increments Use Duplicate Special (Shift+D) for repeating patterns Keep naming objects as you go—it gets messy fast Photoshop: Lasso + Layer Mask = quick way to isolate elements Adjustment Layers are non-destructive and good for last-minute tweaks InDesign: W toggles preview mode Use Paragraph Styles for consistent text formatting Export to PDF using High Quality Print preset for best results These notes will help me stay efficient and avoid getting stuck on technical steps while focusing on design.
Reflective Journal 2
This week, I focused on refining the look of the fungi-themed kill-dozer and its Himkaji driver. Now that the basic blockout is in place, I’ve been thinking more deeply about how the aesthetic comes through in form and silhouette. I’m still really into the idea as there’s something fun and eerie about combining chunky industrial shapes with soft, organic mushroom forms. I especially like the idea of mushrooms growing out of vents and seams, almost like the machine is slowly being reclaimed by nature. The Himkaji girl as the driver adds a strong personality contrast, small but fierce. That said, I’m still unsure if the balance between machine and fungus is quite right. It might look too “decorated” right now, rather than integrated. I’m thinking about changing some structural elements to feel more grown, not just stuck on. Maybe shaping parts of the dozer to mimic fungal growth patterns.
This week was all about getting comfortable in Maya and beginning the blockout for my fungi-themed kill-dozer, driven by a Himkaji girl. The aesthetic (organic fungal growth fused with industrial machinery) was already predetermined, so my focus was on figuring out how to bring that to life in 3D. Learning the basics of Maya has been both exciting and frustrating. Simple tasks, such as moving objects or navigating the viewport, took some time to feel natural. I encountered issues with object scaling and snapping, but watching a few tutorials and consulting with Oana helped a lot. My main challenge was translating the aesthetic into basic shapes. I started with rough forms for the dozer and played with how I might layer mushroom-like elements over heavy machinery. The proportions still need refining, but blocking it out helped me visualise the overall silhouette. It’s a strong start, and I’m looking forward to refining it as I learn more tools.
Learning InDesign After watching this InDesign beginner tutorial , here are some quick notes and shortcuts I don’t want to forget: Basic Tools & Shortcuts V = Selection Tool T = Type Tool F = Rectangle Frame Tool (for placing images) Cmd/Ctrl + D = Place image Cmd/Ctrl + 0 = Fit page in window Text & Image Tips Link text frames by clicking the red + sign and placing in a new frame Use Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + > or < to change font size Right-click > Fitting > Fill Frame Proportionally to fit images Layout & Export Use rulers ( Cmd/Ctrl + R ) and guides to align content Export as PDF via File > Export > Adobe PDF These basics make designing in InDesign way easier!
Tequila
Tequila I love the design of this Campo Azul Selecto tequila bottle. Its wide, rounded base and elegant detailing give it a distinct presence. The golden liquid catches the light beautifully, and the bold cap adds a stylish touch. It feels both traditional and modern—perfect for something meant to be savoured.