Welcome to our User Spotlight series, where we celebrate the incredible creativity of our community and delve into the stories behind the art. It’s been a while since our last spotlight, and we’re excited to reintroduce this series, showcasing the talented individuals who use our apps to transform their photos into stunning works of art.
In this edition, we are thrilled to bring you an inside look at one of our passionate users, Kathie Pickrall, in exploring her artistic journey, favorite features of our apps, and how she seamlessly integrates our tools into her daily life. Kathie is one of the most active members of our BeCasso Creatives Group on Facebook. Whether you’re a long-time user or just discovering our apps, we hope these stories inspire you to unleash your own creativity.
Come along as we get to know our featured user better!
We know you are a Graphic Artist. Can you tell us how your journey began?
My graphics journey began in 1977 and ended in 2013. During those 36 years I started as a web designer in offset printing and moved to rotogravure printing (high quality and high production) and onto digital design.
Which of our apps do you use in your creative process?
I use all of the BeCasso apps, but Oilbrush and Graphite are my favorites. I use these apps to enhance detail, depth and color. It depends on the photo and the effect I am looking for. I then create a Custom Style to save to use on another photo.
Which features in our apps do you find most useful for your work?
There are many features to use in the apps. Cropping a photo and using a vignette is important to me because I get a better view from the outside looking into the photo. As I decide on color and detail I think what about the paper I will use to also enhance the photo. There are so many ways to get the look you desire.
How did our apps new AI technology changed your approach to art creation?"
Once I reach that look I then go into Auto Retouch and Magic Retouch to look for added improvement. Custom Styles save time. I have several styles saved that can be used as a starting point on a new photo and I can also edit from that style.
Can you share and detail on examples of your work ?
These 2 photos are both done in Oilbrush. Edits in black point for detail and clarity, turbulence used for the swirl design, Saturation for color enhancement, Vignette is used on one photo , paper used on both.
How do you see AI and digital art apps evolving in the graphic art industry?
AI increases efficiency but graphic design in AI is limited. Graphic design and AI both are very competitive fields.
New FB members are fascinated by your artwork and would love to learn more about the creative process.
My process: make sure my photo is cropped properly, erase any unwanted items and decide what app I want to use. If I’m not pleased with it I move to another app. I tend to use more detail because I like a sharp clear look. It’s fun experimenting with all of the BeCasso Creatives filters.
Do you experience the world differently as a graphic artist, and have our apps influenced this perspective?
I look for mountains, architectural designs, fences, buildings, water reflections, sunrises, sunsets and all things nautical. Being from Virginia, a very historical state, I love historical items and places and the Blue Ridge mountains.
We're amazed how often you post. Where does your enthusiasm creating art come from?
My enthusiasm began as a child in 1960 when my parents gave me a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera. It was my beginning of capturing and creating that would take me through the years as a graphic designer.
What advice would you give other graphic artists considering our apps?
My advice is to let yourself be creative and enjoy BeCasso Creatives. BeCasso gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
BeCasso
Clip2Comic
Graphite
Waterbrush
Oilbrush
Artcard