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There is a certain master photographer and photomanipulator out there in the world, whose work and Photoshop skill is impeccable. Every image needs to be carefully scrutinized to see what's amiss, so as not to miss the subtle message being conveyed. In fact, even looking at images that don't seem to have been manipulated at all - such as his landscape photos - still leaves one searching to see if anything has been overlooked. Such is this photographer's wonderful gift in hiding contrast and dual messages in photos, that his work is used extensively for big brand advertisements; who are always attempting to convey and communicate a message to their consumers. You may even have seen some of his work without even knowing it.

Who is this mystery man? I won't say. Why?
For the simple reason, that - talented as he his - at times the subject matter and material of his work is - from a Christian viewpoint - dubious to say the least. So, rather enjoy these marvellous samples of Photoshop wizardry, and should you seek to uncover the source's identity... you're on your own.

Hello Kitty Tarot Cards

insidious [ɪnˈsɪdɪəs]
adj
1. stealthy, subtle, cunning, or treacherous
2. working in a subtle or apparently innocuous way, but nevertheless deadly
[from Latin insidiōsus cunning, from insidiae an ambush, from insidēre to sit in]

The Bible says that Satan "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8), and no doubt his schemes are both varied and plentiful. None can be more insidious though than this latest invention: tarot cards for kids.

You may feel that there's nothing wrong with tarot cards. Well, God disagrees. The Bible strongly condemns spiritism, mediums, the occult, and psychics (Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-13). Horoscopes, tarot cards, astrology, fortune tellers, palm readings, and séances fall into this category as well. These practices are based on the concept that there are gods, spirits, or deceased loved ones that can give advice and guidance. These “gods” or “spirits” are demons (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

Need proof? Have a look at Acts 16:16-18, which describes a fortune teller, able to predict the future, until the apostle Paul rebuked a demon out of her.

All forms of "spiritualism" conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in some cases, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They all contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone. And starting kids off on tarot cards because they're "cute" is a very slippery slope into into the occult. Should you want to know more of what God really has in store for you, and His will for your life, simply study the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and pray for wisdom (James 1:5).

King Nebuchadnezzar once asked of his own wise men and astrologers to explain the meaning behind a dream he'd had. The trick? He would not tell them the details of the dream. His "advisors" replied:

"There is not a man on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among men." (Daniel 2:10-11)

Daniel prayed to the Lord, and He answered his prayers with the knowledge and interpretation of the king's dream. Let his words serve to close in summary about spiritualism:

"No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries."
(Daniel 2:27-28)

(You may be asking the question: WHy should we believe what the Bible says? Click here to see why.)

Mark Mabry

Mark Mabry has a wonderful new photographic exhibition entitled "Reflections of Christ". Mark himself is a Mormon - which is not another denomination of Biblical Christianity as some might mistakenly believe*- but his photos are nevertheless an amazing pictorial view into various scenes from the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of Man, God's Only Son.

*(For those who might dispute my statement about Mormonism, please click here. But first click here.)

Olly Howe

Olly has a technique of design/illustration that is very popular at the moment - one which I am partial to as well - yet he manages to stand out from the plethora of would-be designers who have also attempted to own this visual style. Some of his early work on his website suffers a little from the typical "new-designer-starting-out-lets-draw-babes" approach, but as he has succeeded in his commercial prospects, his work content has matured nicely. A solid portfolio to surf through.

AJ Dimarucot

AJ is a talented fulltime freelance t-shirt and apparel graphic designer. One of his tees recently picked up the $10,000 first prize in a competition over at Design by Humans. Looking through some of his creations, you can see why.
Some very nice work indeed - also up on his Behance site.

!!! Happy New Year 2010 !!!

I know my "New Year's" post is already quite late, but if you'd had the December that I had - you'd understand! Anyhow, 2010 is starting out quite well and I'm getting back into the swing of things and now that my company has employed a new designer, some of the pressure should be relieved off of me in terms of cracking work out, all of which means more posts for everyone - yay!

I hope that everyone enjoyed a fantastic and memorable Christmas time with friends and family, celebrating the joy and peace of the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation and reconciliation of Man to God.

May the year ahead be filled with wondrous events and growth in your Spiritual and Creative lives!

(The picture above is of the celebrations at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, where over 2 million people saw in the New Year with some incredible fireworks displays which were launched off the ships anchored off the coast.)