A picture is a poem without words – Horace.

When creating The Writer’s Desk image and knowing it would be an NFT,

it was important to me for the viewer to be able to interact with the photo, to zoom in and explore the details.

I will say I spent the most time researching the best pixel dimensions, resolution and file format for online detailed viewing.

I also needed to consider the final file size. I tried to keep my file size under 10MB so that it would load quickly for the viewers.

My final file size was huge 137MB.

Eventually with advice from a friend Ted Conley who is a professional graphic designer I discovered the option to EXPORT as a 72 web legacy file.

Once I exported as a 72 web legacy JPG the file size was 10MB and gave the result I wanted.

The viewer can zoom in and read the pages on the wall and see the dust on the TV!

When telling a visual story,

I create with intent.

Each item is thoughtfully chosen and purposefully placed for compositional balance and to allow negative space.

With The Writer’s Desk I want to catch the viewer’s attention by evoking feelings of nostalgia with the vintage, colorful blue typewriter, yellow paper and red phone.

I want to tell a story of a writer and her vices.

The last cigarette.

The final drops of cheap whiskey.

And

the blank page staring back reminding her of her inability to focus, mental fog and lack of inspiration.

I searched for the perfect green ashtray and the vintage matchbook.

I wanted the scene to feel authentic.

ETSY is such a great place for finding unique items and the sellers are eager to help.

I don’t smoke and I found it surprisingly difficult to find someone who does.

I grew up with smokers and I’ve cleaned the dirty ashtrays and looked for butts and took out the tobacco to roll new cigarettes for my mom. I never thought I wouldn’t have access to ashtrays and cigarettes.

This is where a friend I’ve known for at least 20 years came to my rescue. Elesha is a smoker and she is also a very creative, artistic person, so when I text asking if I could get some cigarette butts and an empty cigarette pack for a photo she completely GOT WHAT I WAS TRYING TO DO and provided. Thank you E.

I chose the point of view from above to create a feeling of anxiousness. It’s all there in front of her.

If you are a creative then I’m sure you understand.

I also wanted the viewer to understand that feeling of being lost while present in the moment.

I always try to add a touch of humor, I feel it’s an important element for my visual stories.

With The Writer’s Desk I extend the smoke of her cigarette reflection so that it is moving outside of the tv and into the room.

The entire process from the start to finish took a full three months.

Here is one of the biggest takeaways from this experience of creating my first NFT; START and give yourself plenty of time and be patient with yourself and the overall process.

I would like to add that when I was starting this creative journey one of the first persons I reached out to for advice and guidance was my Photography Instructor Narciso Argüelles. I want to thank him for always being generous with his experience and knowledge.

Watch the B R E A T H E blog for the next post where I explain the process of minting and listing an NFT.

Gina Zhidov is a Visual Storyteller and Photography instructor who loves to learn and is thankful for the creative outlet of Photography. You can view my photography at https://500px.com/p/reginnazhidov