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  • Posted by Andy George on July 25, 2005 at 9:25 pm

    Im thinking about gettin some more of that education stuff (part time still need to edit ot pay the bills) and was wondering if anyone here had any advice on online schools.

    I already have a degree in film/television but Ive always felt that some formal graphic design learning would be a very complimentary fit to editing/compositing. Some typogrophy, color theory, some advanced Photoshop classes that sort of thing. There is a pretty decent graphic design college in my home town but wanted to explore some of the online potential before I jumped in both feet. Has anyone had any experience in distant learning in graphic design?

    I know I can just read books and learn on my own but Ive been telling myself that for ten years now and the only time I buy a book or go online to learn something is because I need to know how to do it tommorrow! Plus Ive been fealing a bit burnt out lately and think some brain power spent in a complimentary arena would help put some life back into my work.

    Any suggestions/recommendations would be welcome

    Andy George
    Black Dog Films

    Capnmarko replied 19 years, 6 months ago 5 Members · 6 Replies
  • 6 Replies
  • Matt Sowder

    July 26, 2005 at 4:57 pm

    Andy,
    I’ve been in that exact same funk myself (I apologize if it isn’t & it’s just plain funk!). I find myself after years of college being able to follow along in text book-like training guides. I’ve picked up some great tip books like Down & Dirty Tricks for Photoshop (Scott Kelby is absolutely incredible). A company puts out Visual Quickstart guides for various media programs that I’ve grown to like (Photoshop, Dreamweaver & FCP)…

    Online options? No I’ve not done that but I have toyed with going to our local art institute to pick up color theory and some more composition theories. I’ve also supplemented my learning by online tutorial websites. My Photoshop site, http://www.good-tutorials.com , is updated frequently with a lot of online stuff that is useful for what we do. The cow here has some cool tutorial offerings as well…

    I guess what I am saying is that maybe enrolling isn’t necessarily your only option. A good book (used probably in a teaching course anyway) could save you the cost of “tuition” Also, ebay, half-priced book stores & half.com, amazon.com are good sources for used text books.

    Matt Sowder
    Fiddler’s Ridge Productions

  • Mike Cohen

    July 26, 2005 at 6:30 pm

    The Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin Williams is a great book to have on your shelf.

  • Bob Cole

    July 27, 2005 at 1:14 pm

    Two messages I’m hearing: desire to learn more about your craft, and burn-out.

    Think about taking courses in an area that is slightly off-topic: art history, instead of a Photoshop course; watercolor painting, instead of more tapping on a keyboard and guiding a mouse around a screen; or even something further afield.

    It’s a good thing that you’re looking — it shows you aren’t really totally burned out — yet!

    — BC

  • Matt Sowder

    July 27, 2005 at 7:56 pm

    Yeah,
    good point don’t OD on this stuff! No EXCELLENT point! I like Photoshop. I do a lot of creative things for my family and my girls that would cost an arm & leg to have done in a studio PLUS I get to expand my horizons in my field and personal life… That’s the real pay off. However, if you do pursue extra schooling variety is the spice of life. Adding interests outside of video does pay off (me? comics, sports, music & movies). I have lots of outside stimulus that crosses over to what I do. But also pursue those activities, new classes, whatever that take you completely away from work.

    Matt Sowder
    Fiddler’s Ridge Productions

  • Andy George

    July 27, 2005 at 8:21 pm

    All good thoughts. Thanks for your insight everyone.

    AG

  • Capnmarko

    August 2, 2005 at 2:24 am

    I would advise checking The Workshops at Rockport Maine. It is very worthwhile. I was only able to con work into paying for a Corporate Video class, but the instructor Steve Cartwright was very good and very experienced in his craft, it was interesting to see the advancements in training over the years.

    We were even given access to equipment to produce our own class training video on how to eat a lobster, to be shown on the last night along with footage from the other classes, High Def Cinematography, 60 Minutes style programs, and cool panaramic photography.

    You also have to pay for lodging and food, but it is worht it. It’s a complete imersive experience were you eat together and the cook is damn good. There is even a small active college so you get to interact with lots of young folks who are around as well.

    http://www.theworkshops.com

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