The Design Q: Vol. 2 - Black & White Photo with a POP of Color

A quick and easy way to get a dramatic effect on a photo is to pop out a color. This creates a focal point in your picture.

Step 1: Open your color photo in Adobe Photoshop

Step 2: Duplicate the layer by dragging your layer to "Create a new layer" on the Layers Panel.

Step 3: Turn your top layer to a black and white photo. Go to Image/Adjustments/Desaturate (Command+shift+U).

Step 4:  Add a layer mask to the black and white layer. On the layers palette "Add vector mask". Pick a focal point. I used the flower on this cuties head.

Step 5:  Click on the layer mask (the white box now on your top layer). Choose the eraser tool. Hover over your photo where you want your pop of color to appear. Click on the photo to erase away at the black and white photo. The color photo below will show through.

 WaLa...you are done! Have a burning Photoshop question? Let me know.

Curly NYE Hair

I had total hair envy when I saw Johanna from Three Nutz Baking Co. She also has curly hair and I know she would have some good CurlyQ Tips. So what do I do? I ask her to do a guest blog post. Your welcome! I think this hair would look perfect for NYE or just to spice things up for a night out. Below are photos and step-by-step directions to achieve the look. Thanks Johanna!

DAY 1:  I put in curling mousse and spray gel and allow my hair to air dry.

DAY 2: Later that day or the next morning (preferably) I brush it out (every curly haired girls nightmare of course). I like to add some dry shampoo to the roots and tease it a bit to give somebody.

Section off the bottom two inches of hair and clip up the rest. I split the hair down the middle. On one side, I wrap the hair around the barrel or wand starting closest to the scalp. If using a regular curling iron, I do not use the clamp. I hold for 15-20 seconds depending on how corse your hair is. Do the same to the other side. Always start the hair on the right side wrapping the same direction and everything on the left the same as itself. You usually want the hair to wrap over the front first, this way the hair curls up and toward the back of the head. Once curled gently pull the curled pieces in front of your shoulders.

Pull out another two inch section, right around the temple. In one inch tall sections, curl the hair the same way.

Once you reach the crown of the head, pull out the sections and curl alternating directions right and left.

Once everything is curled and while the hair is still warm, I like to clip up the top pieces of hair so it cools with some volume. Then, add a little hairspray before letting it out. 

Use a pomade or oil (my favorite is the Aveda, but I was currently out of it so I used argan oil) rub onto the ends and get rid of the frizz! Shake out your hair (do not comb) and hairspray upside down and let dry.

Sometimes I will go back and tease again if it is falling flat. If I'm really not having any luck then you can pin up the top to give it some volume. 

Since our hair is already prone to holding it's form, curly hair likes to stay curled so the style should last to the next morning! Which is perfect if you are racing out to brunch. It will either be fine on it's own (may need a re-curl here and there) or you can always pin to one side, pin half up, or my favorite add a super cute hat.

The Design Q: Vol. 1

Welcome to The Design Q! A place where I share all things art related. I'm a graphic designer by trade and have a real passion for what I do. So here is your first dose of design inspiration.

I had the great fortune to take a calligraphy class hosted by Design Love Fest and taught by Lauren of Blue Eye Brown Eye. I have always been a lover of fonts and lately I am experimenting more with hand lettering. Plus, it's a total excuse for a mama's day out and artistic recharge!

If you follow me on Instagram (@curlyqchristy) you may have seen a few photos from this special day. I really loved the material setup. Blue Eye Brown Eye had me at "hello beautiful". My workspace was adored with this hand lettered and foil printed note card, a calligraphy pen, ink, pink (squealing inside) gouache, washi tape, nibs located in a small vellum envelope held shut with a hot pink heart (swoon), and a bunch of awesome written materials for the course. I left out, but have to mention the little pink dog. This is a business card for Blue Eye Brown Eye...so fun! I love using different size cards or shapes for an unexpected business card option.

The class covered how to mix colored ink (gouache really), use and hold a calligraphy pen (which is super awkward, but you get over it), the difference between traditional and modern calligraphy (it's all about inconstancy for the modern version), and then it was ALL lettering practice from there. Music was playing in the background and Design Love Fest had a beautiful space to sit, chill, and get artsy! What more could you ask for? I came out of the class so inspired and can't wait to share some of my work...stay tuned!

Of course, even when I am away... I am always thinking of my boys. The proof is in the writing!