Blog
Tech thoughts, workflow notes and digital-life observations.
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Combining Vectors with Rasters: Shape Builder and More
My newest instructional video focuses on using Illustrator’s Shape Builder tool (Shift M), coupled with Effect > 3D and Materials > Extrude and Bevel and Effect > Distort and Transform > Transform tools to create interesting head gear (among other things). I used this technique to create the following illustrations below. -Krishna
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FrugalMac: Clouds, Locations, Trackpads and Notifications
Cloud-based syncing via iCloud is generally pretty good, but right now, during setup: it’s a distraction. The FrugalMac setup is all about intention, so I’m turning it off until I’m ready. To do so, go to your Apple account, click iCloud and turn off iCloud Drive. This will remove iCloud Drive files from my M5…
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FrugalMac: Keeping Up Appearances
As a long-time Mac user, macOS’s customization options have slowly improved. (More customizing options are still needed.) Let’s start with some basic appearance tweaks, found within Settings > Appearance. From the top, I’ve chosen Auto to have my Mac change from light to dark mode, based on time of day. However you feel about Liquid…
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FrugalMac: Fixing the Finder Windows
Perhaps the title is a bit hyperbolic. I’m not fixing the Finder’s windows, I’m configuring them to work best for me. But first, let’s go to Finder Settings > Advanced and turn on Filename Extensions and Keep folders on top. I routinely share files between different platforms, so having visible file name extensions are a…
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Is Making Art Not Enough? Why?
Hat tip to Jason Kottke for bringing attention to this sobering and insightful essay by contemporary artist fnnch on How to Make a Living as an Artist. The number one mistake I see artists make is not accepting that they run a business. If you cannot accept and even embrace this simple fact, you are…
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FrugalMac: Configuring the Dock and Desktop
The default macOS Dock is littered with application icons, many of which I don’t use. And most of which I don’t care to see. Below is the macOS Tahoe Dock in its default state: Hideous, right? Let’s remove the clutter. Ahh! Much better. Next, let’s tackle the Finder Desktop settings, under View > Show View…
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How I Learn New Design Skills in 2026
In terms of learning new skills, we live in a glorious time. The Internet is chock full of excellent, actionable design tutorials that go way beyond what a classroom environment or textbook could provide. Incidentally, much of what I know about Photoshop comes from reading books and applying the techniques into my own work. (Aside:…
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FrugalMac: Sorting out the Finder Sidebar and more
The first stop in changing the default Finder experience is Finder > Settings…. In the General tab, I have Hard disks, External Disks, and Connected Servers checked to be visible on the macOS Desktop. I also prefer having new windows open to show the Desktop. Next, let’s examine the standard Finder window sidebar. In its…
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What I Want from macOS in WWDC 2026
A few days ago on the Rocket Yard blog, I pontificated on features and fixes I’d like Apple to include in macOS 27. My hopes are not high, particularly due to the rumors swirling around Apple’s intent to deeply embrace AI integration within their numerous operating systems. Nevertheless, my wish list may resonate with other…
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FrugalMac: Unboxing and Initial Setup of an M5 Pro MacBook Pro
I’m typing this post within a few minutes of unboxing my new M5 Pro MacBook Pro. I’ll share a few obligatory photos, but I’ll skip past the usual commentary on the build quality and aesthetics. The new machine is, in just about every instance, identical to my M1 Pro MacBook Pro. A few bits of…