huma

Hello everyone.

I received an invitation in the mail from CompuMaster for the Ohio Conference for Adobe Photoshop Users. It seems to offer two teaching tracks, Mastering the Basics and Secrets, Techniques, and Methods for Pros. I was wondering if anyone here has gone to such a conference and what are your opinions about it.

Blinky2004

I haven't... but the methodology is a simple one: if you feel you've mastered "the basics" then go for the other levels. If not, get the basics down well first; or you'll stunt your growth later on.

This is of course cimpletely based on what THEY consider to be "the basics". That you have no way of knowing unless you can ask them ahead of time or they provide a specific outline of what will be covered in that program.

Research it to be sure.

MisterMister

I learned Photoshop by taking some awesome 6-month long courses offered by www.lvsonline.com

For only $25 per class you can't beat it. You learn a lot, and you can even pay an extra five bucks and get a certificate when you finish each class.

UnmatchedPowa15

As Mark said... it's what THEY consider the basics. From the work I've seen of yours over the past couple of years, I would say that you're well covered in the basics. To offer a different perspective, I'm in a graphics class now that I would consider easy and "basic" but there's still some that I'm learning.

Does this place offer a syllabus or course outline for what they're teaching? You might be able to feel it out and find out what's best going to be worth your while.

Good luck! :B

huma

You've brought up some good points.

Compumaster does provide a syllabus. The courses seem to be well put together although I'm concerned about the pacing. There is never more than 15 minutes between classes so I'm wondering about the logistics of such things as eating and using the restroom.

On the subject of expertise, I do feel I've mastered the basics. The only thing that has eluded me is the paths tool. Also, I am not a very good drawer; but, you can't be taught that in a day.

Regards.

UnmatchedPowa15

I understand what you mean about the path tool. It wasn't until I started getting into Illustrator (and having someone to show me the ropes) did paths even start to make sense. Maybe the course offering will be ala carte and you can pick and choose the topics that you want. [bustagut]

huma

Actually they do offer their classes ala carte. Maybe if I go to basics class to have the paths tool explainedto me in a way that makes sense to me then go to the advanced classes that teach design... hmm... [innocent]

davecross

I used to teach for a seminar company like this that takes a Photoshop Conference on the road to various cities. Of course, every chance to learn more about Photoshop is good, so you're bound to walk away with some new ideas.
Knowing how many of these companies work, the questions I would ask include who is teaching the classes (I've heard of cases where organizers sent their Excel instructor to "fill in"), and what version of Photoshop will they be covering (these kind of conferences are notoriously slow to update their content)
Again, I am not suggesting that sessions run by CompuMaster in particular should be questioned, but my experience has been that the 2 or 3 seminar companies that run conference tours operated in similar ways. (Oh yes, and be prepared for a sales pitch or two to buy books etc)

huma

Thank you for the information davecross.