I have been tinkering with graphic design recently. I am actually planning on taking a few online courses on some basic Adobe software packages: InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, in an effort to learn some new skills and make some new digital art.

Here are some of the things I have been working on lately. These were created using some free creative commons images from Unsplash with a couple of photo editing apps. Besides the basic Paint 3D which comes with every new install of Microsoft 10 (or similar), I have been trying out the features of Canva, a free app available online or as a desktop application on Windows with a full suite of free tools as well as more advanced tools available with a Pro membership.

My subject for some of these initial projects were inspiring scriptures that I have a personal attachment to or have spoken to me in the past. The first picture at the top of this post is an adaptation of 2 Corinthians 5:17:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:32 (ESV)

Besides Bible passages, I also use various different tools for adding poetry directly to pictures or inspirational quotes. Haiga poetry is a type of Japanese poetry that incorporates a painting, and in my case, a photograph with a haiku or another poetry form. The picture is considered to be as much a part of the message being communicated as the words of the poem.

These scripture inspired prints are actually to me a form of Haiga. There is something in the photos communicating the meaning behind God’s word to me. There is something He is communicating in the words that is captured by the photos that I’ve added to the scripture.

He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

What kind of creative avenues are you growing in? Are you getting formal training or just dabbling? Are you learning by practicing? That is my favorite way to learn something new. Share below in the comments.