Practical Art skills

There are many tutorials and classes out there, but it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose—and often underwhelming when you discover it’s not the content you were after. Sometimes you need someone to help you learn a set of skills & techniques specific to your project or practice, without having to wade through all of the non-applicable stuff.

tools & techniques

Wondering how to best cut mat board? Which substrate is best for your project? How to paint steady lines on a mural wall? If you need help with a project, send me the details and I’ll let you know if I can help out.

Some of the things I can assist with:

  • choosing which computer software and hardware is best suited to your needs

  • choosing the best paper type for your project

  • mural or sign painting tools & techniques

  • cutting tools and best practices

  • migrating from traditional media to iPad

Hand lettering

Interested in learning the art of lettering? Many classes show you how to letter in specific styles, but skip over the basics. I can give you a foundation, including:

  • rules for each letter, why they’re shaped the way they are

  • what leading and kerning are & how to space letters properly

  • optimal wrist & arm movement (when using traditional OR digital tools)

  • using dip pens to master strokes

  • how to letter with a brush

  • line weight variation techniques

  • using digital tools for hand lettering

Working with a print shop

Sending your first (or even tenth) file to a professional printer can be daunting. I can show you how to set up files properly so you become your printer’s favourite client!

  • offset & digital printing guidance:

  • things to take into account up front, before setting up your file

  • finding out printer specs before starting job

  • what type(s) of file to submit

  • file setup best practices

  • colour issues: figuring out colour profile and ink density

  • best practices for printing on different types of paper or other substrates

The File Detective

Trying to figure out what the #$@*&! has gone wrong with your file? Something not working despite following all the steps? Frustrated and ready to throw in the towel? Let me take a look. With years of experience in a wide variety of software and the dogged tenacity to stick with a problem until it’s solved, I can often find the fly in the digital ointment.

Some of the file types I can work with:

  • Photoshop (.psd, .psb)

  • Illustrator (.ai, .pdf)

  • InDesign (.indd, .indt, .idml)

  • Clip Studio / Manga Studio (.csp)

  • Premiere Pro (.prproj)

  • After Effects (.aep)

Pricing starts at $50. If I think I can help after assessing your file, I will quote you a flat rate fee.