I’m Bob Ostrom you may have listened to my interview earlier on Wendy’s site where we talked about what it’s like to be a children’s book illustrator. In the interview I also talked about a new teaching site I was getting ready to launch. I just wanted to let you guys know I’ve officially launched it and you can find me at bobteachesart.com.

On the site I teach all kinds of art stuff including programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign online. I realize there are a ton of other sites that offer instruction using these programs but I am gearing my site strictly toward illustrators. My lessons don’t come out of a book or a manual they come from the same type of projects I work on every single day as a professional children’s book illustrator. I focus on what I know best and I will share many of the insights I’ve learned over the years including what works, what doesn’t and why.

To help me get things rolling I’m offering a Photoshop demo class next week live online. This will be a little bit of a learning experience for me too. I’ve set up this class to help me get a better understanding of my software and how it will work with a larger group. In return for your patience I am offering the class for free. Yes, you heard it right, this class will be totally free. There is one catch however, class space is limited so the first twenty to show up will get a seat everyone else will have to wait for the recorded version… sorry.  I should also mention I will be assisted by my good buddy Carlos Castellanos who many of you may know as a co-creator and illustrator of the syndicated comic strip Baldo.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, hop on over to http://bobteachesart.com/online-photoshop-demo/ and find the free sign up form. I will email everyone who signs up this Wednesday with a meeting time and date. Remember this is first come, first serve so try not to wait too long to sign up.  Hope to see you there!!!

More on the class and class material

Summary:
The material in this class Is something I teach at the beginning of my Photoshop level 2 class. It would be helpful if students have a little bit of working knowledge with the basics although it’s not totally necessary. We will cover a lot of material and  sometimes rather quickly so I highly encourage taking notes if you are unfamiliar with the subject matter. Don’t worry though we’ll keep things light and fun.

Bob Ostrom teaches Photoshop — Class requirements:
This class is for users who are familiar with the basics of Photoshop. It is an intermediate class and is strictly for really cool artists – no uncool artists will be allowed to attend.

Bob Ostrom teaches Photoshop — Technical stuff:

• For the class we will focus on the following…
• Setting up a working file, best practices.
• Creating dynamic line art
• Working with layers and layer groups
• Creating and using custom brushes
• Understanding and working with layer clipping masks
• How and when to use layer blending modes
• Adding layer effects
• Creating interesting textures for visual interest
• Exchanging virtual high fives for a job well done