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davescm
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 12, 2025
Question

Something for the Weekend - Part 249 - Poison Pen!

  • September 12, 2025
  • 37 replies
  • 4604 views

Thanks to all who took part in our previous 'What goes up' challenge. 

This week something a bit different. I heard the phrase 'Poison Pen' in a TV drama recently and my thoughts arrived at the image below. Made in 3D, the objects on the 'desk' are from Substance 3D assets, which I textured, along with the desk, in Substance Painter.  The background was AI generated in Photoshop, using Firefly, and blurred to match the image before taking into Blender prior to rendering. Finishing was in Photoshop.
 
So we have our starter image, what will you do with it? You could use any or all of the objects, or make something using the entire scene. 

When you post your response can you add just a few words on how you went about it. It may help others see the potential of different approaches, software, and tools to such a challenge.

The “rules”:

  • Use the starter image as at least part of your own image entry.
  • Anything goes, as long as it meets the forum rules on decency, copyright, etc.
  • Anyone, and everyone, is welcome to have a go, whether you are a complete beginner or a Photoshop expert. This is not just for our forum “regulars”.
  • The challenge is not limited to Photoshop. Any Adobe software can be used. 
  • There are no prizes apart from the chance to practice, show off your skills, or bring a bit of humor and fun. Don't be shy, join in and have a go!
  • The starter image is made available for you to use in this forum challenge only.

 

To download the starter image, hover over the image and click on the circle with the arrows at the top right. Then, when the image opens in its own window, right click and choose “Save Image As/Save Target As” (or similar depending on your browser).

 

 

When posting back your image — please use the blue reply button in this first post and use the 'Insert Photos' icon at the top of the reply box. If posting a comment on someone else’s entry, then please use the grey reply button next to their image post.

 

Have fun!

 

Dave

37 replies

Jumpenjax
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 7, 2025

The Pen is Mightier than the ink.

Lee- Graphic Designer, Print Specialist, Photographer
Community Expert
October 6, 2025

A bit late but hope this brings a smile to someone.



Note - do realise the book is quite small.

Community Expert
October 6, 2025

Notebook must really love the poison pen. 

Community Expert
October 5, 2025

For this challenge, I felt like "Poison Pen" sounded like a cool name for a distillery. So I took the starter image into Photoshop and used "Generative Fill" to begin removing elements such as the pen and the cap on the table, and added in shot glasses and a cap to the bottle. I also removed the branding on the bottle, generated a brand logo using Adobe Firefly, and then placed it on top of the bottle.

Cheers,Colby Clites
Community Expert
October 6, 2025

No shots for me, thanks. 😄

Community Expert
October 3, 2025

Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 4, 2025

Hey FB.  Neural Filters might restore that faded photo for you. 😉

Community Expert
October 16, 2025

lol...
Thanks for the reminder Trevor! 😉

creative explorer
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 30, 2025

Can anyone remember this show?

 

m
War Unicorn
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 30, 2025

Magnum, P.I.! 😄 (I love the 80's.)

davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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September 26, 2025
derekwatson
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September 26, 2025

 

Derek Watson
davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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September 26, 2025

The blue on the fingers is a clever touch, Derek. I also like the rose-gold on the pen. 🙂
Dave

derekwatson
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 26, 2025

Thanks DAve, I thought the various components may be too subtle

Derek Watson
Community Expert
September 26, 2025

I was out for a walk today and saw this Heron in the river. Recently there has been some concerns about the water safety of the river. The bottle seemed fitting for a social post or something.

The jellyfish will come a bit later. 🙂

 

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
Community Expert
September 26, 2025

That must be where they fill the bottles 😞
Dave

@mj
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 26, 2025

Tx as always @davescm 

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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September 26, 2025

Nasty stuff if it burns straight through that leather, mj. 🙂
Dave

@mj
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 30, 2025

Nasty like Janet Jackson would say it 🙂

Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 25, 2025

I hadn't realised that we were getting the full Flux Kontext Pro model.  That's going to be very interesting.  

Let the fun arguments begin.