MINI ART WEEKEND!!!! JOIN ME!

I know I mentioned her before but I really would like to introduce you to an AMAZING photographer, Nicole Hill Gerulat. She is the talented hand behind A Little Sussy, a blog I've been following religiously for close to two years.

I don't think it's any secret that I have an interest for photography. I try to put as much effort as I can into the photos I post on this blog. But did you know that the outcome of my photos are about 50% camera / 50% Photoshop. Not the dumbed downed versions but the actual Photoshop. I didn't even have an SLR for the first year I posted on Grosgrain.

If you know your way around PS, you can take a photo with a 1.3 MP camera phone and end up with something worthy to hang on your wall!

Take a look at this completely artificial world I created with a few tips and tricks in Photoshop. Imagine the possibilities when you combine PS with other Adobe programs like Illustrator and InDesign. You can stop paying someone to make your own headers and make your own! I used Illustrator when making my TumTum Tree blog header.

Nicole and a few of her talented friends are offering some VERY useful classes to all you bloggers (and non-bloggers:) out there for a very affordable price in locations that may be close to you.

Mini Art Weekend in DC: OCt 2-3
Mini Art Weekend in NYC: Oct 9-10
Art Weekend in SLC: Nov 5-7

Classes offered: Photography, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and more! (In the SLC Art Weekend they offer Bookbinding, Selling on Etsy, Blogging, Papercutting, Screenprinting, etc.)

See here for more details and sign up.

Cost:
All classes (except photography): $50 each
Photography Crash Course: $200

Sign-ups:
Click here to sign up.

For a layout of the class schedule, click below to enlarge:

ALSO, keep your eyes out for nicoleclasses.com launching online in January featuring classes in Photography, Photoshop and Illustrator.





Fortunately for me, I've learned these programs in college and in my work. They are not as difficult to learn as you may believe. Once you have the hang of the way Adobe programs run, it's very easy to learn them all.

That being said, I've never taken a photography class and I have ALWAYS wished to participate in one. I majored in journalism and had many opportunities to take photojournalism classes, but for one reason or another (mostly money) I never took one and have ALWAYS regretted it. Finally, I'll be taking the extra step and attending the Photography 101 class in DC. Maybe I'll see you there!

See course descriptions below.

All above photos courtesy of Nicole Hill Gerulat.

taught by Mike Loveland

Learn Photoshop's most useful tools and become familiar with the workspace. Use Photoshop to enhance your photos by improving color and contrast. Learn about layer masking and actions. Laptop with Photoshop CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class.) Taught byMike Loveland. This class is offered Friday, October 9th, from 2:00pm - 3:50pm or Saturday, October 10th, from 2:00pm - 3:50pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Mike Loveland

Use Camera RAW, an industry-preferred way to enhance your photos and manipulate your images without damaging the original file. Images will be provided. Laptop with Photoshop CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the week before class.) This is a great class to take after Photoshop Basics and Photo 101 Crash Course. Taught by Mike Loveland. This class is offered Friday, October 9th, from 4:00pm - 5:50pm or Saturday, October 10th, from 4:00pm - 5:50pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Alma Loveland

Learn the basics of Illustrator to get you on your way to creating logos, graphics, and vector illustrations. Don't know what vector is? That's a very good reason to take this course. Laptop with Illustrator CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com.Please do not download until one week before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland. This class is offered Friday, October 9th, from 9:00am - 10:50am or Saturday, October 10th, from 9:00am - 10:50am.Click here to sign up.

taught by Alma Loveland

Learn how to create graphics unique to you or your client. We'll cover the basics of logos, blog headers, and web buttons. An ideal class for up and coming entrepreneurs. Laptop with Illustrator CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until one week before class.) It is recommended to take this class after Illustrator Basics. Taught by Alma Loveland. This class is offered Friday, October 9th, from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Alma Loveland

InDesign is the best program to use for books, brochures, and newsletters. Learn to create templates in InDesign to keep the look of your publications consistent. We'll work on a cookbook spread together in class. No previous experience with InDesign required. Laptop with InDesign CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available atadobe.com. Please do not download until one week before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland. This class is offered Saturday, October 10th from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Click here to sign up.