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davescm
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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

Inspiring
September 25, 2025

 

Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 25, 2025

I love that Michele.  Such a cool effect.  I can (just about) remember marbling in art class when I was still in school, and I love watching videos of people painting guitar bodies this way.   It reminds me of the braided rivers we have in New Zealand.  The Tasman is one of the best examples because it is right below Mount Cook and other big mountains, so the spring snow melt is enormous. It's a kilometer wide, and goes from this (below) to bank to bank for a short time. 

 

BTW  Try to use the forum image upload widget rather than paste directly to the thread.  The latter method leads to a smaller thumbnail.  The widget shows full page.  I've fixed your upload.

jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 25, 2025

Sneaking in on the last day of the challenge!

 

This lovely silver piece was made for your Poison Pen Challenge, Dave, or maybe your challenge was made for this piece?

 

It was given to my Great Great Grandfather, H. H. Edwards, in 1878. The inkwells are missing their tops, and the antlers hold incoming and outgoing mail.

 

 

Thank you for another fun challenge!

 

Jane

 

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
Community Expert
September 25, 2025

A deserving stand for a quaility pen Jane, although I'm sure a poison pen letter would never be written from there. 🙂
Dave

Peru Bob
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 25, 2025

I used the cap and the pen and generative fill.

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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September 26, 2025

I had to look very closely but it's there 🙂
Dave

Community Expert
September 24, 2025

I love being a TURTLE!!!

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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September 24, 2025

I thought you might get them in, Nick, and sure enough you have 🙂
Dave

Community Expert
September 25, 2025

I try to every time. lol

JR Boulay
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 24, 2025

TATTOO YOU

 

Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe
davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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September 24, 2025

Haha. You've given me an idea for a future SFTW challenge, JR. 🙂
Dave

GeekyGirlRex7295714
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 22, 2025

 The new poison pen.

Writer | Developer | Facilitator | Geek!
AlanGilbertson
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September 23, 2025

IQ-in-a-bottle. Viewer discretion advised!

didiermazier
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September 22, 2025

Dark Blue Red

Community Expert
September 24, 2025

Super cool! Perfect timing for October!

Community Expert
September 22, 2025

davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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September 22, 2025

You must have bought a job lot in D Humann's sale, Ronald! 🙂
Dave

Community Expert
September 21, 2025

“Remember folks — the Poison Pen Set isn’t just for writing letters, it’s for sowing doubt and sparking chaos… Anonymously! Call now, and stir up scandal at half price!”

Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 21, 2025

This made me laugh!  I was thinking that you could have used a picture of the mushroom lady, but that would have been in questionable taste.

Community Expert
September 22, 2025

Happy that I can bring a few laughs with the piece. That was my intent. Thanks!