Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Abrege Bracelet

This morning I am putting together the supply list for both colors of the Abrege bracelet I will teach at Bead and Button. I couldn't seem to find a good photo of it, so I set up the photo tent, attached the camera to the tripod, flipped on the lights and took this.



I'm reasonably happy with the result, but realize that I still need to apply some attention to a better permanent set up. So many things to focus on....

Next up on the focus list is learning Adobe Illustrator. I signed up for a class last week, but since I don't own the software yet, I can't practice, or flail as the case may be. It's been a tough decision to change software since I know how to do many of the necessary bead illustration tasks with CorelDraw, but....when I do get stuck I have no other bead illustrators to ask. There is just not as much assistance to be had with CorelDraw as there is with Adobe Illustrator.

Like so many decisions there were dependent decisions, would I finally make the switch to Apple? It's been the cost of software that has kept me from doing that for so long, but I've now decided to go ahead and make it happen. After waffling over laptop vs desktop I've chosen, desktop it is. I have the ipad which serves me for travel, I don't really need to have mobile access, if I'm going to illustrate or photoshop or do layout my studio is where I'm going to do it.

So I'll be busy with both an IMAC and Illustrator learning curve, throw in some mobile me, and possibly some InDesign, and up the skill level on Photoshop, I think that will keep me occupied.

You may have read the post where I've committed to two more books, the first of which has a first deadline of December, so my plan is to be fully up to speed by the fall.
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10 comments:

  1. Ngoc DieuMay 3, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    oh, very beauty.
    I like it.
    It's lovable.

    ReplyDelete
  2. kate mckinnonMay 3, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    Bold bold moves, changing platforms, learning new software. I love this about you, and of course learning new tricks keeps one's learning muscles nimble.

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  3. Marcia DeCosterMay 3, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    I only hope my learning muscles are still nimble enough!

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  4. AnnMay 3, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    If you need any help with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign or Photoshop. I am a graphic designer, now teacher, that is teaching these software programs. Of course, it is long distance, but I can answer your questions.

    annrishell@gmail.com

    Good luck, Ann
    mycriticaleye.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. JudithMay 3, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    and here I thought I was alone. My daughter has been trying to talk me into getting out of CorelDraw and into Illustrator but for PC. I've grown old with Corel products and the nimbleness of mind gets less each year. Good Luck

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  6. katherine kostaMay 3, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    The fact that you've been using Corel gives you a big advantage when moving into another illustration program. There is a free illustrator test-drive on the adobe site:
    http://www.adobe.com/downloads/.

    I think you'll be surprised at how easily you're able to learn it. I would also be more than happy to offer help - I've been using it for nearly 15 years. . .

    Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  7. SzikatiMay 3, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Wonderful design, I love it!!!!

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  8. sandiMay 3, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    my wise old mom used to say if you think you can, YOU CAN! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. LoriFMay 4, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Yowza! Good for you! It keeps you young; and I can HARDLY WAIT for those two new books. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Candy SextonMay 5, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    lynda.com has great tutorials that are reasonably priced, all online.

    ReplyDelete