Blog
Tech thoughts, workflow notes and digital-life observations.
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How I Learn New Design Skills in 2026
In terms of learning new skills, we live in a glorious time. The Internet is chock full of excellent, actionable design tutorials that go way beyond what a classroom environment or textbook could provide. Incidentally, much of what I know about Photoshop comes from reading books and applying the techniques into my own work. (Aside:…
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FrugalMac: Sorting out the Finder Sidebar and more
The first stop in changing the default Finder experience is Finder > Settings…. In the General tab, I have Hard disks, External Disks, and Connected Servers checked to be visible on the macOS Desktop. I also prefer having new windows open to show the Desktop. Next, let’s examine the standard Finder window sidebar. In its…
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What I Want from macOS in WWDC 2026
A few days ago on the Rocket Yard blog, I pontificated on features and fixes I’d like Apple to include in macOS 27. My hopes are not high, particularly due to the rumors swirling around Apple’s intent to deeply embrace AI integration within their numerous operating systems. Nevertheless, my wish list may resonate with other…
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FrugalMac: Unboxing and Initial Setup of an M5 Pro MacBook Pro
I’m typing this post within a few minutes of unboxing my new M5 Pro MacBook Pro. I’ll share a few obligatory photos, but I’ll skip past the usual commentary on the build quality and aesthetics. The new machine is, in just about every instance, identical to my M1 Pro MacBook Pro. A few bits of…
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Using Vector Techniques with Raster in Digital Art
Lately, I’m experimenting with the idea of incorporating vector elements within my raster-based digital art. I’ve been a serious Photoshop user for over 20 years; it’s a tool I’m very comfortable with. While I’ve used Adobe Illustrator before, I’ve always kept my vector work separate from my raster art. My latest instructional video goes over…
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FrugalMac: The Rationale
Tasks and errands got the best of me for most of the day, which means I still haven’t opened the box containing my new M5 MacBook Pro. (It will happen tomorrow, I promise.) (Incidentally, the featured image for this post is of my M1 Pro MacBook Pro, shortly after it was unboxed.) In my last…
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FrugalMac: The Right Mac, Bought Once
In early May, I pulled the trigger on a custom-configured M5 Pro MacBook Pro. Its specifications are as follows: It arrived this past Thursday. It’s Sunday as I write this, and much to both my wife and daughter’s surprise, I haven’t opened the box yet. I rarely purchase new computers, so I want to savor…
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Reflections from Two Decades of Teaching
This month marks my 20th consecutive year of teaching design courses at the college level. I only started to reflect on my academic journey a few days ago, with the completion of our college’s Spring semester. I fell into teaching backwards. It was never my goal. I started my career as an electrical engineer, working…
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How to Digitally Draw Sci-Fi Vehicles
New artists often struggle with drawing vehicles, and my latest instructional video attempts to provide some insight into an approach that can make the process less intimidating. The technique involves using Photoshop’s Shape tools in combination with the Transform > Perspective option. One can also use this technique for drawing totems and monolithic structures. You…
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Videos Where Silence Speaks Volumes
I’ve tried meditation many times, and – I’ll be honest – it’s never quite worked for me. But I’ve discovered something akin to meditation that doesn’t require me to close my eyes and sit cross-legged in the dark. This form of relaxation comes from the act of passively watching videos – specifically where an absence…