Software Advice & Training
After more than 15 years as a full-time graphic designer, illustrator and hand-letterer, I’ve become pretty intimate pals with Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, as well as several other apps you may not even know about yet! I offer customized training in how to best utilize these programs in your work, and I can guide you from initial setup through to building final print files to hand off to a professional printer. Not sure which program is best for the work you want to do? I can talk you through the pros and cons of each and help you decide which suits your needs and budget.
+ PHOTOSHOP
Photoshop is such a vast program, and people in different industries utilize different areas of the software, so learning the exact elements you need can be difficult. I can help artists, illustrators and designers learn how to use Photoshop’s features to their full potential, including:
- photo optimization: colour correction, tweaks, removal of unwanted elements
- cleaning up scanned artwork
- preparing files for print: which colour profiles to use, screen vs paper output, ink density requirements, and more
- using adjustment layers effectively
- how & when to use blend modes
- how to create effective masks
- using custom brushes
and much more. Looking for specific Photoshop help? Get in touch!
+ INDESIGN
The industry standard for printed publications. I can teach you the basics to get you started, or more advanced aspects of the software.
- initial file setup
- using master pages
- how to deal with large, multi-section documents
- layout best practices
- working with type
- utilizing styles (character, paragraph and object)
- image placement and file types
- preparing files for print
and many more InDesign tips & tricks. Have specific InDesign needs? Get in touch!
+ ILLUSTRATOR
Never worked with vectors before? I'll help you understand how they work and get you up to speed.
- working with type
- how to use beziers
- working with colour
- why use vector vs raster
- pencil vs pen vs brush tool
- pattern maker
and much more. Want to learn more Illustrator tricks? Get in touch!
+ CLIP STUDIO PAINT / MANGA STUDIO
My favourite line drawing and lettering software. It's affordable and can save full-featured PSD files, even from an iPad! I can help with:
- custom brushes
- layers
- importing and exporting files
- working with colour
- adding texture
- when to use Clip Studio vs Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate
and much more. To start working smarter in Manga Studio, Get in touch!
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.