People call me “Jette”, which is short for Juliette. I’m pretty boring and a bit of a hermit these days. I was born with a genetic condition that caused moderate disability by the time I was 30 (I am now 52) , and continues to worsen each year. In late 2023 my condition flared to a new extreme and I was left mostly housebound during 2024.
As you might expect, I spent a lot of time on my computer and the internet during that year! And that is how I discovered a Reddit sub called “PhotoshopRequest“. I don’t have Adobe Photoshop (way too rich for my blood!) but I do have a few other editing programs that I have enjoyed using over the last 30 years. I am not professionaly trained, and I do not consider myself an “artist” in the true sense of the word because my ASD brain just doesn’t have the vivid imagination required to be that creative. But the technical aspects of graphic design and manipulation… now that is where I shine! Something about editing things in minute detail really bring me immense satisfaction!
So while stuck at home, I dedicated some of my time to learning new graphic design and manipulation techniques. It was while looking for ideas on which to practice those techniques that I discovered groups like PhotoshopRequest. On these forums, visitors can post requests for assistance in various graphic design and photo alteration projects. A group of “Photoshop Wizards” who frequent the boards will take on these tasks, sometimes for free, but often receiving tips if their submission “wins” out of all the submissions. At first, new Wizards can only work on free requests, and have to prove first that they have some level of skill in order to work on paid requests.
This was a treasure trove of unique ideas with which to practice my new skills! I began doing a few free requests per day, and was quickly promoted to piad status, but I still do the free requests too if they are something that piques my interest. I am there to practice… any money earned is just a bonus! That said, even many of the free requesters will often still tip a few dollars, and let me tell you, when you are living on a very tight disability budget, every dollar is a blessing, so tips are greatly appreciated! If you would like to show your support, you can Tip Me Here!