Why study Anime Studio 2D Animation? Because this amazing program is simple, fast, and very intuitive. A free Demo Program of Anime Studio will be used for the Class. It is unlimited except that it places a Watermark on all output. If you purchase Anime Studio, anything you created in the Demo can later be output without the Watermark.
Within three weeks of having Anime Studio, I was able to animate scenes that I had painted in Corel Painter IX. I created castles, pirate ships on the ocean, smoking volcanoes, flying birds, UFOs traveling through space, an underwater scene with moving fish, seaweed, and a shark.
I will teach you how to animate your own works of art! I will show you how to do some amazing 3D effects with any Paint program (that uses layers) and Anime Studio. Then you will only be limited by your imagination!
In my "Basic Anime Studio 2D Animation" Class, I will cover the fundamentals of animation. I will recommend readings. I will help you create Basic Scenes and show you how to dress them up and animate them. Through this gentle process, you will learn all you need to know to create your own works of art in Anime Studio Animation. I promise, this will be an exciting adventure. It is an incredible feeling to see something you have created come to life and move!
I will show you how to make a single frame scene ... and then how to turn it into an action scene.
You will learn how to make vector objects to use in your animations and how to color them with various effects. I will show you how to store elements in one project and then how to retrieve them from another, so you don’t have to redraw the same objects over again. You can literally create your own animation library to use as needed.
I will show you how to create a character. How to add bones (to be used for animation) and then how to animate it. I will show you how to work with Key Frames so you can easily change the timing of any element in your animation. Does it sound exciting? It is!
Anime Studio walks a line in almost being a 3D animation program. It has 3D elements within it. That means the skills you learn in Anime Studio will allow you to move into 3D animation later, if you wish. Why not just study a 3D program? My favorite 3D program recommends that a beginner plan on two years of study to make a 2 minute animation! That’s crazy. Studying Anime Studio is so much faster.
Anime Studio will allow you to enter 3D later on, if you wish, and cut the learning time way down. However, if you are like me, you have stories you want to tell now. You don’t want to spend years learning a program. You want to tell your stories now. Anime Studio will let you do that.
Any animation program takes time, but Anime Studio is the simplest I have found so far. It is fast and fun. I recommend at least a 1 gigaHertz computer or faster for animation work.
For more info about Lost Marble and Anime Studio Animation click here.
Join me to learn about making greeting cards using Adobe Photoshop Elements. During this class we will talk about layouts, printing, and even designing gift boxes using your photos or artwork. We will also talk about resizing, resolution, and resampling. You will learn to design envelopes and do creative folds, as well as designing your cards. Besides being a great photo editor, Photoshop Elements allows your creativity to shine with composites, collages, and other artwork. Whether you just use Elements to edit photos or you use it for artistic images, you can create one-of-a-kind greeting cards with ease.
IMPORTANT: There are two versions of this course: one for Adobe Photoshop and one for Adobe Photoshop Elements. You can find course information on the Photoshop version of the class here. Self Study DIY courses
Prerequisites:
This is an INTERMEDIATEclass. As such you will be expected to know the basics of using the software. You will need to know the basics of using Elements, and be proficient in using the text tool, and you must understand and be able to use layers to complete this course. If you have not completed the beginning course for your version of Photoshop Elements, you should take it before attempting this class, or have equivalent knowledge.
An understanding of your computer and operating system is required. You must know how to unzip a file and locate it and open it in Elements once you have unzipped it. You must understand the use of menus (File > Open, or any other command) and keyboard shortcuts. This means knowing how to use commands for your operating system, such as command + V means paste on the Mac and control + V means paste on the PC.
To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found here: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm
Previous class recommendations: You should take PSE3: Get Up to Speed, PSE 4: First Steps for Mac or PSE 4: First Steps for Windows before taking this class (the same computer knowledge prerequisites apply to this class as well). An understanding of layers and some more advanced concepts is absolutely essential to successful completion of the exercises in this course. PSE 2 users: If you want to attempt this class using PSE 2, you must have taken Photoshop Elements from the Ground Up. The differences between PSE 2 and the newer versions of PSE will not be covered.
This class is about improving the color of your photographs by modifying color and contrast, and how to use curves to change them, and make your images look better using Curvemeister 3, an amazing curves plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Elements. Although the Curvemeister plug-in will be used throughout this class, the principles you learn can be applied to any program that supports curves, particularly if that program offers access to individual color channels.
This class was written by Mike Russell, the creator and programmer of Curvemeister; however, Mike wants more time to devote to the development of his Curvemeister software, and he asked me, Sara Froehlich, to take over teaching the course. Having been a Curvemeister fan for a long time now, I was delighted to do so. This software will add a whole new dimension to your correction arsenal, whether you use full Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
Prerequisites
You must have Photoshop or Elements installed and you must know how to open and save files, and how to perform basics photo editing in your program of choice. This course covers only the use of Curvemeister, not Photoshop or Elements.
Besides Photoshop or Elements, you will need to have Curvemeister 3 or the demo installed. Curvemeister can be purchased from http://www.curvemeister.com, or you can download the demo to use for the course. Be aware that if you use the demo, you cannot save the changes and the images will be watermarked.
In this 6 week course on Discovering Blogging with Wordpress you will learn:
1) How to Setup WordPress using cPanel
2) Setting up a FTP connection
3) Working in the Admin Panel
4) Discovering WordPress Themes
5) Working with Plug-ins
6) Tips & Tricks
This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of installing and working in WordPress so you can begin blogging right away.
Prerequisites: You will need a domain name and web hosting that uses cPanel to be able to follow this class. HTML knowledge is helpful but not required.
It is recommended that you have your web hosting account before the class starts.
If you do not have web hosting you can check out Eclectic Academy Hosting which is specifically for students of the school. Or, you can check out the resource page for other options.
This course is for people who already have experience selling on eBay. This course is geared for those who are interested in selling on eBay more seriously, and are considering eBay a part-time business or more. In this course, I go into advanced selling techniques; Analyze eBay's selling services vs. other third-party services that cater to eBay Seller's needs; discuss keeping records and organizing many auctions; discuss equipment necessary to set up a "home studio" or taking better pictures; discuss resources that provide indicators on what will sell successfully on eBay; discuss sources people use to purchase goods to re-sell on eBay; Ideas of how to utilize the power of eBay's millions of buyers to best work for your business - thinking outside the box! I provide information on books, newsletters, theories and strategies of famous "eBay" gurus, schemes and pitfalls to avoid and how to get the most out of your auctions.
The pre-requisite for taking this course is: A good working knowledge of eBay; knowing how eBay's search engine works; Have a feedback as a Seller of at least 5 auctions, with a total positive feedback of 10. Or, you must have taken the eBay Selling Simplified course.
Note: This class has been updated to include Excel 2007
Learn how to use Excel to create and edit spreadsheets to produce inventory reports, invoices, budgets, customer databases, and more. Topics covered will include a walkthrough of the Excel interface, creating and editing various types of spreadsheets, using different formulas, creating charts, and basic sorting and filtering of data.
For a complete syllabus for all the classes please visit Linda's class page
prerequisite: You must have either Excel 97, 2000, 2002, 2003 or 2007 installed on your computer. A basic understanding of Windows file management is necessary. No other versions of Excel will be taught in this class, including Mac versions.
Learn how to REALLY get the most out of your Excel spreadsheets using the more advanced features of Excel, including macros, advanced filters, named ranges, consolidation, pivot tables and pivot charts, web pages, advanced and nested formulas, Goal Seek, validation, and subtotals. Also learn how to accurately print those large spreadsheets.
For a complete syllabus for all the classes please visit Linda's class page
prerequisite: You must have either Excel 97, 2000, 2002, 2003 or 2007 installed on your computer. No other versions of Excel will be taught in this class, including Mac versions. It is highly recommended that students complete Excel 101 first, or at least have a full understanding of all of the basic Excel features taught in
the 101 class, including simple IF statements. This class does not include VBA programming.
Expression Web Designer is Microsoft's new web editor tool for building and enhancing web sites with new design elements, such as cascading style sheets and personalized task panes.
It has been released and a trial can be downloaded now. Come join us in learning your way around EWD. It's absolutely jam packed with features you will want to try out.
Expression Web Designer gives you all the tools you'll need to produce high-quality standards-based Web sites. Specialized task panes, and tool bars that allow you precise control of page formatting and layout.
The new design tools give you greater flexibility to create sophisticated looking websites and creativity to help bring your web sites to life with remarkable CSS design layouts.
Get a JUMP START NOW in learning to navigate and explore Expression Web Designer.
Prerequisites: The Student needs to have Expression Web Designer installed before the class starts. You can download a 60 day trial at http://www.microsoft.com
For homework requirements the student will need to have in advance before class starts, an active domain name and web hosting account and be prepared to upload any required homework to their site.
During this class you will learn the parts of a grant and how they work together. You’ll learn how to search for funding opportunities and how to determine if your project/program is a “match” for the particular funder. We will also discuss how to outline a program. After all, you can’t ask for money if you’re unsure what the outcome of the program is to be and how you’re going to measure the results. RFP’s, how to read and understand them. This, believe it or not, may be one of the most important parts of writing any grant. If you don’t follow their RFP to the letter they will not even consider your application no matter how great a program or the need is that you are requesting funds for. Unfortunately each Foundation, Corporation, Agency, whether it be a local government agency, State or Federal, they all have their own way of receiving grants. So you now see why this is so important. Due the complexity of State and Federal grants we will concentrate on Foundation and Corporation grants during our time in this class.
You’ll be given “handouts” to aid you with the funding search and also some resources that aid you with your searches. The resources will include websites and printed publications.
Grant writing is a lucrative profession to be in and for good reason. This is a specialized skill and takes time, trial and error to develop your skills. Non profit organizations know this and that’s why they hire grant writers. Beginning grant writers charge anywhere from $500 up to $1,500 per project depending on the complexity and research that deemed necessary for the project. More experience grant writers charge up to $8,000 and above per project. As you can see, you can make a pretty good living writing grants you just need training and time to develop your skills.
Prerequisites: None. If you have ever been interested in writing a grant for yourself or others. This course is for you.
Do you feel as it you don't have time to market? Are you looking for ways to consistently and effectively market your business on a budget? Are you looking for a way to put as much of your marketing on autopilot as possible? Do you avoid using technology in your marketing efforts because it is too complicated or time consuming?
Then this class, "More Prospects, More Revenue: Using eMarketing to Grow your Business" is for you. The class is designed for professionals who are looking for ways to leverage technology to market their business or non-profit. This would include business owners, entrepreneurs, marketing professionals and development managers. This class goes beyond email marketing to cover all of the technology tools available to help businesses and non-profits attract more prospects and increase revenue.
Expect to learn: The #1 Marketing Mistake, (and specific, simple steps you can take to avoid it); The fundamental marketing rules most businesses break; At least 6 practical, low-cost, highly effective ways to use eMarketing to grow your business; The one tool that ties all of your eMarketing efforts together (you probably already own it, and it's not what you think); question and answer sessions to specifically address the roadblocks you may be experiencing in your eMarketing.
Prerequisites: This class is designed for a non-technical audience. The only pre-requisites are computer and internet literacy.
Beginning PSP X is for anyone new and just starting out with Paint Shop Pro. In this class, you'll explore the palettes, tool bars and generally become comfortable with program so that you can use it to create graphics in more advanced classes. While the program has not changed dramatically in this latest version, the interface is slightly different and beginners will find it easier to start with this beginning class rather than with previous versions of Paint Shop Pro.
Beginning Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 is for students looking to learn to work in this new version. In this class, you'll explore the tool bars, how to make tubes, create graphics and generally become comfortable with pspX2 so that you can use it to design graphics and edit photos. In this version you will see that the interface is slightly different and beginners will find it easier to start with this beginning class rather than with previous versions of Paint Shop Pro.
Prerequisites: You will need to have a trial version, available at Download.com (NOTE: DO NOT install until after the first lesson is posted since this is only a 30 day trial) or a full version installed on your computer before class starts. Students will be required to take screen shots of their work and upload to a photo sharing site.
This class will teach you how to take your photo's and turn them in to Painting's using Painter Essentials 3.
This new version of Painter Essentials let's you do quick an easy cloning of your Photo's turning them into work's of art. If you are someone interested in doing something more artistic with your digital pictures then this class is for you. Over the course of six weeks you will learn techniques that will turn your pictures in to works of art. So come join the fun.
Prerequisites: You must have a working knowledge of your computer. Web space to upload your work to is helpful but not mandatory.
Using a very limited brush set, DrEddie will take you step by step in creating "Six Unique Environments" with Painter, ranging from a snow scene, a sunset, a castle, an alien plant, a deserted Island, and a jungle scene. You will learn simple yet basic tricks that can speed the creation of your paintings.
DrEddie teaches a basic approach or method to creating a painting that you can apply to anything you wish to paint. This class assumes a basic understanding of Painter.
But it is just the beginning of where DrEddie hopes to take the interested student!
Prerequisites: A working knowledge of Painter. A website to upload your work is helpful but not mandatory.
Photoshop is the "Cadillac" of all graphics programs, It's the one used by professional graphic designers. It allows you to manipulate images, create amazing graphics with equally amazing effects.
Do you have an old photo that needs to be "fixed?" Is it faded, cracked, or otherwise damaged? Photoshop has the tools that can make that image almost better than new. You can even colorize your old black and white photo, or freshen up a faded one.
You can create your own graphics from scratch and with Photoshop's tools, do amazing things with them.
So, the bottom line is you'll discover the treasure that is Photoshop. You'll learn about all the tools, how to use them – all the basics you need to get you up and running and starting to create your own wonderful images.
There is a free 30 day trial version of Photoshop but, unfortunately, that's not long enough for this class. It's best to already have either Photoshop 6, 7, or CS in order to take this class.
Folks who have CS2 or CS3 would also benefit from this class, as it utilizes the basic tools and they are the same in all versions.
Prerequisites: Students must have working knowledge of their operating system, how to save and locate files, and how to unzip files.
Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard image manipulation tool used for many tasks, from photo retouching to creating posters. One of the most versatile and powerful programs available to the designer, it is essential for a professional finish.
This is true not only because Photoshop is available on a wide array of platforms ranging from Mac to Windows to UNIX, but because after four generations of development, Adobe Photoshop has the most intuitive user interface, the most complete set of tools, and the largest number of reference books around.
We use Photoshop to color correct and sharpen scans. Photoshop gives us the ability to make great looking reproductions of not-so-great looking photographs. It lets us create whatever we want, from scratch and come out with amazing results.
The Intermediate class is designed to continue from the Beginning class and introduce you to more of the wonderful things you can do with this program. Armed with the knowledge of how the program works, you can now put that to use with more advanced skills.
We will learn more special effects created in Photoshop without using any third party filters. This class is a sequel to Pizzazz! but it is not linear and may be taken before, after, or at the same time as the Pizzazz! class. In the first class I showed you all the filters and how to use them. This time we will use the filters for even more dazzling effects. Because I explained what the settings mean in the Pizzazz! class, this class will be written as tutorials. They will be step by step, and you will be able to follow them even if you have not taken the first class. Most of this class will work with Photoshop Elements as well as Photoshop CS.
Prerequisites: You must have a good working knowledge of Photoshop or Elements, and understand layers.
Prerequisites:
You should have taken PSE 5: Getting Down to Basics Part 1 and PSE 5: Getting Down to Basics Part 2 before taking this class. The things covered in those classes will not be repeated in this class.
You will need web space to post homework.
Information on how to obtain free or low cost web or gallery space along with tutorials to assist you in setting these up may be found at http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm
IMPORTANT: This class covers the Windows version of PSE 6. The Mac version of Elements 6 has not yet been released. The PSE 4 for Mac First Steps is here.
This class is the first of a two part beginner level class for the Windows version of Photoshop Elements 6.0, and because this is an Overview course, it covers the interface, basic photo editing, some special effects, and the new features of the software. Each week there will be a section called Picture Perfect that deals with editing and improving your photos, and a section called Creative Corner that deals with the more artistic effects Elements is so good at, so whatever your intended use for Photoshop Elements 6, there’s something for everyone.
Using the Organizer to manage your photos and make photo creations such as photo packages, slideshows, and web galleries will be covered in a separate course, Photoshop Elements 6 Organizer
Prerequisites:
You must have Photoshop Elements 6.0 installed, and be familiar with basic Windows operating system commands, such as knowing how to use menus and to save and open files. You also must know how to download and unzip files because there will often be files needed to complete class exercises.
To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found at http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm. If you are really new to web pages then I suggest one of the gallery sites like Picassa which is free or pbase which is very reasonable. Neither of those options require you to know any html.
IMPORTANT: This class covers the Windows version of PSE 6. The Mac version of Elements 6 has not yet been released. The PSE 4 for Mac First Steps class is here.
This class is the second of a two part beginner level class for the Windows version of Photoshop Elements 6.0, and because this is an Overview course, it covers the interface, basic photo editing, some special effects, and the new features of the software. Each week there will be a section called Picture Perfect that deals with editing and improving your photos, and a section called Creative Corner that deals with the more artistic effects Elements is so good at, so whatever your intended use for Photoshop Elements 6, there’s something for everyone.
Using the Organizer to manage your photos and make photo creations such as photo packages, slideshows, and web galleries will be covered in a separate course, Photoshop Elements 6 Organizer.
Prerequisites:
You must have Photoshop Elements 6.0 installed, and be familiar with basic Windows operating system commands, such as knowing how to use menus and to save and open files. You also must know how to download and unzip files because there will often be files needed to complete class exercises.
To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found at http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm. If you are really new to web pages then I suggest one of the gallery sites like Picasa which is for Mac or PC, or Flickr, which replaced Yahoo photos and also works with Mac or PC. Both are free. pBase is another option that is very reasonable. None of those options require you to know any html.
IMPORTANT: This class covers the Mac version of Photoshop Elements 6. There is a separate class for Photoshop Elements 6 for Windows here.
At long last, Adobe has released a new version of Photoshop Elements for the Mac! The long-awaited new version, Elements 6 is chock full of new features and tools! This class is the first of a two part beginner level class, and because this is an Overview course, it covers the interface, basic photo editing, some special effects, and the new features of the software. Each week there will be a section called Picture Perfect that deals with editing and improving your photos, and a section called Creative Corner that deals with the more artistic effects Elements is so good at, so whatever your intended use for Photoshop Elements 6, there’s something for everyone.
Prerequisites:
You must have Photoshop Elements 6.0 Mac installed, and be familiar with basic Mac operating system commands, such as knowing how to use menus and to save and open files. You also must know how to download and unzip files because there will often be files needed to complete class exercises. Enrollment for this class is limited so enroll early to insure your place in the class.
To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found at http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm. If you are really new to web pages then I suggest one of the gallery sites like Picasa which is for Mac or PC, or Flickr, which replaced Yahoo photos and also works with Mac or PC. Both are free. pBase is another option that is very reasonable. None of those options require you to know any html.
CPanel is a fully featured web-based control panel that allows you to manage your web hosting space and domain name through a web interface. This easy to use interface is packed full of useful features and is provided free with some web hosting services.
Inside cPanel website owners can manage site statistics, backup their site, manage email accounts, manage their files, create message boards and more. Learn to explore your cPanel and benefit from quick tips in discovering how to use the different features in cPanel.
Enroll today and unleash "The Power of cPanel for your website!"
Prerequisites: The Student should know that they have cPanel available through their web host provider. You should already have an active website in order to take advantage of cPanel features. Be sure you can access your cPanel before the class starts.
Opening QuickBooks can be over whelming and confusing. In this 6 week introduction course you will learn how to setup a new company. How to navigate within the program. Learn to add customers and create invoices and link the billing info to your customers listed in the program. Pay Bills, Writing Checks and Receiving Customer Payments are also covered.
Prerequisites: Familiarity with your computer/operating system. Have a working copy of QuickBooks 2004 or 2005.
With each new version QuickBooks has added new features, but older features have not changed significantly. By the end of this course, you should have a basic understanding of how to work in QuickBooks so you can manage a small business.
Quicken makes it easy to pay bills, track your spending and see where your money is going. Simplify your life with all of your finances, all in one place. It's the perfect way to see where your money is going with all the tools you need to budget, balance and track your finances. See where your money goes. See what's coming in, what's going out, and what's left over. Easily monitor your cash flow. Get a detailed picture of your monthly financial picture. Plan ahead so you'll have enough money in your account to avoid late fees or interest charges.
The list goes on and on of the ways Quicken will simplify your financial life. Learning as much about it as you can will save you future headaches.
Learning Objectives: Students will learn how to manage their checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and investments, all within the Quicken program. Students will learn how to analyze and track their cash flow, investments and debt, keep track of their loans. They will learn to create reports and how to get their information into Turbo Tax, making their tax preparation easier.
Requirements: Quicken Basic 2007 software. Other versions will work, but lessons will be based on the Basic 2007 version.
Prerequisites: Students must have a working knowledge of their operating system, how to save and locate files.
There is no one tool in Adobe Illustrator that is typically used alone or to the exclusion of the many other options available when working with a project.
HOWEVER…
There is one tool some Adobe Illustrator users leave untouched when creating… This is the "Pen Tool." Many artists seem to experience a sort-of "emotional block" when they try to use the "Pen Tool" and, as a result, default to the "Pencil Tool" for their drawings.
It's the opinion of this instructor that the "Pen Tool" resides more in the "physical/mechanical" world than the "artistic," hence the difficulty artists experience trying to use it.
This is NOT an advanced course in Adobe Illustrator. It's a series of six very basic classes intended to walk the Adobe Illustrator user (whether novice or experienced) through the process of becoming more comfortable with the "Pen Tool," its several uses, and methods of coordinating it with the many other tools and capabilities Adobe Illustrator has to offer. This is a generic set of instructions intended to help the student become more familiar with the Pen Tool regardless of their edition of Adobe Illustrator.
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