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Dare Boldly by L Gallagher's avatar

Yes! Yes! Yes!

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Dare Boldly by L Gallagher's avatar

It is me Joyce -- I think because I'm logging in from a different URL in another country, it didn't register me. :)

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

How fun to connect here! When you're back, let's talk!

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Dare Boldly by L Gallagher's avatar

I have a 'semi' rule - semi because It's not really cast in stone, just my personal goal/preference, to only use images I've created or taken. I use my art a lot and include an inspirational quote from something I've written. When I'm travelling, like now, while in Ireland, I include photos. As other's have said, graphics/images are essential!

I use PicMonkey rather than Canva -- not sure why. I think because I stumbled upon it first and am now accustomed to it. On a rare occassion, I'll use one of their stock photos as my part of my graphic.

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

I also use your semi-rule. However, I've talked with one Substack author who designs what he wants and then has a "pro" actually do the artwork. Anything but "stock photo looking" stock photos is my other semi-rule..

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

First ... Louise from Canada? If so, wow! and Ireland! Hope you're having a grand time. I don't think I could be here if I couldn't use photos and art.

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Susan Jimenez's avatar

I still create my own graphics, I love to design and can spend hours on it. Pinterest is a great place for inspiration but you need to be mindful about not going down the rabbit hole. Nowadays it’s so much easier with Canva to help you get started but you still need a plan and a vision.

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

Susan ... you're right about the rabbit hole. Love your graphics.

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Susan Jimenez's avatar

Thank you ☺️

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Andrew Smith's avatar

I often use Dall E (2 until this week, but recently, Dall E has been upgraded to version 3). I've played with other AI image generators and pretty much enjoy all of them, although I have the most experience with the Bing interface. Sometimes I'll snap a pic of art I've made, but that's really rare. Other times, a photo that references something I want to say (even the occasional meme) does the trick.

GIFs, too.

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

thanks for those details!

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

I love making my own graphics and memes ... primarily from photos I take. Maybe I never actually outgrew my childhood picture books, but interesting photos and infographics really light up my joy in reading and learning.

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