Vyechi | Personal Growth & Mindfulness

Tag: artjournal

  • How to Customize WordPress Prompt Thumbnail?

    How to Customize WordPress Prompt Thumbnail?

    I’m not satisfied with the WordPress “prompt thumbnail” screenshot. The created screenshot is a result of a pingback. Is it possible to customize the thumbnail? Is it crazy to say that we want somebody to click on our little square box to visit our blog? In my opinion, half of my thumbnail doesn’t offer any useful summary of my blog post. For example, what is the point of showing a small tiny menu and a title? In other words, the main menu is hard to read at that size. Also, why is the name of the post displayed twice? First in white overlayed, then on the image.

    Prompt Thumbnail 📚

    What I do know is that if I change my theme, restart, then the screenshot changes. What exactly takes the screenshot, I do not know. I do know that it has something to do with the pingback I create using the prompt. For example, today’s prompt is conversant. Last night, I created a blog post on my latest sketches using this technique. 

    • thumbnail of WordPress prompt
      thumbnail of WordPress prompt
    • Existing Custom Thumbnail
      Existing Custom Thumbnail

    How does it work?

    Interestingly, there is a documentation about how it all works. If you’re not familiar with the daily prompts, take a look at the article challenge-instructions. If you want to learn more about the prompts, please read the article comments pingbacks. Granted if you are lazy like me, see how WordPress defined pingback below.

    A pingback is a particular type of comment, when you link to another blog post, as long as the other blog is set to accept pingbacks. To generate a pingback, link to another WordPress blog post. If that post has pingbacks enabled, the blog owner will see a pingback appear in their comments section. 

    WordPress – Pingback

    Bloggers ✍

    What do you think of the issue above?

    • Change the theme, so it caters to the screenshot?
    • WordPress do something about it?
    • Leave it alone, and it works well for my needs.
    • Is there anything else I should add to this list?

    Here is a Phoenix Sketch for you :) It could be useful in my stories.

    Phoenix Red Color Sketch
    Phoenix Red Color Sketch
  • Phoenix Sketches are Underway V3

    Phoenix Sketches are Underway V3

    This morning I decided to work on my phoenix sketches. Furthermore, I wanted a way to capture a small time-lapse of my drawing. In doing this, it will give me a way to share my progress with you. For example, I can show you all the steps in between as opposed to a still image. Likewise, I used a tool called open broadcaster software or OBS for short. If you’re interested in becoming conversant in OBS take a look at How to use Open Broadcaster Software? With the combination of SketchBook Pro and OBS, I started drawing. Upon finishing the video capture, the challenge of editing and combining the video files is the last step.

    Phoenix Sketches are Underway V3
    Phoenix Sketches are Underway V3

    Phoenix Sketches are Underway V3 😍

    Wait, let’s go back in time because we lost the plot. On the train in route to work, I found a nice comfy corner seat. Then, I started digging for the Venue Pro 11 tablet and active digital pen in my backpack. It’s not the best tablet, but it’s affordable and satisfies my needs. Also, everything is ready for drawing, but I always get this feeling of eyes watching. Do you ever do something and see somebody gazing for a moment but not interacting with you in any way? When it happens, I wish they would give me feedback on my art because it would help me improve it. What do you recommend I try to do to get more interaction with the MTA riders of New York?

    • Loudly talking about my picture while I draw?
    • Drawing things I see on the train?
    • Sketching MTA trains because it relates to the tin can I take to work every day?
    • What else should I add to this list?

    Why the Phoenix⁉

    Okay, so why did the Phoenix sketch? I started this project during my ski trip to Killington, and I wanted to see how far it would go. But, I don’t want to stretch this project out too long. Thus, I plan to set a deadline of this week. Placing a project end date is important because it will help me grow. In other words, I want to experience different types, mystical creatures. For example, I got a book on drawing dragons, and I’m excited to get back to it. In other news, I included the time-lapse video of my Phoenix; please let me know what you think?
    • Is it too fast?
    • Do the credits suck?
    • Is the music any good?
    • Should I talk?
    • Should I scrap this idea?
    • Do I need an in video webcam of me?

  • Sketches are Underway First Round

    Sketches are Underway First Round

    I’m going to start getting into the habit of deploying my sketches daily. I can’t promise it will be constant, but I’ll try my best. In other news, I titled this series Sketches are Underway, which I’ll explain later. I’ll aim to release them during night-time because I usually sketch during the day. Let me know if this bothers you or your okay?

    Sketches are Underway
    Sketches are Underway

    Sketches

    I created a list of titles, and I had to choose one from this list. It was a tough decision, but I went with the Sketches are Underway because it sounded fun and original. Please let me know what you think or if I should add more to this list? Though I know, people don’t do things for free, so I’m giving you a tool that I used to give me idea’s on generating a few titles. In fact, I used a tool called answerthepublic.com because it creates views of what people search. For example, it produces questions prepositions, comparisons, alphabetical and related commonly searched articles. For example, in the search, I typed in sketches and got the results in this link. If you’re new to the site, then check out my bio on the Striving to Become a Professional Artist.

    Answer the Public Example
    Answer the Public Example

    • Ordinary “…”
    • “…” to “…”
    • Someone who “…” pictures
    • who makes “…”
    • the artist who “…”
    • what “…” to draw
    • “…” are Underway – Sounds fun
    • “…” when bored

    Sketches of Phoenix

    I broke my phoenix at the following points. In other words, you can call these layers with different blending modes. Several people created the full test image. During my ski trip to Killington, I had asked a few of my friends to add lines anywhere they wished. The more lines they draw, the more ideas came to my mind. As a result, I blended a few edges, and I saw a beautiful phoenix. I plan to continue working this and update you with my results. In the near feature, I plan to start my stories again. Such as Mystery: How to Create Flow & Improve Interest?

    • Full Test
    • Lines
    • Red Color without lines
    • Red Color
    • Idea

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    Tilt Brush

    Over the weekend, I decided to experiment further with Tilt Brush VR. It’s a fantastic tool that lets you create art in 3-dimensional space. In other words, you use your hands to control everything from your palette to your brushes. For example, I was able to bring in a reference image and pin it in 3D space. What do you think? Nice eh?

  • What does Valentines Day mean to me?

    What does Valentines Day mean to me?

    Valentines Day is here, a city filled with love.

    Valentines Day starts and ends in February. Yet, feel free to continue celebrating it every day! It is a festive day like no other, where a hint of romance fills our lungs and holds our hearts strong. You know that rush, writing your first letter, standing in line trying to make sense of which flowers to get.
    What does Valentines Day mean to me?
    What does Valentines Day mean to me?

    This holiday is unique because everybody tries to show the other half their love. Also, we celebrated it on February 14. It is a festival of romantic love, and many people give cards. Yet, people forget and need a reminder. In other words, you can use find out the next day by visiting When is Valentine’s Day in Year?

    The night before the big day! 💕

    In a fury of trying to plan my special day. I decided to book my day with Muse or a Movie ticket. I am suspicious of Muse Paint Bar because I’ve never been to any of the events. Also, I booked a movie with AMC, “The Shape of Water” because it is a good match for my taste for this day. In other words, it is a movie for a couple to watch because it has a few scenes of love and bonding. Though I want to paint, they had no more tickets! Thus, I booked my movie ticket’s last night and went to bed.

    Morning Love 💑

    I woke up seeing breakfast on my table. An egg, toast with cheese and tea. My mom must have made it after rushing to work. On my way out of the bathroom, I read an email from Muse, saying that a few more spots opened. Immediately, my heart rushed, and I notified my friend of the news. I got the okay to cancel the movie tickets and bought us two tickets! Yet, this whole excitement reminds me of the time I went to VR World because it’s new and made me feel nervous.

    Random Gift Idea 💝

    I remember a while ago getting a small emoji pillow for my friend. It’s cute and nice too hug. If you’re not sure what to get, that might be a possible idea.
    love ring
    love ring

    What do you feel when you do something new⁉

    I can add your feelings here with your name. Also, I can do a count off.
    • nervous
    • excited
    • scared

  • 4 Helpful WordPress Plugins: Increase Your Reach

    4 Helpful WordPress Plugins: Increase Your Reach

    4 Helpful WordPress Plugins Increase Your Reach
    4 Helpful WordPress Plugins Increase Your Reach

    A few days ago, I had looked at my WordPress follow button because I don’t like how it placed and it’s style. I needed a way to hide and show the follow my blog button. In fact, my inspiration came from the original style. So, I started googling for helpful WordPress Plugins. For example, I need a way to attach my follow button to the bottom right and fade it when the user scrolls the mouse wheel. Despite my journey with WordPress support, I managed to find a few plugins/CSS to help me with the result I needed. Here is a list of useful items that helped me:

    The 4 Plugins

    Headroom.js is a lightweight, high-performance JS widget (with no dependencies!) that allows you to react to the user’s scroll. The header on this site is a living example, it slides out of view when scrolling down and slides back in when scrolling up.

    Ad management plugin with many advanced advertising features. Supports all kinds of WordPress ads including Google AdSense, contextual Amazon Native Shopping Ads, Media.net and rotating banners.

    Helpful WordPress Plugins: Let’s Customize 🏗️

    The nice thing about this combination of plugins is that I can customize the look and feel. In other words, I popped in some JavaScript, CSS and got a few new features. For example, when the user scrolls down, the button hides or doesn’t bother you while you read my posts! Also, that alone was a trill because of how fluidly it disappears. Yet, Headroom works on your call to action and navigation headers. In other words, hide your header until you need it. Please let me know if you feel that I should add more to this list? 

    .headroom {
  will-change: transform;
  transition: transform 200ms linear;
}
.headroom--pinned {
  transform: translateY(0%);
}
.headroom--unpinned {
  transform: translateY(130%);
}

div.code-block-1:hover {
  opacity: 1.0;
  transition-timing-function: linear;transition: opacity .25s ease-in-out;
  -moz-transition: opacity .25s ease-in-out;
  -webkit-transition: opacity .25s ease-in-out;
}

div.code-block-1 {
  opacity: 0.4;
}

    Question for you⁉️

    I added some ads in between posts. What do you think? Bad idea? distracting? How do you plan to make cash from blogging? Let me know in the comments below?

    Reading List 📚
  • Quill Commander Award Nominations

    Quill Commander Award Nominations

    Hello my fellow inspired eyes, I got an interesting surprise for you over the horizon! In other words, I want to give back to my faithful followers. Also, my goal is to connect with you, so that I give back to the community. In other words, as an artist, I can give you featured images or artwork for your site. For example, you can use my artwork for a story or poem. Yet, I want to congratulate Dronstad on getting his 300th recruit. I know it means a lot to him because he works hard on his stories. Plus, I want to thank you for giving me the nomination. Without delay, please see who I nominate for the Quill Commander Award, story, and rules below.

    Quill Commander Award – Detail 📜

    But first, how will you soar for the stars if you don’t have wings? I got you covered. A friend of mine was kind enough to create a NEW EMBLEM for you guys and here is the moment where all of you get your “Dronstad Cyber Wings”.

    Quill Commander Award
    Dronstad wings Quill Commander Award

    Again, thank you DRONSTAD for nominating me for the Quill Commander Award.

    “The purpose of this award is to promote patriotism. Along with it, this reward is created to unify bloggers from different Countries through tolerance and appreciation of their nationality. We are already unified by our love for writing and reading, so this is a token of that love.”
    ~ Dronstad

    The Rules for the Quill Commander Award 📝

    1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and post a link to their blog
    2. List the rules of the award
    3. Post a photo of your National flag and anthem
    4. Leave a favorite quote
    5. Nominate a few loyal bloggers

    Flag and Anthem 🚩 🎶

    Flag of the United States
    Flag of the United States

    Quote 🛎️

    CREATIVITY IS CONTAGIOUS, PASS IT ON ~ ALBERT EINSTEIN

    Nominations

    Dronstad Emblem - Quill Commander Award
    Dronstad Emblem – Quill Commander Award

    stoneronarollercoaster, beginningofcreativity, thestoriesinbetween

    For all the participants, I left you a couple of photos in my Gallery segment that you can use for your blogs as a cover. Also, feel free to use “Dronstad Wings” as a cover photo or in any other context that includes this promotion to a rank and an Award. ~ Dronstad

    Gallery | https://dronstadblog.wordpress.com/category/gallery/#jp-carousel-13861

    ~ Good luck with your adventures!

    Reading List 📚

  • Mercy Can Have Closure and So Can I

    Mercy Can Have Closure and So Can I

    Mercy For the Simple 👼

    Please have mercy, today was a simple day, more straightforward than usual. I woke up with a plan to visit my girl. In the same light, I needed to pack. I knew I would be staying for a few days. As a result, I packed two pairs of everything. For example, I got my socks and underwear. Yet, I dislike packing because I never have any way to organize. Thus, a few months ago I put in some time and researched ways to pack better. Thereupon, I discovered packing cubes and simplified my life. After I finished packing and getting ready, I left to catch my train to work.

    The Timeless Knowledge Train 🚂

    My train ride seemed longer today. I forgave the train for its lateness. Then, I started working on a dragon head in 3/4 view. In other words, this view is harder to draw because it shows action and direction. Besides, I started reading Dragonart: How to Draw Fantastic Dragons and Fantasy Creatures. For example, from that book, I created a few sketches of circle and line shapes. Also, I made sure that I used a blue pencil because it will make it easier to sketch on top with a red pencil. Thus, you can achieve a cleaner and faster result. If you combine layers, pencil color and lower the opacity. Without delay, my train reached its destination and I rushed out to reach work.

    Can thoughts be actionable? 🎬

    At work, I had many different thoughts. For example, I had wanted to resolve some coding issues for a while. Yet, all I can say is that the day was productive and work got done. In contrast, I had some issues with WordPress Publicize. Also, I got upset at the engineers, but I showed mercy and asked them to add a new feature. For one thing, I learned that many of the connected services do not include the tags I create for the post. For this reason, I lose impressions on Twitter and other social platforms. Yet, Tumblr is the only service that posts the tags. Thus, after speaking with “Happiness Engineers”, they recommend trying somethings. Either getting a plugin or inserting tags into the custom message. Afterword, the day went by fast and I made my way to my girl’s place.

    Reading List 📚

  • Nest Inside a Large Crater; He slept

    Nest Inside a Large Crater; He slept

    Morning Dragon Nest 🐲

    I woke up with lots of energy, jumped out of my nest and ready to go! Not even close, I had to reward myself with an extra 6 mins of sleep. As a matter of fact, my mind didn’t want to shut up with noise about the alarm going off in a few minutes. By the same token, I got up, made some cereal and got ready for work. With the intention, of making it to the train station and getting to drawing my dragon.

    Short Train Ride 🚆

    Without delay, I sat down and started drawing! Then again, I sat down elbow to elbow between two beauties and got nervous for a moment. Yet, I thought for a moment that my goal is to become an awesome artist. In light of that, I immediately pulled out my pen and tablet to start drawing. Likewise, I opened up DragonArt book and flipped to the page with a dragon head. As a matter of fact, you can get Dragonart: How to Draw Fantastic Dragons and Fantasy Creatures on Amazon. To the end of that, I was able to create a quick dragon sketch as my train neared the final stop.

    Nest Dragon During Lunch
    Nest Dragon During Lunch

    At Work, Lunch is a Precious Time! ⏰

    Sooner or later, I arrived to work and put on my computer programmer hat. Despite, lunch came around and allowed me to work on my blog. Not only, I was able to take a few quick snapshot of my dragon, food, and book. Not to mention, I posted to Instagram because I heard its a good idea to share small snippets of work. By the same token, you can read Extend Your Blog’s Reach with Instagram. Of course, that time went by fast, back to work and then home to write you a blog post!

    Nesting my Feet into Ski Boots
    Nesting my Feet into Ski Boots

    Reading List📚