Random thoughts

Just some random musings of the world around me.

Plus, I figured if I committed to updating this section, I will be forced to edit/update my site at least once a month.

November 27, 2025

Today is Thanksgiving and I have a lot of gratitude for my life. Here is a link to a LinkedIn post, talking about gratitude.

November 7, 2025

I posted this a while back on LinkedIn. But it applies to this day.

When it comes to learning software, I have found that every software has its ‘critical mass’ point. That is, once I get over that particular hurdle in that learning curve, everything else follows naturally. For example:

*Adobe Photoshop* -- (my first software), it was learning layers (and layer masks, adjustment layers, etc.) that was the turning point for me. That, and the brush tool (and I found using a Wacom stylus pen is very helpful).e.

*Adobe Illustrator* --  (one of my favorite programs), it was learning Bezier curves...the continuous curve by means of a formula, created by French engineer Pierre Bezier. Once I got that down, (again, a Wacom stylus pen is the BOMB for this), I felt comfortable in the program.

*Adobe InDesign* -- (the Mother of all layout programs), it was learning Master pages and stylesheets. There is SO much to that program that many designers miss and it’s far more powerful than it’s given credit. But once I got those two concepts, everything fell into place.

*Adobe AfterEffects* -- (a POWERFUL program), it was understanding compositions and expressions. And mastering the camera. I have barely scratched the surface of this program but was able to do some motion graphics with the limited knowledge I have of the program.

*Adobe Animate and Tumult’s Hype* -- I found both of these programs have a lot in common and the turning point for me was learning symbols and how to use them constructively. I have had a lot of fun creating HTML5 based animated banners for Google ad submission and these two programs are excellent for that.

*Figma* -- I am still am learning Figma. But the defining moment for me was learning auto-layout. And prototyping (although I need to push that much further). I can see why it’s the preferred tool of most UX Designers.

*Webflow* -- I built this site in Webflow. I am finding that knowing a bit about website structure (HTML/CSS) and the terms associated with it is very helpful. Also, learning the Content Management System (CMS) is a big deal in this program. I have NOT hit my critical mass just yet. But hopefully, soon.

*Procreate* -- One of my favorite programs. Actually, there was very little learning curve on this one...the program is designed to make digital drawing/painting as close to the traditional method as possible. And it does! BUT, I watch a lot of tutorials from other digital artists to see how they tackle a painting.

October 27, 2025

Every year, I attend the #LightBoxExpo in Pasadena, California. And every year, I post my thoughts on #LinkedIn. Rather than reposting what I wrote on LinkedIn, here is the link:

October 6, 2025

Years ago, when I first created katymurta.com, using some old Adobe software (Muse? For the life of me, I can't remember), I added a section of my various thoughts and influences throughout my creative career.

Well, using the Wayback Machine (Google it!), I found the very early versions of this site and, lo and behold, there was a list of various artists that have profoundly influenced me over my lifetime.

I am providing that list here. I had forgotten about these various artists. So, in many ways, this page is a memento for me.

It's to help ME remember. Remember what it was like to love someone's work. To study them for hours. To remember what it was like to be INSPIRED. It's too easy to get jaded in this fast-paced industry.

The following creators are people that have influenced me in some profound way. Some I know personally, some I do not. Some are writers, some are artists. But all have made their mark on me in some way.