Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other training

Since we opened our training center I get asked what is the training plan, especially on a budget? So, I thought it out a little, copied parts of some of my other post and thought I would share it here.

All of it really depends upon your learning preferences. I have been a multimedia specialist for the Air Force for about 5 years now. I started in 2000, as an assistant doing general office duties, with some web, graphics, etc as I could encourage them to let me do them. My original degree is in Mass Communications, specializing in Radio, Television, and Film. How did I get here?

I have used Lynda, Total Training, the WOW books, and instructor led hands on classes. The instructor led classes are more expensive but I think they are extremely valuable. In fact, I believe in them enough, my wife and I opened Millbrook Office Support and Training.

As much as I would love to tell people class room training is the only way to go, well it is not, especially if your training budget is out of your own pocket and your budget is limited. I get asked for training plans a lot and I pretty much stick to the same general plan concept.

First, I tell them to get the software. Open it up and actually experiment with it. Explore the help files and FREE online tutorials.

Then look at Lynda or Total Training on a month to month plan but rarely a full year subscription. Make sure you can fit in the time to use the pay plans before committing a lot of money on them. It can be difficult to set aside the time everyday, other day, or so on to sit down and use the online training. You really have to be dedicated to it.

Then attend a training class at a certified training center. A certified expert can teach you ways of saving time, money, and really cool tricks that are priceless that you may never discover by training on your own. This advice is the same no matter what the type of training it is. Adobe, Microsoft, 3D Max, any of the complex programs can be difficult to figure out on your own. A true Adobe certified expert at an Adobe Authorized Training Center is well worth the time, the money, it will cost to attend a Photoshop or Illustrator class.

If ever in Alabama, we would love for you to attend one of our training classes. You can find us at http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

I wish you well and good luck with which ever plan you decide on.

Dennis