Graphic design junkie: turning a sketch into a vector

I'm always designing—even when no one's looking.
I love taking breathers for myself in which I just... am. I just doodle. I just mess around in Photoshop. Those little segments of my day really put an oomph in my step.

To the left, I give you my latest (literally just finished it seconds ago) creation: my soon-to-be personal thank you card. I adore thank you cards, and I'm always scouting for the prettiest ones. This is one I'll be using in the near future!

First I drew the edges, inspired by a napkin! I scanned my drawing into the computer and used Adobe Illustrator to convert my hand-drawn design into a vector, then imported it into Photoshop to rasterize and fiddle with the colors. Voila!

Read on to find out exactly how to convert a sketch to a vector.

Scan the illustration in at 300 dpi (grayscale) and save it as a JPEG. Then:

1. Create a new file in Illustrator, then import your sketch by going to FILE/PLACE.

2. Select the import and go to OBJECT/LIVE TRACE/MAKE AND EXPAND. (You might get a warning stating there are to many paths to convert; don't worry about that.)

3. Once you've performed your live trace function you have one more step before adding color. Select your image and go to OBJECT/UNGROUP. Now click anywhere on the art board to deselect your artwork.

4. Select all, then copy and paste into Photoshop (I paste as SmartObject, but there are a number of options).

5. If you like, you can toy with the SmartObject. When you're done, you can rasterize it and tinker with it some more. (After I rasterized this henna design, I inverted the colors and then opened the Hue/ Saturation channel. I checked off "Colorize" and then fiddled with the channels until I arrived at this nature-inspired green.)
Read full entry

Bookshelf: Developing inner power to change the world

Each of us has a strong inner power of positivity and strength. To change the world for the better, you must acknowledge that inner power and channel it to bring out the best in yourself and the best in others. You must focus on your strengths and have a positive outlook.

This past month, I've begun building the habit of reading several inspiring pages of a book each day. I've noticed that I tackle my days with more enthusiasm and gusto, and that I believe in my power to initiate a ripple of positivity every day.

These books hold very exciting tokens! I've never delved into books like these before, and as I eagerly devour them now, my mind is riddled with thoughts of expanding their power. Imagine if children were taught these positive ideals from birth. Imagine if positive thinking were a concept taught and enforced in schools. Imagine if each nation's leader were an expert at exercising the principles outlined in books that teach persuasion vs. force, projection of joy and candor, truth, oneness, and the power of one's mind. Would there be fewer disagreements? Perhaps not. But there would be better and stronger resolutions, more constructive negotiations, more empowering connections and relationships.

I am so grateful to have found books that strengthen my resolve in my goals to change the world for the better. Inspiring words have the power to incite change. Read on to discover the books I'm reading so that you can develop your inner power to change the world! I want to emphasize how inspiring I find these books -- if you pick one up and read only a sentence or two, you will understand what I mean! Please don't take my word for it; try them yourself.

Currently on my bookshelf:
Napoleon Hill's Golden Rules, Napoleon Hill. True to its name, this book reads like literary gold. I especially like the principles of self discipline outlined here. Hill describes the building blocks for living a successful goal-oriented life. One of my favorite quotes from this book is "I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit alike all who participate in it." Hill writes in a way that stirs the reader, alluding that the only things between you and your ideal career is your own determination and willpower.

The Master-Key to Riches, Napoleon Hill. For me, attaining riches is not a key point of interest. I'm more focused on attaining a life filled with the opportunity to change the world for the better. However, the principles in this book are written for those who wish to find success, and I find them very applicable to my goals. In this book, Hill writes about the value of self discipline and going the extra mile. He also tackles the negative connotations of the word "ego," and describes how courage and self-confidence are linked. (He also emphasizes the delicate balance between confident, complete self control and overinflation of ego.)

Personal Development for Smart People, Steve Pavlina. This book is very probing. It talks about three main cores of being: truth, love and power. The book really causes self reflection with questions that you must answer for yourself truthfully -- questions about how you complete tasks, interact with others, and set goals for yourself. Very, very insightful and philosophical. You can also read some entries on Steve's blog to get an idea for his writing style.

The Law of Attraction, Esther and Jerry Hicks.So much of this book seems intuitive, but if it's applied to daily life it is truly a revelation. The Law of Attraction states that what you project is what you will receive in kind. In fact, The Law advocates that you are always thinking about you want -- never of what you don't want. In that way, you will subconsciously take steps toward whatever you want, because you will be focused on attaining it. This book explains The Law and claims you can use it to get everything you want, ranging from good grades to an amazing job to wonderful friendships.
Read full entry

Fall issue now at sapnamagazine.com

What an issue! From punk rock to breast cancer awareness, our fall features span a broad range of topics. I directed the "Sexy Rediscovered" photoshoot that took place in NYC this June (featured on the cover and in the fashion section). Find a virtually flippable magazine of this romantic photoshoot by clicking this link. The shoot took place at the beautiful Tandem Bar in Brooklyn, New York. (Read our review of Tandem's yummy menu.)


"Sexy Rediscovered"
Photography credits:
Art Director Mariam Kamal
Art Production Manager Aziz Hasan
Photographer Bianca Alexis
Stylist Elle Horton
Makeup Hope Choman
Hair Mischa Gobie
Models [in order of appearance] Gunjan Sewhani, Naqib Ahmed, Rashi Stephens, Ragini Patel
Special thanks to Jane and Cathy Virga of Tandem Bar in Brooklyn, New York; Nyla Hashmi and Fatima Monkush of Eva Khurshid New York

Read full entry

Jack Canfield: There are no obstacles, only oppurtunities

This video is amazing! In it, well-known motivational speaker Jack Canfield discusses the concept of reverse paranoia: a state of mind in which you believe that everything happening around you is propelling you towards an amazing future. Jack doesn't think that anything should be viewed as failure -- not even being laid off! Instead, he encourages us to see setbacks as a golden opportunity to do better next time. Incorporating this philosophy into your life will make you a more positive thinker. As Jack proposes, "Good is not an accident, but something you create with your attitudes."

More about Jack Canfield, "America's Success Coach," from his website:
It doesn't matter if your goals are to be the top sales person in your company, become a leading architect, lose weight, become a better parent, increase confidence, buy your dream home or make millions of dollars – Jack can help you develop a clear, personal plan of action that will completely transform your life into exactly what you want it to be.

For more than 30 years, Jack has been coaching individuals, entrepreneurs, educators, and corporate leaders how to accelerate the achievement of their personal and professional goals, live their dreams, and create more joy in their life on a day-to-day basis.

The bottom line: Believe you can achieve your goals and dreams. See EVERY event in your life as a positive opportunity. Nothing can stop you from achieving your ideal life. Your ideal life is waiting for you to achieve it!

You CAN do it!

Read full entry

Inspirational tips to build and maintain a positive outlook

When you're very busy and have many goals, it's easy to get overwhelmed. There are many tools that can help organize your thoughts and your life!

You can take full control of your life. No matter what happens, you can make a conscious decision to move forward positively. This applies to everything ranging from academia to family life. With the proper inspirational tools, you can create the life that is ideal for you. Today I decided to incorporate the following inspirational tactics into my life:

(1) AFFIRMATIONS
Affirmations are statements that you repeat to yourself multiple times a day, preferably in front of a mirror. Look yourself directly in the eyes and imagine the characteristics and goals you want to achieve. For example, "I am smart or something better." Or "I am confident or something better." You don't necessarily need to believe the affirmations for them to work -- just say them at least once daily and keep it up for the rest of your life. Constantly affirm that you are successful, attractive, intelligent, etc. and you will create a self-fulfilling prophecy. For more on affirmations, see "The Power of Affirmations" by Karim Hajee.

(2) BREAKS
If you start to feel overwhelmed when addressing a situation, don't panic. Take a break; you may want to count to ten and/or close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Reassure yourself that you are doing a great job; create a mantra such as "I am an amazing person and I will meet this challenge head on." BELIEVE it. Train your mind to turn a negative thought into a positive thought. Focus on the good of the situation or the good of another situation in your life. If you are religious, ask God for strength, courage and help. Gradually reduce the amount of time you take for this process so that you feel a sense of relief in minutes or seconds. This will take time, patience and a lot of practice.

(3) EXERCISE
Exercise releases endorphins and helps to create a powerful release outlet for stress. Core exercises for your body such as crunches and yoga positions (such as the bridge and the modified plank) can help strengthen your abs and back, ultimately making you stronger and more energetic.

(4) THANKS IN ADVANCE
Give thanks for things you don't have yet. Act as if what you want is already in your possession--and believe it! Give thanks for qualities, items, accomplishments, success in love, and everything else that you want to achive. You can give thanks in prayer or to the mirror. Thank God (if you're religious) and also thank yourself. BELIEVE and you will ACHIEVE.

I've begun stockpiling these tips and I'm doing more research in the wonderful and fascinating field of inspirational tools. As part of a project I'm currently working on, I plan to compile a thorough understanding of inspirational tools -- possibly over the next six months to a year. More tips to come!
Read full entry

Updates: A Sapna summer

The new Sapna cover is up, along with a number of new features. One of my favorite pieces is an interview with Sonal Shah, who stars in TV's hit show Scrubs.

On this issue's cover, we have Rashi Stephens (Miss India North America 2008) and Joy Basu. The shoot took place in Chicago last year and was photographed by Billy Rood of Fig Media.

Most recently on the Sapna blog: Noureen DeWulf has been sizzling lately! Check out her latest accomplishments by reading our blog at www.sapnamagazine.com.



Read full entry

Updates: Looking to the greats for inspiration | Sapna photoshoot in NYC

On June 25th, I will be directing a shoot for Sapna in collaboration with Eva Khurshid, an upcoming NYC-based fashion line. The clothes are clean and classic, so the shoot will be appropriately themed '1970s Paris.'

Shooting for a fantastic creative image, I look (as always) to my favorite photographers for inspiration: Mario Testino (Kate Moss for Vogue, left) and Craig McDean.

International fashion shows foretell an imminent future of neutrals, so the EK line is well prepared for fall with black, white and tan. The shoot will be sophisticated, but not subdued! I'm trying to quell my natural tendency to use crazy colors.








Read full entry

Updates: My Blogger template designs

I always need a creative outlet to express myself. Not that vet school and Sapna Magazine don't keep me busy enough -- it's just nice to have a variety sometimes. To that end, and I've decided to launch a line of free blogger templates!

I'm creating the templates with stock images that can be downloaded for free. I'm so excited! My first release will be the design above, which will probably go public in June. After that, I may crank out 3-4 designs over the summer.

Stay tuned!
Read full entry