The Pixel Pro

Introduction: According to legends, in each generation a designer will rise whose inspiration and vision will be unparalleled by ordinary mortals. An artist of such renowned skill and talent that everyone will call him as the GifMaker! (we presume that title lost something in the translation) That legend, as far anybody can tell, still waits to be fulfilled. But until you find that guy, you've got me. I'm just your friendly neighborhood Graphics Geek! I am ever willing to help you with all your graphic needs as long as I can crack a lame joke while I'm at it. Kirk Nelson, The Pixel Pro General Background: I have been working as an all around graphics geek or “Visual Information Specialist” for the past 13 years around Washington DC Metro area. With my career getting across almost every aspect of the design industry, I have worked from web design, to 3d animation, to logo design, to photo retouching. I have acquired substantial skills with software like Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, and Flash along the way and, recently, I found out that imparting these skills is something that I enjoy! Things to know: Publications – More than 80 of my articles have been published in the international trade magazines Advanced Photoshop and Photoshop Creative. The topics of these articles range from product reviews, to feature spots, to general tutorials, and helpdesk answers. I am the layout and cover artist for the quarterly publication of the US Marine Corps Systems Command, Marines On Point. Teaching – I currently teach two online courses, Introduction to Photoshop’s Pen Tool at the Digital Art Academy, and Introduction to Digital Painting in Photoshop Adobe Beta Tester – I received an invitation from Adobe Systems to be a beta tester for Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS5. My participation in these prerelease programs gave me the chance to test and afterwards share the new features in my courses, workshops, lectures, and writings. Guest Speaker – I have been a guest speaker in classes at Strayer College and George Mason University. At present, I am planning to expand this part of my practice even further. Workshops – My newest endeavor. I have begun holding workshops on fundamental Photoshop skills locally and I have been working to expand this into multiple workshops that cover a range of topics about Photoshop. I am available for custom workshops or private tutoring. Now you know. And "knowing" is.... Notes about my lectures. I view my speaking engagements not just as a presentation but more as a demonstration. I never use PowerPoint in presenting my material but I choose to involve the audience with realistic demonstrations of the tools or techniques that will interest them. My educational demonstrations are friendly, casual, and fun filled. I exert effort to cover a significant area of knowledge that everyone will still learn something new whether beginner or advanced users. Encouraging members of the audience to bring personal images or projects they are currently struggling with is one of the most unique aspects of my presentations. This way, we are able to see how they can make improvements with Photoshop. This isn’t a necessity but it tends to work best if I am able to make earlier arrangements to work with the image.