Adobe Illustrator classes aren't quite as popular as Photoshop and some of the other Adobe products but I think that might be a mistake, depending upon your industry. In a Birmingham Alabama creativity tour with Bert Monroy , I was able to see how well Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator could work together but it was until I went back to school did I realize how powerful Illustrator can be with the right training.
It is somewhat backwards to Photoshop users and that had a lot to do with, well everything to do with why I didn't give it a fair try.
Illustrator is designed to create light weight vector designs not bloated pixel creations. If you create artwork that needs to be reproduced in everything from tiny to huge Illustrator is your only smart way, although smart objects can help it is not replacement. Logos, web graphics, and more can be created and replicated with powerful Illustration tools.
If you are not familiar with a smart object, well you are missing quite a treat within Adobe's Photoshop CS3. I will save the big deal for another post. I will say the smart object tool will help you blow up images or parts of designs without it becoming to pixelated. It gives you a little wiggle room but don't confuse it with a true vector image. It is far from it. That is still Adobe Illustrator's domain.
Join us at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center on November 10 & 11 for our Adobe Illustrator hand on class. Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Printing service and training center celebrates 6 months
It is hard to believe Millbrook Office Support and Training Center has only been open six months. What started out as a custom print shop or “boutique” and a computer training center is growing into much more. According to Dennis Tomlin their plan in the beginning “was to become the only Adobe Authorized Training Center in Alabama, a Microsoft training partner, and a truly custom print shop”, but it seems more opportunities are coming their way.
A few weeks ago they began negotiations with the University of Alabama to become one of only four state insurance exam testing centers in the state. The other four are located in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile, and now Millbrook. Starting on October 23, current and potential insurance agents located in central Alabama will now take at least five different insurance examinations with them in order to obtain their state insurance license. “Through this process we learned from Denise Maddox the coordinator at UA, insurance agents must pass exams if they want to sell policies for fire protection, life insurance, and other types of policies”. “This really excites us on two different levels” Dennis says. “The UA contract will help offset business operating expenses which are so important with the current economical turbulence but it also creates a win-win-win situation for all of us. Approximately fifty five potential clients that may need our other services will walk through our doors each week; agents needing business cards, forms, copies, promotional items, and our other many services. But it also brings fifty five people to Millbrook forty nine weeks per year, that otherwise may not have been coming to our community. They will be here for three hours or more. They will need lunch, gas, snacks… they will need the services our community offers. We are very excited for all of us about this opportunity.”
Millbrook Office Support’s other services have also grown in this short period of time. They have become a store front and soon a web front for other small business in our area. “We knew from the start we wanted to provide promotional items to other businesses and organizations but what we didn’t realize there were local small businesses working out of their homes creating many of these products. We have teamed up with a local jeweler, the Alabama clay sculptor, an engraver, an Alabama author, and a hand carved pen set maker, along with other unique craftsman located right here in the river region. We are all trying to make a living and working together, I believe we can all succeed even in these turbulent times.”
Not all of their products are created local. They have become an Amazon affiliate allowing books, software, unique gifts, and much more to be purchased through their web site. “It only made sense to join up with Amazon. They offer the books and software we teach in our classes. With our affiliation they stock the products saving us up front costs and our clients can order them as needed.
Millbrook Office Support was also a participant in the Chamber’s recent business expo. “It was a great opportunity for us. We were able to talk one-on-one with so many people and businesses from Millbrook and the surrounding area that had no idea we were here. And talk to other businesses that we had no idea where in Millbrook. Businesses that can do everything from repair dents in your vehicle, decorate your home, beauty products and so very much more. We were amazed how many unique small businesses were here in Millbrook. After the public was gone, we found ourselves talking to each other and sharing ideas on how to better serve our customers, cut expenses, affordable advertising strategies, and general networking with each other. An expo where small businesses can come together and gain exposure to each other and the public is such an awesome event. We can’t wait until next year’s expo to see how much more Millbrook has grown.”
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center represents the new small business model with the old “small town spirit”, with a high-tech flavor. The technology they bring to Millbrook represents the future of our town. Their willingness to work hard toward their own American dream when economist say they shouldn’t is incredible but it is their understanding of the importance of community that represents the American spirit our country and what our community was founded on. The founders of Millbrook new as a community we could do it. Millbrook Office Support also believes as a community working together we can do it.
For more information on computer classes or their other printing services visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
http://millbrookofficesupport.com/ or call 334-285-6808.
A few weeks ago they began negotiations with the University of Alabama to become one of only four state insurance exam testing centers in the state. The other four are located in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile, and now Millbrook. Starting on October 23, current and potential insurance agents located in central Alabama will now take at least five different insurance examinations with them in order to obtain their state insurance license. “Through this process we learned from Denise Maddox the coordinator at UA, insurance agents must pass exams if they want to sell policies for fire protection, life insurance, and other types of policies”. “This really excites us on two different levels” Dennis says. “The UA contract will help offset business operating expenses which are so important with the current economical turbulence but it also creates a win-win-win situation for all of us. Approximately fifty five potential clients that may need our other services will walk through our doors each week; agents needing business cards, forms, copies, promotional items, and our other many services. But it also brings fifty five people to Millbrook forty nine weeks per year, that otherwise may not have been coming to our community. They will be here for three hours or more. They will need lunch, gas, snacks… they will need the services our community offers. We are very excited for all of us about this opportunity.”
Millbrook Office Support’s other services have also grown in this short period of time. They have become a store front and soon a web front for other small business in our area. “We knew from the start we wanted to provide promotional items to other businesses and organizations but what we didn’t realize there were local small businesses working out of their homes creating many of these products. We have teamed up with a local jeweler, the Alabama clay sculptor, an engraver, an Alabama author, and a hand carved pen set maker, along with other unique craftsman located right here in the river region. We are all trying to make a living and working together, I believe we can all succeed even in these turbulent times.”
Not all of their products are created local. They have become an Amazon affiliate allowing books, software, unique gifts, and much more to be purchased through their web site. “It only made sense to join up with Amazon. They offer the books and software we teach in our classes. With our affiliation they stock the products saving us up front costs and our clients can order them as needed.
Millbrook Office Support was also a participant in the Chamber’s recent business expo. “It was a great opportunity for us. We were able to talk one-on-one with so many people and businesses from Millbrook and the surrounding area that had no idea we were here. And talk to other businesses that we had no idea where in Millbrook. Businesses that can do everything from repair dents in your vehicle, decorate your home, beauty products and so very much more. We were amazed how many unique small businesses were here in Millbrook. After the public was gone, we found ourselves talking to each other and sharing ideas on how to better serve our customers, cut expenses, affordable advertising strategies, and general networking with each other. An expo where small businesses can come together and gain exposure to each other and the public is such an awesome event. We can’t wait until next year’s expo to see how much more Millbrook has grown.”
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center represents the new small business model with the old “small town spirit”, with a high-tech flavor. The technology they bring to Millbrook represents the future of our town. Their willingness to work hard toward their own American dream when economist say they shouldn’t is incredible but it is their understanding of the importance of community that represents the American spirit our country and what our community was founded on. The founders of Millbrook new as a community we could do it. Millbrook Office Support also believes as a community working together we can do it.
For more information on computer classes or their other printing services visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
http://millbrookofficesupport.com/ or call 334-285-6808.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Learning Photo Retouching Can Really Pay Off
Hi everyone,
I'm taking a slight break from my top ten groups and associations. Someone can to our Millbrook Office with a disk full of images they wanted to create a lasting memory with in the form of a DVD. I told them great and that it sounded like a fun project.
After they left I started looking at the images and felt bad for them. Many of the pictures were damaged or out of focus. It was clear why they had given those pictures to me... they were great shots, a once in a life time opportunity but the problem was age or bad photography had stolen the moment.
Here's where an artistry only available in the digital dark room and Adobe Photoshop has the tools required. Before, I go any further, yes there are 1,000's of plugins out there to make photo retouching easier and more costly but you don't have to go that way.
Photoshop has a red eye remover, a variety of patch tools, color samplers, sharpening and blurring tools, and hundreds of combinations of tools to remove cracks, blurriness, tears and creases, picture noise and so much more.
So, you ask how can photo retouching pay off for you. Well, for the hobbyist it can help take an average photo and create well something truly special. However, you if you truly get serious about photo retouching a program like Photoshop can take a hobby and turn it into a career. It could be for a small wedding photographer or a major magazine or design firm. Retouching photos is everywhere and you can learn the skills but it takes time, practice, and training. Preferably from certified experts or at a minimum reputable craftsman in the field. You will truly pay for what you get but not what you need. Shop wisely when it comes to training.
So if you have Adobe Photoshop CS3 you have the tool box but do you have the skills. Well that may be a different story all together. Photo retouching is a craft. It is an artistry in to its self that can bring old photographs to life.
Let us help you learn the craft in an upcoming workshop with Stacy Cates here at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center. Seats are limited so call today for this special occasion.
334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com
You can view our entire schedule at:
Millbrook Training Center Schedule
Til next time.
I'm taking a slight break from my top ten groups and associations. Someone can to our Millbrook Office with a disk full of images they wanted to create a lasting memory with in the form of a DVD. I told them great and that it sounded like a fun project.
After they left I started looking at the images and felt bad for them. Many of the pictures were damaged or out of focus. It was clear why they had given those pictures to me... they were great shots, a once in a life time opportunity but the problem was age or bad photography had stolen the moment.
Here's where an artistry only available in the digital dark room and Adobe Photoshop has the tools required. Before, I go any further, yes there are 1,000's of plugins out there to make photo retouching easier and more costly but you don't have to go that way.
Photoshop has a red eye remover, a variety of patch tools, color samplers, sharpening and blurring tools, and hundreds of combinations of tools to remove cracks, blurriness, tears and creases, picture noise and so much more.
So, you ask how can photo retouching pay off for you. Well, for the hobbyist it can help take an average photo and create well something truly special. However, you if you truly get serious about photo retouching a program like Photoshop can take a hobby and turn it into a career. It could be for a small wedding photographer or a major magazine or design firm. Retouching photos is everywhere and you can learn the skills but it takes time, practice, and training. Preferably from certified experts or at a minimum reputable craftsman in the field. You will truly pay for what you get but not what you need. Shop wisely when it comes to training.
So if you have Adobe Photoshop CS3 you have the tool box but do you have the skills. Well that may be a different story all together. Photo retouching is a craft. It is an artistry in to its self that can bring old photographs to life.
Let us help you learn the craft in an upcoming workshop with Stacy Cates here at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center. Seats are limited so call today for this special occasion.
334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com
You can view our entire schedule at:
Millbrook Training Center Schedule
Til next time.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
And Let the top 10 begin!
Depending upon your interest you will there is a group for just about anything you are looking to join. For instance, photography clubs can be of great interest whether you are a hobbyist or professional.
If you want to actually meet with others I would certainly checkout http://meetup.com You can search and find groups in your area with your same interests. For example, I have recently started a group that deals with graphics, web design, multimedia, and other related topics. You can find us at: http://webdesign.meetup.com/525/
10) So, http://meetup.com would rank only because of its diversity. You can find any kind of group you are looking to join, schedule meetings, post images, and has a bulletin board.
9) OK, so far I am focusing in on where to find the group for you. One of the next great places to join is Google Groups. Google groups allows you to join as many groups as you would like to and in as many areas as you can dream up.
For instance, I have an Adobe Photoshop groups, a photography group, an Adobe Illustrator group, an Adobe training in Alabama group, well I think you get the idea. If I am stuck on a problem or I can help someone else with a problem... the answer can be found in a Google help group. I think Yahoo and MSN also have them but I am really pleased with how google allows you to control the groups. You can find them at: http://groups.google.com/
That's it for this week. If you are interested looking for inspiration a group is a great way to start. You can find a few more ideas at:
Til next time!
Dennis Tomlin
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center
Alabama's Only Adobe Authorized Training Center
If you want to actually meet with others I would certainly checkout http://meetup.com You can search and find groups in your area with your same interests. For example, I have recently started a group that deals with graphics, web design, multimedia, and other related topics. You can find us at: http://webdesign.meetup.com/525/
10) So, http://meetup.com would rank only because of its diversity. You can find any kind of group you are looking to join, schedule meetings, post images, and has a bulletin board.
9) OK, so far I am focusing in on where to find the group for you. One of the next great places to join is Google Groups. Google groups allows you to join as many groups as you would like to and in as many areas as you can dream up.
For instance, I have an Adobe Photoshop groups, a photography group, an Adobe Illustrator group, an Adobe training in Alabama group, well I think you get the idea. If I am stuck on a problem or I can help someone else with a problem... the answer can be found in a Google help group. I think Yahoo and MSN also have them but I am really pleased with how google allows you to control the groups. You can find them at: http://groups.google.com/
That's it for this week. If you are interested looking for inspiration a group is a great way to start. You can find a few more ideas at:
Til next time!
Dennis Tomlin
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center
Alabama's Only Adobe Authorized Training Center
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Associations and Friends are important for success
It is difficult to live in a vaccum and have success as a designer, no matter what you are designing. You need to grow and one of the best ways to do this is by attending workshops, seminars, training classes, and joining associations.
There are hundreds of groups that use Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and nearly everything Adobe. For that matter every program out there has a following, find it,join it, become a part by asking questions but also answer questions.
In my next post I will list my top ten list. Til then visit Tips to Make You Better
Til next time.
Millbrook Training Center
There are hundreds of groups that use Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and nearly everything Adobe. For that matter every program out there has a following, find it,join it, become a part by asking questions but also answer questions.
In my next post I will list my top ten list. Til then visit Tips to Make You Better
Til next time.
Millbrook Training Center
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