Training, Learning, Teaching, Doing: If you don’t use it, you will lose it.

Written by Siotha on April 14, 2008 – 2:14 pm -

shh. Here’s a secret of the day. Ok not really but, today I felt the urge to write about – if you don’t use the knowledge you have – you will loose it.

Case #1:

  • 4 yrs studying History yields a degree in History
  • Job out of College: Sales, profitable, however after 8 years it took a while to build wealth, if any.
  • After 12 years – how much do you think he will remember of his history studies?

Is this a profitable venture? Or would you spend $20 a month to continue your studies in history – even if you were working in sales?

Case #2:

  • Art student, photography major, graphic design minor. 5 yrs in school.
  • After 6 years of multiple jobs, an increase in pay from $20K to $55K
  • Does working in the field constitute as the only place to advance ones skills? No?

What do you bet that this person used additional ways of continuing her education to increase her knowledge, experience and continue working in the field?

What are ways that she probably used?

  • Employer paid conferences
  • Local enthusiasts groups
  • Internet Surfing, including blogs, forums, and other online free materials
  • $100 yr in Magazine subscriptions

I think this person would have been better off with a $20 month subscription to xTrain. It covers the same topics, instructor led, 24 hour availability but can be done on the job, at home, or whenever.

Shameless plug aside, let’s think about it.

After you’ve spent 4-8-12 years in college, many careers require continuing education credits. However the design field doesn’t. You are either good at a certain type of art, or aren’t. A Jack of all trades artist, one who can work with, create in, and or market multiple art forms is more adventurous and able to find extra freelancing than just a one art form person. Now, don’t take this wrong, if you’ve got a gift, that particular gift should yield profits and a long standing career. But just like with the financial markets, the life of an artist will have profitable years and down years. It’s what you do with those down years to make the best out of the up years for years to come. So, in this time of heavy job loss, lack of funding, and less business ventures, be sure to spend your time wisely. Take that extra time you have to educate yourself one way or another and continue to grow your artist spirit. After all, most art forms boil down to a central business element and intertwine with one another. This should give you inspiration and more work in the mean time!


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Posted in Art, design, doing, learning, photography, practice, teaching, use it lose it | No Comments »

Free Training & Tutorials: Graphic Design, Online Marketing, Photography, Concept Art, Adobe CS3 & more!

Written by Siotha on November 26, 2007 – 10:16 pm -

It’s time for some more free classes isn’t it? Well… Start with these… then… get ready for a new round of free classes for the holidays!

What is Graphic Design?

Have you ever considered a career in Graphic Design? Let the experience of award-winning agency owner and design author Bryan Peterson explain what Graphic Design is.

Course: Design Process Trac: Graphic Design

Attend Preview Instructor: Bryan Peterson

Drawing Fundamentals

In this informative and fun class, tools needed for drawing are introduced. xTrain expert, Ron Lemen, demonstrates everything you need to know, from how to sharpen pencils and use a sanding pad to the differ… More

Course: Drawing Fundamentals Trac: Digital Arts

Attend Preview Instructor: Ron Lemen
Other classes include: Photoshop Drawing, RPG Concept Drawing

Brushes

 

This class compares and contrasts the look of real media on paper to its digital counterparts in the program. Reviewed are soft media (pastels, oil pastels, charcoal – vine and compressed), and wet media… More

Course: Painter X Trac: Digital Arts

Attend Preview Instructor: Ron Lemen Learners: 1083

What is SEO

Did you know that Search Engine Optimization could increase your site traffic by 200%? Watch world renowned expert,Tony Wright, explain what SEO is!

Course: Search Engine Optimization Trac: Online Marketing

Attend Preview Instructor: Tony Wright

Exposure Modes

 

The exposure modes on your camera could be the difference between a good picture and a GREAT picture. Photography expert,Rick Sammon, shares his techniques in this interesting and informative class. Explore … More

Course: Digital Photography Hot Shots Trac: Digital Photography

Attend Preview Instructor: Rick Sammon

The Silhouette

Silhouettes can be as dramatic as the people in them. Attend Rick’s free class on how to make great silhouettes.

Course: Digital Photography Hot Shots Trac: Digital Photography

Attend Preview Instructor: Rick Sammon

3-D Whales Experiment

Join Dr. Brown in his Adobe Photoshop Laboratory and supercharge your 3-D skills! Discover how to import 3 dimensional vector art then adjust size, tinker with lighting effects, and manipulate tiny, unsuspec… More

Course: Photoshop Laboratory Trac: Adobe CS3

Attend Preview Instructor: Russell Brown

Animation Experiment

Discover how to quickly edit movie frames in Photoshop CS3 Extended Edition and control timelines with a wave of your hand. To complete your animated masterpiece, investigate* motion blur techniques and even… More

Course: Photoshop Laboratory Trac: Adobe CS3
Attend Preview Instructor: Russell Brown

Black and White Experiments

Don’t touch that vial! To transform your images into black and white, belly up to the workbench in Dr. Brown’s Adobe Photoshop Laboratory! Explore more than a dozen ways to convert images into handsome* blac… More

Course: Photoshop Laboratory Trac: Adobe CS3

Attend Preview Instructor: Russell Brown Learners: 1065

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Portrait Retouching Experiments

Learn the Good, the Bad and yes, even the Ugly of photo retouching in Photoshop CS3. This Photoshop Laboratory will show you the professional techniques to make your facial retouching amazing and realistic… More


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Posted in 3-D studio, Adobe, Adobe CS3, Animation, Art, Black and White, Classes, Computer, DSLR, Digital Photography, Digital Photography Geek, Digital Photography Training, Easy Digital Photography, Easy Photos, Graphic Design, Graphic Design Training, Illustration, LightRoom Training, Media Marketing, Online Advertising Expert, Online Advertising Training, Online Marketing, Online Marketing Expert, Online Sales Training, Online Training, Orc illustration, Painter X Illustration, Photoshop CS3 extended, Photoshop Laboratory, Photoshop Model Retouching, Professional Learning Community, RPG concept, Rick Sammon, Rob Sheppard, Ron Lemen, Russell Brown, SEO marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Skateboard Deck Design Photoshop, Social Media, Tutuorials, ben willmore, creative training, exercises, experts, free online classes, free photoshop, free training, graphic artists, online PR, painter x, photoshop, photoshop CS3, portrait retouching, skateboard, xPert, xPert Training, xTrain News, xtrain, xtrain geek | No Comments »

Online Training: Digital Photography, Photoshop CS3, Adobe LightRoom

Written by Siotha on November 19, 2007 – 6:07 pm -

Do you have a passion for Photography? How about Photoshop?

xTrain.com is now offering world class training for Digital Photography, Photoshop, Digital SLRs, and all the other tools that a photographer needs to know in order to enhance their craft!

Courses in this trac include:

Digital Photography Hot Shots by Rick Sammon

A comprehensive A-Z digital photography and work flow course about how to select your equipment, accessories how to plan and prep for a shoot. Along the way featured techniques and tips about how to shoot animals, people and nature are all included in this highly inspirational course. There are 6 classes in this course:

Streamlining Your Photograph Handling and Processing using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom by Rob Sheppard

Do you organize your digital photos as well as you did your traditional films? Well, in this class Rob will show you how to easily and cost effectively streamline your organization. Metafiles, Collections, Non-Destructive multi-image editing are all covered in this indepth course on Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

Classes in this course include:

Photoshop CS3: Simplified and Easy by Ben Willmore

Have you mastered Photoshop CS3 yet? Why not? This course is for new and experienced Photoshop CS3 users. Ben’s indepth knowledge and comprehensive explanations of the features new to Photoshop will enhance your Photoshop game!

High Dynamic Range (HDR) Mastery by Ben Willmore

High Dynamic Range Similates what the eye really sees. In this course, Ben will show you how to shoot, process and artistically enhance photo – sur- realistic images. Each of these four classes will enhance your artistic photography skills..

Photoshop for Photographers: Outdoor & Nature Photography by Rob Sheppard

If you only take nature photographs, then you really need to participate in this course. Photoshop can be very intimidating and has many features a nature photographer might not otherwise use. But Rob will guide you through the steps that every digital photographer who specializes in Outdoor or Nature photography need to know in Adobe’s Photoshop software. (Presented on the PC version of Photoshop!)

Classes include:

Digital Photography & Photoshop for Baby Boomers by Rob Sheppard

Are you new to all things techy? Are you trying to remember what those buttons and gagdets are that your family has said – sure I’ll help you learn to use them… but then it didn’t quite make since what they were talking about? This course is geared for those non-techy who want to improve their digital photography experience including using Adobe’s Photoshop Cs3.

Classes in this course include:

Photoshop Laboratory Free Classes by Russell Brown

Secrets of the newest version of Photoshop are revealed by scientist, Photoshop enthusiast, Guru, Senior Creative Director of Adobe – I mean – Russell Brown! Each of these courses specialize in new features of Adobe Photoshop CS3, or Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended. Topics such as: 3-D, Black and White, Animation, and Portrait Retouching are all entertaining and valuable lessons offered for free!


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Posted in Adobe, Adobe CS3, Animation, Art, Black and White, Classes, DSLR, Digital Photography, Digital Photography Geek, Digital Photography Training, Easy Digital Photography, Easy Photos, Graphic Design Training, LightRoom Training, Online Training, Painter X Illustration, Photoshop CS3 extended, Photoshop Laboratory, Photoshop Model Retouching, Portfolios, Professional Learning Community, Rick Sammon, Rob Sheppard, Russell Brown, Tutuorials, ben willmore, creative training, exercises, experts, free online classes, free photoshop, free training, painter x, photoshop, photoshop CS3, portrait retouching, retouching, xPert Training, xTrain News, xtrain | 4 Comments »

Free Photoshop Training Online: Portrait Retouching by Dr. Brown in the Photoshop Laboratory

Written by Siotha on November 16, 2007 – 8:04 pm -

Are you looking for Photoshop Retouching Training?

The latest addition to Russell Brown’s classes on xTrain provides our students with solid instruction enabling them to master Photoshop CS3 without the boredom of typical online video training.

The most important facial editing features are covered by Dr. Brown…

  • Teeth Whitening
  • Wrinkle Removal
  • Skin Tone Touch-ups
  • Spot Healing
  • Stubble Removal
  • Face Blending

This fun and exciting class features all of the professional techniques that anyone using Adobe Photoshop needs to know to make their portraits better than real life!

And – Here are a few pics of my favorite parts…

Ask… the Intern…. (xTrain’s intern!)

And… From Adobe Enterprise……


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Posted in Adobe, Adobe CS3, Art, Digital Photography, Digital Photography Geek, Digital Photography Training, Graphic Design, Graphic Design Training, Photoshop CS3 extended, Photoshop Laboratory, Photoshop Model Retouching, Professional Learning Community, Tutuorials, free online classes, free photoshop, free training, photoshop, photoshop CS3, portrait retouching, retouching, xPert, xPert Training, xTrain News, xtrain | 2 Comments »

Dr. Brown’s Photoshop Laboratory: Reviews are in! Online Training is enjoyable

Written by Siotha on November 6, 2007 – 8:25 pm -

Ok Guys! What do you think? Dr. Brown’s Photoshop Laboratory, a Free Online Photoshop Class with xTrain class has really started to stir up some great feedback! What do you think? Take a peek at the shows, then rate and review the classes!

Ratings & Comments on xTrain.com are easy!

Rate any of our classes on a 5 star rating scale. So far, our classes all have very good ratings! We’re proud that our community has spoken and said, bring on more Photoshop Training! Bring on More InDesign Training! Bring on More Online Marketing training!

Comments can be left for any of our Faculty, Learners and Guru Reviewers. This is a great way to give feedback and let us know how you think we are doing! This is not the place for technical support issues, if you have questions or problems that relate to our site our customer service department is here to answer your questions.

Photoshop Training Classes Reviews:

I thought I would share some of the cool comments our professional learning community has said about the Laboratory…

3-D Animation Experiment:

*Note: No sea creatures were harmed in the making of this production.
We tried – they’re just too fast… and slippery.

Posted by petercui on Nov 05, 2007
A very entertaining show…

Posted by Rancher5 on Oct 16, 2007
Show worked great and the lesson as Dr Brown norm was very thorough and easy to follow…

Posted by x_ray4 on Oct 16, 2007
VERY entertaining show. All the fun stuff may seem
unecessary 4 some people but it just makes it THAT
much more enjoyable, despite the length. Crazyness
rules :P . I’ll definately continue watchin’ this :D .

Posted by Pixelcrazee on Sep 25, 2007
Nutty as a fruitcake…..love it!

Posted by douglasco on Sep 23, 2007
Dr Brown is crazy but brilliant

Animation Experiments:

*Caution: Please obtain the proper license for your municipality before investigating the Photoshop unknown.

Posted by jessicaj77 on Sep 27, 2007
Great lesson! When is the next show? Dr Brown u r far from being cool!

Posted by nkhat on Sep 27, 2007
dr brown you are wooow :)
thank you so much
we waiting next show

Posted by nicos on Sep 26, 2007
Thanks a lot! i was experimenting video capabilities of CS3, but your inside knowledge is so helpful! waiting for the final bridge between After Effects and Photoshop ! bring the best of the two worlds together without the hassle! thanks again

Posted by marizmendi on Sep 13, 2007
Hey, great..! I love Dr brown’s style, please don’t stop doing this.


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Posted in Adobe, Adobe CS3, Animation, Art, Classes, Digital Photography Training, Easy Digital Photography, Graphic Design, Graphic Design Training, Photoshop CS3 extended, Photoshop Laboratory, Professional Learning Community, Tutuorials, Video Podcasts, creative training, creative writing professionals, experts, photoshop, photoshop CS3, xPert, xPert Training, xTrain News, xtrain | 1 Comment »

RPG CONCEPT ART, Online Training – Digital Art with Ron Lemen in Painter X on a Cintiq

Written by Siotha on October 30, 2007 – 2:33 pm -

We posted a new class today. Actually, it’s a class in a series that we are doing in digital Arts.
Traditional Drawing in a Digital Realm. All classes are done by Ron Lemen in this course and we’re really excited that he has chosen xTrain to do these very popular classes.


©2007 Ron Lemen

About the Class: RPG Concept Illustration in Painter X

This class is done in the software program Corel Painter X using a Cintiq (what is that? explanation here ) Ron Lemen produces an illustration of an ORC which is a character from a science fiction/fantasy video game or comic book. Ron first created a storyboard using basic shapes, decided what items to add to the design, and then elaborated on the simple drawing to create a finished piece. According to Ron, this illustration of an ORC would be found in a full color book or Game manual. This would probably interest someone interested in comic book illustration because of the lessons in storyboarding and framing, as well as character posing or movement.

About the Instructor:

Ron Lemen is a graphic and traditional artist. He’s also been a designer and/or creative director for video games like Myst 3, Whacked, Soldier of Fortune 2, and NBA 2006. As a freelance illustrator, he’s worked for companies like Upper Deck, DC Comics, and Hasbro. He’s currently working on a project for Lucas Films ltd. Ron’s teaching style and passion for art will inspire you. And if you like Concept Art, Ron’s classes will teach you to structure your work for commercial use.


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Posted in Art, Cintiq illustrtations, Classes, Fantasy Book Illustration, Illustration, Online Training, Orc illustration, Painter X Illustration, RPG concept, Ron Lemen, Tutuorials, exercises, experts, internet skateboard, painter x, xPert Training, xTrain News, xtrain | 2 Comments »

Digital Photography Tourist: NYC – Online Training Useful

Written by Siotha on October 18, 2007 – 1:40 am -

So today we had an awesome visit in the city. We walked around Times Square, went to the Empire State Building, watched the Bryant Park area get shut down due to a major construction accident, and went to B&H Audio, Camera, Etc Warehouse, etc.

One of the things that entrigued me most about Times Square was the number of people who peddling Photographs of Tourist taken in on the sidewalks. These people were outfitted with your typical pro-sumer digital SLRs and small format printers. Each of them selling to tourist: I’ll take you picture and give you a great print right now!

At first we (my husband & I) thought, wow… that’s an interesting way to do it.  Then, as we keep walking there was at least one person every block of Times Square selling prints and frames.

I told Jeremy – I need to brush up on my Digital Photography skills… There’s some great money here!

But alas, he reminded me, that’s why we have Rick Sammon and Rob Sheppard on board with xTrain… Cus people like me need a little more help working the camera and tweaking the pictures.  I will say this, I’ve attended every class with xTrain, and my photo skills are getting better… just gotta work on getting the Great Shot first and not sweating the shoot ‘n go pics.

How are you doing with your xTraining?


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Posted in Art, Digital Photography, Digital Photography Training, Easy Digital Photography, Easy Photos, Online Training, Rick Sammon, Rob Sheppard, xPert Training | No Comments »

xTrain.com Learner’s Submissions

Written by Siotha on October 12, 2007 – 6:48 pm -

Today we want to showcase some really cool works by our learners at xTrain.com.

Just so you know – Anyone (with an account at xTrain) is able to submit an exercise (a hands on activity with our classes) or their portfolio pieces for review and commenting by peers and gurus!

Here are some of my fav’s today:

HDR Exercise by William Palank
Exercise File by William Palank for the Enhancement class of HDR Mastery by Ben Willmore

—–

Exercise File by Laurie - Identity System
Exercise File by Laurie Gardner for the Identity Systems class by Chuck Groth

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portfolio submission © by Scott Slattery

Portfolio submission by: Scott Slattery @2007 Scott


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Posted in Art, Classes, Digital Photography, Digital Photography Training, Graphic Design, Graphic Design Training, Online Training, Portfolios, Professional Learning Community, Web Design, creative training, creative writing professionals, exercises, experts, work, xPert, xPert Training, xTrain News, xtrain | No Comments »

iJustine: Training with xTrain.com on her Skateboard

Written by Siotha on October 5, 2007 – 3:43 pm -

HI Guys!

This blog is live from the xTrain control room!
Justine is doing training from atop of her skateboard!

Here’s a recent pose just for fun:

ijustine skateboard

Check out our Tour page for more great iJustine videos!

And just in case you haven’t heard. If you’d like to learn more about skateboard deck design, Ron Lemen does a great class with xTrain for creating skateboard decks in Photoshop!

Ron Lemen Skateboard Design in Photoshop


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Posted in Art, Classes, Illustration, Photoshop CS3 extended, Ron Lemen, Skateboard Deck Design Photoshop, Tutuorials, creative training, iJustine, ijustine skateboarding, internet skateboard, photoshop, photoshop CS3, skateboard, video skateboarding, xPert, xPert Training, xTrain News, xTrain Spokeswoman, xtrain | 1 Comment »

Meet Me in NYC: PhotoPlus, Digital Photography Conference

Written by Siotha on October 3, 2007 – 11:33 am -

Ok. So We’re going to The Photoplus Conference for Digital Photographers. Wanna meet someone cooler than me? How about our spokeswoman and some of our Creative Gurus?! Yes, I’ll be there, but please forgive me as I will be up to my eyeballs in giving out our famous Dr. Brown’s Photoshop Laboratory. And I’m not nearly as much fun to meet at iJustine!

Dr. Brown's Photoshop Laboratory xTrain

Our booth, once again will be packed full of Trainings, Digital Photographers, Photoshop Enthusuasts, iJustine Fans and xTrain staff answering everything you could ever want to know about xTrain, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, Digital Arts and Online Marketing…

Psst.. and you know what my favorite part of this is? I get to meet all of our fans!!! Ok – so here’s the thing – I want to hear your comments, your feedback and what you want to learn. My favorite part of going to conferences is coming home and going – wow – we’re going to do more classes on XYZ because that’s what everyone is asking about. So as you see our team giving out the Dr. Brown DVDs and free classes for xTrain don’t hesitate to let us know what you want to see from xTrain and let us know what your favorite courses are!


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Posted in Adobe, Adobe CS3, Art, Classes, Digital Photography, Digital Photography Training, Easy Digital Photography, Easy Photos, Online Training, Photoshop CS3 extended, Photoshop Laboratory, Photoshop Model Retouching, creative training, iJustine, photoshop CS3, xPert, xPert Training, xTrain News, xTrain Spokeswoman, xtrain | 1 Comment »

Playboy Evolutions Photoshop: Video on youtube

Written by Siotha on October 1, 2007 – 1:50 pm -

Ok. well. Nice headline right? For me, it’s got 2 of the big keywords. Playboy & Photoshop. And that’s what makes it a nice headline. Playing off of everyone’s dream model retouching…

In my world those are HOT HOT HOT Topics!

Sure we do Photoshop Training, and one day Playboy artists, digital photographers might find us. Until then, we’ll just have to stick the the fun of marketing “x” train…(no we’re not a xxx training company!)

Now for any of you who know anyone that works in a beautiful photoshoping job where you have the burden of touching up almost nude models day in and day out… I wanna hear from you! What’s your Boring day like? Cus quiet frankly – myself and plenty of other people would happily enjoy that job!

In the mean time – I suggest we all check out this vid on youtube.
It’s tastefully done, and mommy approved.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/UkdXoGEUVRk]


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Posted in Adobe, Adobe CS3, Art, Digital Photography, Online Marketing, Photoshop CS3 extended, Photoshop Laboratory, Photoshop Model Retouching, photoshop, photoshop CS3, playboy, retouching, xPert Training, xTrain Spokeswoman, xtrain, youtube | 3 Comments »

HDR Mastery Course – AMAZING Photographs

Written by Siotha on September 25, 2007 – 10:14 pm -

Have you seen Ben Willmore’s HDR Mastery course yet?

I found 2 awesome exercises that our learners submitted through xTrain. I am very excited to show them off, I hope they don’t mind. They’re Beautiful!

HDR exercise submitted by xTrain Learner
Copyright Brent Williams, member online community of xTrain.com

xTrain exercise submitted by xTrain learner
Copyright April Andrews, xTrain.com community member

I just want to add, that Ben Willmore did a great job with the High Dynamic Range (HDR) Mastery course. We look forward to his upcoming courses, hint hint…

- PS – These are real photographs processed with HDR techniques! If you want to learn this technique from one of the world’s foremost photographers please check out: www.xTrain.com


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Posted in Adobe, Adobe CS3, Art, Classes, Digital Photography, Digital Photography Training, Easy Digital Photography, Easy Photos, Portfolios, Professional Learning Community, Tutuorials, ben willmore, creative training, exercises, experts, xPert, xPert Training, xTrain News, xtrain | 2 Comments »

Silhouette Class by Rick Sammon

Written by Siotha on September 22, 2007 – 2:56 am -

Today we posted a new free class at xTrain.com. It is one of my favorites. Wait.. Most everything on xTrain is a favorite. Anyway!

I just wanted to share with you access to Rick Sammons quick and easy Silhouettes class.

It really captures the magic of the production we have at xTrain.com. There are 4 main reasons this class is an exemplary class for xTrain.

1. Talent.

Who else has top photographers, trainers, gurus, masters, and rising start trainers?

2. Easy Learning.

Who else can take a topic with such elegance as ART and make the topic,  an awesome quality video, and create a learning atmosphere for people across the world?

3. Top Production Value.

Let’s face it. Training is and can be expensive. Time to Learn, and Time to Participate and not to mention all the development and delivery of a course at any level (college, after market, high school, online) cost time and money. With xTrain we’ve got the best technology combined with a seasoned staff to create and deploy effective, productive and comprehensive training. Price? For you, it’s cheap. Trust me – This is the best of the best training. Even College instructors are xTrain learners. (hint hint)

4. Passion.

Our training is designed by creative experts exclusively for creatives.

Was that a glorified ad you just read? Yes. and No. My background is in Media Marketing and Managment, Graphic Design, Advertising, and Pre-Press. I really am this passionate about xTrain and online learning.


Posted in Art, Classes, Digital Photography, Digital Photography Training, Online Training, Professional Learning Community, Rick Sammon, Tutuorials, creative training, experts, xPert, xPert Training, xTrain News, xtrain | No Comments »