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4

Something for the Weekend - Part 249 - Poison Pen!

Community Expert ,
Sep 12, 2025 Sep 12, 2025

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).

 

SFTW249PoisonPen.jpg

 

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

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replies 162 Replies 162
Community Expert ,
Sep 22, 2025 Sep 22, 2025

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

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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

Good sales pitch!

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Community Expert ,
Sep 22, 2025 Sep 22, 2025
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Community Expert ,
Sep 22, 2025 Sep 22, 2025

Dark Blue Red

SFTW249PoisonPen.png

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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

Super cool! Perfect timing for October!

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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

Tricky stuff that ink. It goes into the pen as blue but comes out as red! 🙂
Dave

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Community Expert ,
Sep 22, 2025 Sep 22, 2025

LiquidAI.png

 The new poison pen.

Writer | Developer | Facilitator | Geek!
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Community Expert ,
Sep 22, 2025 Sep 22, 2025

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

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Community Expert ,
Sep 22, 2025 Sep 22, 2025

That'll be a solution of nanobots in that syringe methinks.

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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

Things have taken a dark turn here. One drop of that and you'll grow extra fingers! 🙂

Dave

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Community Expert ,
Sep 25, 2025 Sep 25, 2025

Yikes! I can see AI being the latest drug for a good dopamine hit. lol

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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

TATTOO YOU

 

SFTW249PoisonPen-Tattou You.jpg


Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe
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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

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

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Community Expert ,
Sep 25, 2025 Sep 25, 2025

For those who don't know the reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo_You


Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe
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Community Expert ,
Sep 25, 2025 Sep 25, 2025

Cool concept. I hate needles. They hurt. lol

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Community Expert ,
Sep 25, 2025 Sep 25, 2025
quote

Cool concept. I hate needles. They hurt. lol


By @Nick Gioia

I have just finished reading three of John Kiriakau's books including 'Doing Time Like a Spy' (he served 30 months in a low risk prison for disclosing the CIA's use of water boarding).  He mention prison tats which apparently are done by drawing the design with lots ink via a ball point pen, then repeated stabing the skin with a sharpened paper clip.  It sounds brutal, and I imagine a lot more painful than a proper tattoo gun.  If you read this and have some tats, just how painful is the process?  Not that I am thinking of getting a full sleave at my time of life.

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Community Expert ,
Sep 26, 2025 Sep 26, 2025

Nicely done! Love the concept!

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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

I love being a TURTLE!!!

SFTW249PoisonPen.png

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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

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

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Community Expert ,
Sep 25, 2025 Sep 25, 2025

I try to every time. lol

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Community Expert ,
Sep 25, 2025 Sep 25, 2025

I love that bright neon effect Nick.  That's some subtle shading when the pen is cracked as well.  It looks real, and you can't ask for better praise than that.

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Community Expert ,
Sep 25, 2025 Sep 25, 2025

Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words Trevor. 

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Community Expert ,
Oct 06, 2025 Oct 06, 2025

Reminds me of Ghost Busters. Great Job!

Lee- Graphic Designer, Print Specialist, Photographer
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Community Expert ,
Sep 24, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

I used the cap and the pen and generative fill.

SFTW249PoisonPen submitted.jpg

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Community Expert ,
Sep 26, 2025 Sep 26, 2025

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

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