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
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.
Lately, my next day posts become harder to write. I wanted to publish my hair sketches, but I could not start on it. Usually, Monday or Tuesday I feel okay. After work, I feel drained. I figure, if I workout, do yoga, shower and eat, everything will work out? Not the case, in fact, it becomes hard to concentrate and keep the anxiety from taking over. In other words, I started working on this post, but then I decided to stream on YouTube. Here I am finishing up this post. Earlier, I created a new “WordPress Category” called Sketch-Based Articles to house these types of articles. My goal is to continue sharing my latest creations with this new group. If you’re new to the site and don’t know what I’m going on about, then check out my bio on the Striving to Become a Professional Artist.
Hair Sketches are Underway V2
Hair Sketches are Underway V2
The hair sketch came into existence when I decided that I want to learn to draw hair. I got inspired by the Sketchbook Pro email newsletter or notification. There was a post on HOW TO DRAW HAIR: STEP BY STEP WITH LORD GRIS. Interestingly, I learned that I need to add shiny, wavy areas to dark areas to create believable looking hair. When I finished drawing the hair, I decided that it wasn’t enough. What is hair without a head? SO, the hair sprouted some eyes, nose, and mouth; You get the idea. I’m not good at drawing the nose, so I decided to create a simple box with circles. In other news, I think I did an excellent job with the texture. I copy pasted that image texture around and used a few different blend brushes to spread it nicely around the hairball figure.
What do you think?
Ugly?
Scary
Needs a nose job?
Does the background need smaller doors encrusted with jewels?
What else should I add to this list?
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Late night doodles :)
I like KerDoodle Village sketches because its simplicity inspires me to find a better way to make my art. For example, today’s post, “In the Village 3” I can connect emotionally and understand the thought without needing to read a lengthy blog post.
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
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
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
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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?
To show my Valentines day experience, I choose to write about it. In other words, I want you to experience what I felt during my day. For Example, people have several ways to celebrate it. My morning started with my alarm waking me up 15 minutes earlier than usual. I had made plans to leave on time so that I can make it for my painting event. After painting, I had planned to have dinner at Salaam Bombay. It’s an Indian restaurant a few blocks away from the Muse Paintbar. Also, it serves buffet-style lunch. Then I went home.
Valentines Day Experience in Review 2018
Valentines Day Experience in Review
I came to work early today to paint. I left work around 6 pm and walked down Chambers street. I used google maps app on my 360 Google Watch while listening to my favorite podcast. “Your Moms House.” Then, I made a right turn on Greenwich street and walked a few blocks and saw a big sign, Muse Paint Bar. I took off my headphones and sent out a few messages and walked in. I expected a restaurant bar, kind of like two business in one. A counter at the front, the hallway filled with canvas and painting easels. The instructors were bartending and signing us up for the lesson. When I got my self-registered, I hung my work costume in the closet and walked over to the back to find my seat. I got a call from a friend about a ski trip and walked into the bathroom downstairs. Lots of different paintings for sale. I saw a picture of bears and a lady riding it away from the sun. It was worth 750$.
Finished Two Birds In Front of Moonlight – Muse Paintbar
Unfinished Two Birds In Front of Moonlight – Muse Paintbar
Two Birds In Front of Moonlight Side – Muse Paintbar
Two Birds In Front of Moon Light – Muse Paintbar
Beautiful Paintings – Muse Paintbar
Painting Easel – Muse Paintbar
How do people decide the worth of a painting?
Time spent
Stress level
Similar paintings
What else should I add to this list? I’m Striving to Become a Professional Artist, I wrote that article because I want to get in bed with the field. For example, the best way to do so is to ask questions and experience it.
Leaving Muse Paintbar
We finished painting and said our goodbyes. After using the bathroom and washing my hands, I got back upstairs to grab my art and went with my friend. In my mind, I thought what a horrible experience. I left with a beautiful picture, but I felt like I can’t reproduce what I had created. In other words, the class shows you step by step how to break down a painting. What do you guys suggest I do in a class like that? In other words, how do I make the most out of this experience? Don’t get me wrong; it’s a great idea for Valentine’s day experience. For example, the fun will be when you and your partner try to work together on a painting. If you’re interested in trying it out and want to thank me, you can use my referral code, Muse-71E2s. When you apply it at checkout, we both earn $10!
View of Freedom Tower Closer – Muse Paintbar
View of Freedom Tower – Muse Paintbar
Salaam Bombay (Quick Overview)
It is a short walk over to Salaam Bombay. When we got to the place we ate and order the following items
What do you think of my writing style and grammar?
I signed up for premium version “Grammarly” because I want to learn how to write better. Be that as it may, I was thinking of joining more art contest. For example, I checked ArtStation and deviant art. I noticed the beneath the waves contest. I was thinking of doing it even though it’s over. What do you guys think?
In other news, I want to find a way to share the current progress of my drawings. In other words, small nib bits of my experience making it. People don’t give feedback because they want something in return. I am not sure how to work this out. Completely unrelated, I got an email from my favorite computer hardware company, EVGA. Can this be a suitable reward?
They are running a giveaway. If you want to win extra gear from EVGA, please check out this page https://wn.nr/qhsM9A. It will give me and you an entry into the contest.
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?
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
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.
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:
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.
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?
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?
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”.
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 📝
Thank the blogger who nominated you and post a link to their blog
List the rules of the award
Post a photo of your National flag and anthem
Leave a favorite quote
Nominate a few loyal bloggers
Flag and Anthem 🚩 🎶
Flag of the United States
Quote 🛎️
CREATIVITY IS CONTAGIOUS, PASS IT ON ~ ALBERT EINSTEIN
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
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
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!
Today was a pretty solid day, a slight chill, but sunny enough to keep you warm. More importantly, today’s prompt is Proxy; I defined it as the authority to represent someone else, especially in voting or a person authorized to act for another. Besides, if you add another word to next to proxy, it becomes a proxy war. Then, it becomes a war instigated by a dominant power that does not itself become involved. Therefore, I present to you a featured image using black and white flow study on the destruction of war using machines to fight for another country. I did it on earlier sketches like the Neighbors: How to Draw Them & Improve Your Focus? And the Simmer: How to Show Flow & Promote Scene Passion?
More about the scene 🔥
Equally important, I tried to use the size to move objects further into the background or promote them in the foreground. Coupled with the solid black on the left, I wanted to keep your focus on the right-hand side. Also, do you know if the focal point is clear? As you can see, the destroyed center by machines which only have a single programmed thought.
The idea of proxy war came to mind when I went over to Pinterest and searched for the word proxy. I found an image called transmute artifact from the game of magic. I used some parts of that the object as inspiration to create the flying robots in the air. Not to mention, I almost quit because proxy didn’t have too many things I wanted to draw, but I kept my focus strong and figured a way out. I had written about a similar feat on What Kept Me From Quitting Ghoulish Challenge?
I’m curious to know, or you’re interested to know ⁉
In the light of my creations, I want to see your creations in the comments below. Also, my grammar and English isn’t that good either, if you see something odd, please let me know!? Moreover, if you haven’t already read about me, head over to my about page or Who I Am and Why I’m here? If you like what you see, please like, reblog and follow for more inspiration! ¯¯_(ツ)_/¯
Hi, my name is Vyacheslav Kantor, I’m an artist, thrill seeker and key puncher. Feel free to read more about me here.
Why am I blogging? ＼(*^▽^*)/
I want to write mostly about my artwork and how it can affect others. I think it’s a great way to get noticed and connect with other artists. I’m curious to know what artist blog about? Please let me know in the comments below? You might ask why art? Well, art is all around us, so it could be in our best interest to use it to our advantage. As it could be used to create a positive or negative affect on anything. As an experiment, I decided to create a puzzle for you to solve, but at the same time, I can give you art. I can’t wait to dive deeply into this field and see what I can come up with next!
If everything goes smoothly for this year, I plan to further promote using my art.
Thank you for reading this far! (ᅌᴗᅌ* )
If you interested in how I draw the featured dragon in this post and the coloring, please check out Drawing Fantasy Creatures on Amazon. A secret though, I didn’t use a regular pencil.
To get more updates from me, feel free to follow my blog or subscribe to my mailing list or social channels. I won’t spam you, I promise! Shout out to artists to connect!
