nicole's classes

2011-11-21T23:14:00.000-08:00

2011-09-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

No retreats are currently scheduled but stay tuned for an announcement on dates for 2012!

You can read a recap of past retreats in 2011 here and 2010 here and here.

Illustrator 102

2011-09-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

Course Description

Illustrator 102 ONLINE builds on the principles and skills learned in Illustrator 101. Students who have already taken our 101 or Illustrator mini classes will benefit Alma's tips and tricks that even experienced users may not have discovered. Those who have not taken Illustrator 101 but who have a basic working knowledge of Illustrator will also benefit from this course.

In class, you will learn how to work in Illustrator more efficiently, taking advantage of features like clipping masks and isolation mode, building and saving your own libraries, customizing your start file, managing color, and using shortcuts. You will also further develop your pen tool skills, create symmetrical objects and basic pattern swatches, and create well developed pattern brushes. Files with fun and interesting artwork are provided so that students can follow along. Homework assignments reenforce each week's concepts and allow students the opportunity to try things out and ask Alma for help troubleshooting problems.

Students have their own online galleries to upload homework and Alma will leave comments on the homework weekly.

Cost
$125

Class Times
Online classes are 4 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis -- for a current list of upcoming Illustrator 102 online courses, click here.

Textbooks:
Currently there is no Illustrator 102 textbook.

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera.

Each week, you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video, text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have 168 hours a week to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night of each week. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise & feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions each Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Have questions? You’ll have two great opportunities to make yourself heard. First, a scheduled online chat is held once a week with the instructor and all students. Ask questions, make comments, share inspirational finds – this is when connections are made, quandaries are solved, and the feeling of an in-person class is created. Second, you are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them & ask away.

Fallen a little behind? Problem solved - each class features an additional week of instructor-free access to all the learning materials. Re-learn, review, or wrap up any missing links you need to feel confident about your enhanced artistic talents.

Photoshop Elements 101

2011-09-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera.

Each week, you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video, text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have 168 hours a week to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night of each week. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise & feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions each Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Got questions? You’ll have two great opportunities to make yourself heard. First, a scheduled online chat is held once a week with the instructor and all students. Ask questions, make comments, share inspirational finds – this is when connections are made, quandaries are solved, and the feeling of an in-person class is created. Second, you are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them & ask away.

Fallen a little behind? Problem solved - each class features an additional week of instructor-free access to all the learning materials. Re-learn, review, or wrap up any missing links you need to feel confident about your enhanced artistic talents.

2011-04-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

No crash courses are currently scheduled. Check out our online classes for the virtual crash course experience!

2011-01-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

Back for its third year, Art Weekend 2012 promises to be another great success! Mark your calendars for April 5-7!

The Art Weekend is a 3-day weekend FULL of amazing art classes. We gather the finest teachers to share with you their knowledge, expertise and tips. What's better, our a la carte system and tiered pricing make the classes more affordable to you! Each class is two hours, giving you enough time to learn the basics and more opportunities to take multiple classes. Class sizes will also be small (no more than 20-25 in each class) so you can get all the attention you deserve!

To get an idea of what Art Weekend is like, look back at our recap of last year's event! You'll see some of the classes that were offered, as well as recaps of the socials we enjoyed.

Do you have something you feel you can offer? Or is there a course you're dying to take? We're open to suggestions! Submit this form with any suggestions.

Registration for Art Weekend will open in early 2012. Check back then for a full list of this year's courses!

2011-01-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hey, big spender. Did you know you can save $70 on an order of 50 holiday photo cards by using Nicole's Classes templates?

One of the great things about being a designer is that I get to save money on all my printed materials, because I do the design myself, and then print with a trusted printer. And if you use Nicole's Classes card templates, that savings is passed on to you. Let me show you what I mean.

By researching a little bit online, I found that high quality stationery holiday photo cards (that means the nice photo cards on thick card stock, rather than photo cards printed at a photo lab on regular photo paper) at a quantity of 50 (which is a fair average number of cards ordered) often costs about $2/card, or $100.

If you purchase a card template from Nicole's Classes and plug in the photos and info yourself in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, you can expect to pay about $30 total if you print with Overnight Prints, which is a printer I recommend. (I can't give an exact amount for their cards since they are always discounted at different rates, depending on the current promotion, but at the most, you would be paying $31.) This includes envelopes, which you'll want to remember to add on to your order. (AND you can get rounded corners for $1, which I LOVE.)

To be totally clear, this is a savings of about $70.

If you don't own Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, it's okay! You can still save! For an additional $15 fee, a designer on our team will plug in your info and photos for you, and send you the file that you'll need to print. This brings your total up to $45, which is still a $55 savings.

If you need to order more than 50 cards, don't worry---the more you order, the price per card goes down. So for example, if you order 100 cards using Nicole's Classes + Overnight Prints, you're looking at about $40 total (or $55 if you use our designer service), only about $10 more.

I haven't included shipping and handling in the price breakdown, but looking at several holiday card companies and Overnight Prints, it looks like shipping and handling is about $7-$8 across the board.

So how about this year, you save on your holiday card and have an extra $70 to spend on the kids yourself.

2010-10-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

Art Weekend 2010 in Salt Lake City was a smashing success! We had over 150 students meet us at the Peery Hotel in downtown Salt Lake for three days chock full of fun and learning! See for yourself!

First, we owe a huge thank you to the following sponsors who made the event a great one:

*emera bags, allen's camera, cupcake chic, smart cookie, pro digital photos, little shop of shavs, jo totes, blick art materials.

Screenprinting, studio lighting and calligraphy -- oh my! We had a fantastic line-up of creative classes taught by some of the best instructors in the business. Here are just a few classes offered this year. Check it out:

San Francisco's resident screen printing genius Andy Kane helped our students learn how to print those adorable typewriter tote bags.

Nicole shared her favorite tips and tricks on getting a great tabletop shot of products with a great group of up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

Artist and popular blogger Melissa Esplin taught a sold-out crowd how to put a pen to paper with style in the calligraphy class.

Everyone's favorite husband and wife team Mike and Alma imparted their Photoshop and Illustrator wisdom during a dozen classes through the weekend.

Pary Planner Extraordinaire, Brittany Egbert, shared her best tips and tricks in planning a successful party. Students even got to make adorable party banners before leaving class.

Here's Nicole again, rocking her camera and showing students how to do the same in our mini-studio set up for the lighting class.

And Art Weekend wasn't just about learning (though there was a lot of it)...

At the casual craft night on Thursday, Alma shared a great glass etching project with our crafters over treats from cupcake chic. The mustache glasses were a huge hit (thanks to Nicole's sister and husband for modeling)!

And the Friday night social was such a great time -- incredible music by the great Josh Aker, more great craft time making silhouettes and great giveaways from our sponsors. And the food, oh the food -- we noshed on San Pellegrino and heavenly iced cookies provided by Smart Cookie.

Thanks to all who joined us for our third Art Weekend -- we hope to see you all again next year! And if you weren't able to make it this year, stay tuned as we'll be announcing the new Art Weekend 2011 dates in January!

Thank you to the following who provided photos for our post: Emily Wheeler, Trisha Zemp, Mallory Ullman, Kami Bigler & Bryndee Slade

2010-08-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Art Weekend is back for its 2nd year in Salt Lake City!!!

It'll be a 3-day weekend FULL of amazing art classes. We've gathered the finest teachers to share with you their knowledge, expertise and tips. What's better, our a la carte system and tiered pricing make the classes more affordable to you! Each class is two hours, giving you enough time to learn the basics and more opportunities to take multiple classes. Class sizes will also be small (no more than 20-25 in each class) so you can get all the attention you deserve!

Location

The Peery Hotel

110 West Broadway, SLC

801.521.4300

$5 for self-parking

Hotel Rooms

We hope you'll stay with us at the historical Peery Hotel -a beautiful boutique hotel conveniently located near great shopping and restaurants.

Book now for our reduced group rate at $89/night. Mention "Art Weekend" for your discount.

Classes Offered

Calligraphy

Customizing Blogger Blogs

Illustrator 101 Basics

Illustrator: Creating an Identity

Illustrator: Making a Pattern

Illustrator: Pretty Paper Products

Party Planning 101

Photo 101 Basics

Photo Workflow

Photoshop 101 Basics

Photoshop Actions

Photoshop Elements

Screenprinting

Studio Lighting

Tabletop Photography

Watercolors

Portfolio Reviews + Private Instruction

Cost

1-2 classes: $45 each* (no discount)

3-4 classes: $40.50/class* (10% discount code: minus10 )

5-7 classes: $38.25/class* (15% discount code: minus15 )

7+ classes: $36/class* (20% discount code: minus20 )

All Class Pass : $350** (after choosing your 12 classes, use the following discount code: allclasspass)

*prices are approximate, based on discount. Some classes have materials fees.

**All Class Pass is for one attendee only and will be enforced at each class. Classes must be chosen at checkout.

To receive a discount, you must enter a discount code if you are purchasing more than 2 tickets.

Please refer to the chart above for the proper discount code.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Discount codes apply to one person only. If you apply a discount code that you are not eligible for, your order will be canceled and your money refunded, minus a $20 processing fee. You may not register for multiple people for a better discount. A photo I.D. will be checked at registration.

All sales final. If necessary, you can transfer your class to another student's name, but please email us.

The Store!

At AW-SLC, we'll have our textbooks, screens and other awesome products available for a discounted price!

Giveaways!

Nicole's Classes® is giving away online classes and textbooks for Photo 101, Illustrator 101 and Photoshop 101 and more of our new mini workshops! We'll also have great products to giveaway from our sponsors.

Casual Craft Night**

We're kicking back and crafting Thursday night at 8pm. Come join us for a free craft, mingling -- and maybe a movie?

Friday Night Social**

Join us for treats, friends, live music and a free craft Friday night at 8pm.

**Please note: these free events are for paying Art Weekend students only. If you'd like to attend this event without enrolling in classes, we'll send you a Paypal request for $10 per event.

The Schedule

Learn how to take your handwriting to the next level with a beginning contemporary Calligraphy class. In this class we will discuss tools & techniques to make your handwriting consistent and creative.

Learn how to create graphics unique to you or your client. We'll cover the basics of logos, blog headers, and web buttons. An ideal class for up and coming entrepreneurs. Laptop with Illustrator CS5 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until one week before class.)

You must take Illustrator Basics or have previous experience before taking this class.

You have seconds to make a good first impression on a reader. Come learn the basics of taking your blog to the next level. Learn to customize your layout, header, background and sidebar.

Please bring your laptop. Your blog platform must be Blogger.

Learn the basics of Illustrator to get you on your way to creating logos, graphics, and vector illustrations. Don't know what vector is? That's a very good reason to take this course. Laptop with Illustrator CS5 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com.Please do not download until one week before class.)

Use Illustrator to create a repeating pattern. We'll start with a simple polka dot and work our way up to a complex, seamless pattern. Laptop with Illustrator CS5 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class.)

You must take Illustrator Basics or have equivalent experience before taking this class.

Brittany Egbert will walk you through planning a birthday party, step-by-step, from start to finish. She will share tips and tricks that she has learned from being a children's event designer. She will also show you how to make a few simple party decorations, including a happy birthday banner that you will assemble and take home. And if you're lucky there will be cupcakes...

Materials Fee: $5, due at class

Materials to Bring: Please bring your choice of scrapbook adhesive (like Tombow). We will also have some on site for your to use if you forget.

Use Camera RAW, an industry-preferred way to enhance your photos and manipulate your images without damaging the original file. Images will be provided. Laptop with Photoshop CS5 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the week before class.)

Frustrated because only 1 of 20 of your pictures turn out? Take this 2-hr class and you'll learn how to properly expose with your camera by learning its manual settings. By the end of class, you'll know how to stop motion, create motion and change depth of field -the essentials to learning how to shoot like a pro. No previous exposure to photography necessary.

Please bring your cameras. SLRs are recommended.

It is also recommended to take Photo Workflow directly following this course.

Create and implement 4-5 Photoshop actions as a class. Students can expect to gain a superior understanding of how Photoshop's actions work, and how to create their own actions. Give all your photos a lomo or a "Polaroid" look. Add a charming vignette. Then batch all your photos, sit back, and let Photoshop do your work. Laptop with Photoshop CS5 installed required, previous PS experience required (at least Photoshop Basics). Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class. The actual actions files will be sent to those who sign up for the class, after the class.

Most students who take this class have had very little image editing experience. We’ll start fresh with an introduction of the most used tools. You’ll learn how to apply standard enhancement to your photos for both print or web. Learn to crop your photo to get the best composition, change the contrast and even change it to black and white. Combine multiple pictures to create collages. Basic retouching will be taught such as removing unwanted items from your photos, including blemishes. This class is great for hobbyists. If you are a more serious photographer, Photoshop 101 Basics is strongly recommended. Laptop with Photoshop Elements installed required.

Today we are lucky to live in a world where well-designed paper products are readily available. But still, are you ever frustrated to be at the mercy of someone else's design? Do you ever wish that you could design your own invitations, calling cards, and announcements? Do you have ideas for greeting cards that you want to develop? Illustrator is a program that the professionals use to develop the artwork for stationery. Sign up for Illustrator: Pretty Paper Products, and you will learn about designing and printing your own products!

Class includes: Templates for common paper products, including photo announcements, invitations, calendars, and business cards. Design elements, made specifically for this class by Alma Loveland.

Laptop with Illustrator CS5 installed required. You must take Illustrator Basics or have equivalent experience before taking this class.

Have you ever wanted to silkscreen your own designer t-shirts and fabrics? Here's your chance. This screen printing workshop is beginner level curriculum and demonstrates the whole screen printing process. Participants will leave with a complete understanding of the process and be fully prepared to setup a screen printing studio at his or her kitchen table or studio space. Participants will also print on a take-home tote bag and have permanent access to a companion digital content website - tutorials, sample files, and more.

This is not a messy process, but an oversized t-shirt or short or rolled-up sleeves might be helpful, just in case. Feel free to bring a camera to document the process. Also, you do not need to bring your own image to print with.

There is a $10 materials fee due at class to pay for the tote you will be screen printing.

This class will show you everything you need to shart shooting with lighting equipment. There will also be a demo with a model with a chance for the students to shoot. Other topics include lighting diagrams, setup/takedown, and lighting patterns. This class is taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat.

Materials Fee: $5, built into the price of the class. This class is not eligible for a discount, unless purchased with the All Class Pass

You must have a good understanding of manual exposures as this will not be discussed in class.

Please bring your cameras.

In this class we'll focus on the basics of good, loose technique & the importance of using the right materials to do the job. Class is for beginners or novice painters looking for a refresher.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION + PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
with Nicole, Mike and Alma

Are the classes not advanced enough? Maybe you need a little help editing your portfolio or learning a new trick? Nicole, Mike and Alma will be available for private instruction and portfolio review. Dates and price TBD. Please contact nicole@nicolesclasses.com to schedule your session.

photoshop actions mini online course

2010-08-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

Course Description
Create and implement 5 Photoshop actions as a class. Students can expect to gain a superior understanding of how Photoshop's actions work, and how to create their own actions. Give your photo a lomo or "Polaroid" look. Add a charming vignette. Then batch all your photos, sit back and let Photoshop do your work. By the end of two weeks, students will have developed actions for the following filters: Polaroid, vintage, lomo, daguerrotype, color boost, as well as developing the skill of using actions to complete day-to-day photo processing.

You must have basic knowledge of Photoshop to take this class. If you do not already know the basics, please enroll in the Photoshop 101 online course as a prerequisite. Photoshop must be installed on your computer. Versions CS3 and above acceptable, but instructional videos will be done using CS5. A free 30-day trial is available on the Adobe website.

Cost
$75

Class Times
Online Mini Courses are 2 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis – for a list of upcoming Photoshop Actions online courses, click here.

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera. (please note: mini courses are 2 weeks only)

Each week, (2 weeks for mini courses) you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video and/or text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have plenty of time to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise and feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Have questions? You are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them and ask away.

making a pattern mini online course

2010-08-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Course Description
Repeat patterns are a design element that we find everywhere, from our clothing, to stationery, to website backgrounds. To most, the process behind creating a seamless repeat pattern is a mystery. This two-week workshop will show you how to create several types of repeat patterns, from basic repeats (think polka dots) to random repeats (think illustration as pattern) to intricate symmetrical repeats (think damask). You will learn how to format these repeats to use in textiles, print, and online.

You must have basic knowledge of Illustrator to take this class. If you do not already know the basics, please enroll in the Illustrator 101 online course as a prerequisite. Illustrator must be installed on your computer. Versions CS4 or CS5 are required. A free 30-day trial is available on the Adobe website.

Cost
$75

Class Times
Online Mini Courses are 2 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis – for a list of upcoming Making A Pattern online courses, click here.

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera. (please note: mini courses are 2 weeks only)

Each week, (2 weeks for mini courses) you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video and/or text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have plenty of time to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise and feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Have questions? You are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them and ask away.

pretty paper products mini online course

2010-08-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Course Description
Among the many uses of Illustrator is the creation of stationery. In this two-week workshop, you will learn to create your own stationery. We will work on invitations, photo cards, greeting cards, business cards, and calendars. As you work on these programs, you will learn not only the development of projects, but also the printing process and printing resources. During this two week class, you’ll have access to instructional videos, additional reading, homework and student galleries where you can upload homework for instructor feedback.

You must have basic knowledge of Illustrator to take this class. If you do not already know the basics, please enroll in the Illustrator 101 online course as a prerequisite. Illustrator must be installed on your computer. Versions CS4 or CS5 are required. A free 30-day trial is available on the Adobe Website.

Cost
$75

Class Times
Online Mini Courses are 2 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis – for a list of upcoming Pretty Paper Products online courses, click here.

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera. (please note: mini courses are 2 weeks only)

Each week, (2 weeks for mini courses) you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video and/or text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have plenty of time to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise and feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Have questions? You are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them and ask away.

photo workflow mini online course

2010-08-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Instructors
Nicole Hill Gerulat has been a photographer for over 8 years. Examples of her work can be found on her site, nicolephoto.com as well as her blog, A Little Sussy. Nicole started teaching photography classes in September 2007 and teaches from her own curriculum. Click here to view her textbook or online classes.

Mike worked as the Director of Post-Production for Rubberball Productions, a stock photography company, for 8 years, where he was in charge of acquiring thousands of images every month and led a team of 5 retouchers. Currently, he works freelance with his wife, Alma. You can see more of Mike's work here, or purchase his textbook or online course here.

Course Description
Learning to take great pictures is the first step, then what? Time to get those photos looking their prettiest. Using Adobe’s Camera RAW, Mike and Nicole will share their tips and tricks from editing (picking the best images) to color correcting and batching large amounts of photos without the headaches and wasted time! During this two week class, you’ll have access to instructional videos and additional reading detailing the exact process professionals use to work their images.

Photoshop must be installed on your computer. Versions CS3 and above are acceptable. PS Elements will also work, but all instructional videos will be done in CS5 and some features may not be available with PS Elements. A free 30-day trial is available on the Adobe Website.

Cost
$75

Class Times
Online Mini Courses are 2 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis -- for a list of upcoming Photo Workflow online courses, click here.

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera. (please note: mini courses are 2 weeks only)

Each week, (2 weeks for mini courses) you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video and/or text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have plenty of time to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Have questions? You are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them and ask away.

2010-05-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Art Weekend dates have been announced!

Our exciting weekend includes:

Calligraphy

Customizing Blogger Blogs

Illustrator 101 Basics
Illustrator: Creating an Identity
Illustrator: Making a Pattern
Illustrator: Pretty Paper Products
Party Planning 101
Photo 101 Basics

Photo Workflow

Photoshop 101 Basics
Photoshop Actions

Photoshop Elements

Screenprinting

Sewing: Making Jeans Skinny

Sewing: Camera Straps

Studio Lighting

Tabletop Photography

Watercolors

Registration will begin Sept 1, 2010 at 12pm PDT.

photo 101 crash course: san francisco

2010-05-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

2010-04-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

In addition to our core courses (Photography, Photoshop and Illustrator), Nicole’s Classes organizes Art Weekends that boast a variety of supplemental courses taught by a wide array of talented instructors, local to the host city. These large-scale events feature between 15 and 20 à la carte classes that cater to hobbyists and budding professionals. At these events, attendees benefit not only from the knowledge they gain from classes, but the networking they are able to engage in with like-minded individuals in their own community.

Our next Art Weekend will be in Salt Lake City in October 2010. We've been working hard lining up the best instructors and the best classes, and are confident that we'll be offering you an amazing weekend! Stay tuned for more details as we book the venue and settle on a date!

2010-04-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

No full courses are currently scheduled. Check out our online classes for the virtual full course experience!

2010-04-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Instructor
Alma works as a freelance designer. Among her favorite types of projects is the creation of repeat patterns. Alma's repeat patterns have been featured on bags and binders produced by FranklinCovey, swimsuits produced by Limericki, and many sites online.

  Course Description
In this 2.5 hour course, students will learn the basics of repeating patterns from the very basics like a polka dot, to random repeated patterns (such as the mason jars shown above), to symmetrical patterns such as damasks. Students can expect to learn all the steps to creating patterns out of their own artwork in Illustrator by the end of this course.

Class Requirements
Basic Illustrator experience is required for this class. Students should understand how to create objects, and move and resize them with the selection tool. Understanding of the pen tool is a plus. (This class is scheduled less than one week after an Illustrator 101 class, to allow for students who are interested in learning Illustrator for the purpose of making patterns. See the Illustrator 101 class listing for more information.)

A laptop must be brought to class with Illustrator downloaded. (You can download a free trial for the class.) You may use any version for this class.

Cost
$65

  Location 
Pebbles in my Pocket, (1132 South State Orem, Utah 84097)

  Class Time 
Thursday, June 10 6:30pm - 9:00pm.

SIGN-UP

2010-03-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Would you like to be informed of new course offerings, discount codes and more?

Click *here* to sign-up to receive our emailed newsletter!

babies, toddlers and kids mini online course

2010-03-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Instructor
Nicole Hill Gerulat has been a photographer for over 8 years. Examples of her work can be found on her site, nicolephoto.com as well as her blog, : A Little Sussy. Nicole started teaching photography classes in September 2007 and teaches from her own curriculum. Click here to view her textbook or online classes.

Course Description:
Time for tots to take the spotlight! From newborn to elementary school, kids can be one of the toughest subjects for a photographer – we’re here to change that. This special 2-week online course will share professional tips and tricks on natural posing and genuine smiles. In just minutes, you can turn a disaster into a priceless moment, no matter the child’s age.

This class features an intelligent instructional video that will guide you through the ins and outs of photographing babies, toddlers, and kids (tantrums and toothy grins included). Additional reading and fun assignments round out this quick yet comprehensive course.

Learn to capture the countless “priceless moments” of youth (a.k.a. teenage blackmail) with the Babies, Toddles, and Kids online course at Nicole’s Classes!

Note: studio lighting and manual camera exposures are NOT covered in this course. To learn more about shooting with manual settings and exposures, please take Photo 101 by Nicole Hill Gerulat.

Cost
$75

Class Times
Online *Mini* classes are 2 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis, but will not be offered in November or December 2010. To be notified when the 2011 classes schedule is announced, click here to sign up for our newsletter.

About Our Online Courses:
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera. (please note: mini courses are 2 weeks only)

Each week, (2 weeks for mini courses) you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video and/or text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have plenty of time to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise and feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Have questions? You are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them and ask away.

2010-03-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

Warm Weather = Creativity

What is it about summer that makes us want to try something new?

Crash Courses Galore

We love you, Utah, and we're showing it. In June, Nicole's Classes has 3 crash courses taking over the city of Orem.

+ June 5th: Illustrator 101 Crash Course
+ June 10th: Making A Pattern Crash Course (NEW!)
+ June 19th: Photoshop 101 Crash Course

For a little dough & 1 Saturday of your time, you can find a new depth to your artistic side. Sign up today before they're nothing but a mirage!

Join Us for Online Classes in June

Starting new week, our fresh round of online classes hit the (proverbial) ground running. Both Photoshop 101 & Illustrator 101 have just a few spaces left. Before you head to the beach or to a picnic in the park, learn a bit more about that software you invested in. NEW DEAL: Sign up for an online class, purchase the textbook at the same time, & you can get a discount. Just enter "ONLINEBUNDLE" at checkout.

ALERT: There will be NO ONLINE CLASSES during the month of July, so sign up today to make this summer your most creative ever!

French Photo Retreat: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure

For three fabulous days in July, you could join pro photographers Nicole Hill Gerulat (yes, that Nicole) & Candice Stringham in the south of France ... yes, France!

In the region of Beynac, you'll learn all about photographing architecture, landscapes, and portraits. The best part? A gorgeous backdrop where the movies Chocolat and Ever After were filmed. Add in cozy accomidations & world-class food - voila, you have a summer trip you'll never forget. For more information, visit the French Photo Retreat page & sign up before this extraordinary experience is history.

Nicole's Classes

P.O. Box 15009

San Francisco, CA 94115

Photo 101 Crash Course: Sept 25: Las Vegas

2010-03-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

3600 Paradise Road

Las Vegas, NV

Class Time
September 25, 2010 : 9am-4pm

Equipment Needed
A digital SLR is recommended, but all you really need is a camera that allows you to change aperture and shutter speeds manually.

Please note that the class payment is only refundable if your space can be filled.

**This is Nicole's last crash course of 2010! Don't miss it!**

2010-02-15T00:51:00.000-08:00

illustrator 101 online course

2010-02-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

Course Description
Illustrator 101 ONLINE is for beginners with little or no experience working in Illustrator. This is a great class for those who love design and want to start creating their own projects, and small business owners who want to be able to work on their own graphics.

In class, you will learn the most common, basic functions of Illustrator, including how to make and manipulate objects and text, and how to make your hand-drawn artwork into vector graphics. You will also learn how to create artwork for both print and web. Homework assignments are practical and fun.

Students have their own online galleries to upload homework and Alma will leave comments on the homework weekly.

Cost
$125

Class Times
Online classes are 4 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis -- for a current list of upcoming Illustrator 101 online courses, click here.

Textbooks:
Textbooks are not included, but may be purchased with the class for a discount. Please enter ONLINEBUNDLE at checkout when purchasing the course and textbook together.

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera.

Each week, you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video, text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have 168 hours a week to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night of each week. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise & feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions each Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Have questions? You’ll have two great opportunities to make yourself heard. First, a scheduled online chat is held once a week with the instructor and all students. Ask questions, make comments, share inspirational finds – this is when connections are made, quandaries are solved, and the feeling of an in-person class is created. Second, you are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them & ask away.

Fallen a little behind? Problem solved - each class features an additional week of instructor-free access to all the learning materials. Re-learn, review, or wrap up any missing links you need to feel confident about your enhanced artistic talents.

photoshop 101 online course

2010-02-12T21:17:00.000-08:00

Instructor
Mike worked as the Director of Post-Production for Rubberball Productions, a stock photography company, for 8 years, where he was in charge of acquiring thousands of images every month and led a team of 5 retouchers. Currently, he works freelance with his wife, Alma. You can see more of Mike's work here, or purchase his textbook or online course here.

Course Description
Photoshop 101 ONLINE is for beginners with little or no experience working in Photoshop. The class focuses on the most important methods of fixing and enhancing your images.

In class, you will learn the most important enhancements that you should make to your images, including cropping, contrast, and retouching. Students will also learn how to work with layers, and how to create actions to perform repetitive tasks.

Students have their own online galleries to upload homework and Mike will leave comments on the homework weekly.

Cost
$125

Class Times
Online classes are 4 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis -- for a list of upcoming Photoshop 101 online courses, please click here.

Textbooks
Textbooks are not included, but may be purchased with the class for a discount. Please enter ONLINEBUNDLE when purchasing the two together.

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera.

Each week, you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video, text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have 168 hours a week to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night of each week. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise & feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions each Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Got questions? You’ll have two great opportunities to make yourself heard. First, a scheduled online chat is held once a week with the instructor and all students. Ask questions, make comments, share inspirational finds – this is when connections are made, quandaries are solved, and the feeling of an in-person class is created. Second, you are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them & ask away.

Fallen a little behind? Problem solved - each class features an additional week of instructor-free access to all the learning materials. Re-learn, review, or wrap up any missing links you need to feel confident about your enhanced artistic talents.

photo 101 online course

2010-02-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

Course Description
Photo 101 is for beginners with little or no experience in photography. Many semi-professionals have taken this class as a refresher course and have really enjoyed it.

In class, you will learn how to work your camera using manual settings. A large portion of the class will focus on exposure and composition. Shooting with natural light will be encouraged and instructed.

Students have their own online galleries to upload homework and Nicole will leave comments on the images weekly.

Cost
$125

Class Times
Online classes are 4 weeks long with assignments and video tutorials weekly.
Classes are held on a monthly basis, but will not be offered in November or December 2010. To be notified when the 2011 classes schedule is announced, click here to sign up for our newsletter.

Textbooks
Textbooks are not included, but may be purchased with the class for a discount. Please enter ONLINEBUNDLE at checkout when purchasing the course and textbook together.

About Our Online Courses
Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera.

Each week, you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video, text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have 168 hours a week to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night of each week. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise & feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions each Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Got questions? You’ll have two great opportunities to make yourself heard. First, a scheduled online chat is held once a week with the instructor and all students. Ask questions, make comments, share inspirational finds – this is when connections are made, quandaries are solved, and the feeling of an in-person class is created. Second, you are always welcome to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them & ask away.

Fallen a little behind? Problem solved - each class features an additional week of instructor-free access to all the learning materials. Re-learn, review, or wrap up any missing links you need to feel confident about your enhanced artistic talents.

2010-02-12T19:49:00.000-08:00

2010-02-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

4245 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(480)946-7700/phone

(480)946-7711/fax

hyattsummerfieldsuites.com

Class Time
March 13, 2010 : 9am-4pm

Equipment Needed
A digital SLR is recommended, but all you really need is a camera that allows you to change aperture and shutter speeds manually.

If you get in, the class payment will be due immediately. Please note that the class payment is only refundable if your space can be filled.

2010-02-12T17:49:00.001-08:00

2010-02-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

4245 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(480)946-7700/phone

(480)946-7711/fax

hyattsummerfieldsuites.com

Class Time
April 17, 2010 : 9am-4pm

Equipment Needed
A digital SLR is recommended, but all you really need is a camera that allows you to change aperture and shutter speeds manually.

If you get in, the class payment will be due immediately. Please note that the class payment is only refundable if your space can be filled.

2010-02-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

2010-02-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

The Seller's Retreat is a 2-day event in San Francisco, CA that will take you through the whole process of selling and marketing your product online. Are you a seller ready to enter the online market? Or are you already online but looking for a way to present your brand and product in the most professional way possible? Come to the Seller's Retreat to learn how to be your own marketing firm! We'll take you through the whole process from taking professional product shots, to professional retouching, to creating your own brand graphics and packaging, to setting up your shop and marketing yourself with social media!

There is a limited number of spots available for this retreat, which means lots of attention from the instructors, and lots of opportunity to get to know the other participants. (And believe us---we have some pretty awesome students.) So reserve your place quickly, before it sells out!

When?
May 21-22, 2010

Where?
The Ferney Art Studio at Paxton Gate
766 Valencia Street
San Francisco

* The FAS is located in the Mission district of San Francisco on a street that is flooded with creative shops that have successfully entered the online market. The are plenty of great restaurants, but we do recommend staying near Union Sq to take advantage of great shopping. No need to rent a car, BART stops just 2 blocks from FAS.

Cost?
$299

Hosted and Taught by...
Nicole Hill Gerulat
Alma Loveland
Mike Loveland

What to bring?
No experience is necessary in Photography, Photoshop or Illustrator to participate in this event. You will need to bring a digital SLR camera, and a laptop with Photoshop and Illustrator installed on it. If you do not own these programs, you can download a free trial version of them before coming to the event.

Classes...

Setting Up Your Store
So you've got a product to sell, but how do you make it available to everyone? We'll talk about setting up an online shop through Etsy and Big Cartel, and how to use these sites to your best advantage. (Not to mention, how to make them look their best!)

Product Photography
We'll discuss all the different ways you can shoot your product (so you better bring it!) Basic tabletop techniques will show you how to compliment your product because so often, the photography sells the product!

Illustrator Basics
Illustrator allows you to create amazing graphics that you can use to market your products. In this session, you'll learn the basics of Illustrator so that you become familiar with this powerhouse program! We'll focus on the tools that you're most likely to use to create logos, packaging, promo materials, and web graphics.

Marketing Your Product.
Learn to market yourself and your product through a blog, twitter, and facebook. In this class, we'll discuss blogging platforms, and techniques to get your blog attention. We'll also talk about how (and why!) to use facebook and twitter to reach your optimal audience.

Improving Product Photography Through Photoshop!
You'll have a chance to shoot your products, now you'll take your product shots to the next level by fixing them up in Photoshop. Not sure if you're a Photoshop.com or Photoshop seller? Mike will help you determine which program is best for the type of enhancing your products need. Learn to give your images a pristine white background, combine several products into the same image, boost the contrast, and present the very best product to your audience. You'll also learn the best format to save your photos for web and print.

Illustrator: The Complete Package!
After you've had a day to let your Illustrator Basics sink in, we'll use this time to learn how to create your logo, blog and shop banners, web buttons and ads, packaging, and promo materials! You'll go home all set to take control of your brand!

Student + Instructor Time
All students will have the opportunity to sign up for private instruction in photography, Ilustrator and Photoshop so questions relating to their products can be answered!

Meeting Successful Sellers!
We'll take a couple field trips to visit nearby successful sellers and hear their tips and tricks in selling online.

2010-02-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to send you a huge thank you! We had a wonderful time in your class and learned SO MUCH! We both feel so much more confident with the camera and the tech stuff behind it actually makes sense now! So thank you for offering a wonderful class that can take 2 permanent-auto-setting people and transforming them into manual-setting champions!!
-Audrey, San Francisco, Photo 101

I just reached a breakthrough last night. For 6 years, I've been using automatic and semi-automatic settings, and in the three weeks in your class, I've learned to use manual settings properly. It's liberating!
-Caset, Rancho Cucamonga, Photo 101 Online

I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate you having us over for the lighting demo on Saturday. It really was inspiring to me. I used to think that you need some kind studio lighting magic to produce beautiful, magazine cover worthy images. Now I realize it's not true and I have no excuse! I should be able to produce something just as beautiful in my own place. You taught me the "make-it-work" attitude and I love that about you. :) Thank you for having us over. I learned so much!
-Sunray, San Francisco, Photo 102

Wow. What a fantastic and amazing experience was your AWLA tour de force. My sincerest thank you. I learned so much! What generous and talented people you all are. Can't wait for the next opportunity to learn from you.

-Christina, Los Angeles, Art Weekend

I just wanted to thank you again for your class today!! I can't believe how much I learned, and I really have been studying a lot of this already. You made everything "click" to me and finally all fit together and make sense. I can't tell you how excited I am about it and how perfect your class was for me! Thanks again! I hope I will get to take more classes from you in the future!
-Jessica, Orem, UT

The Photo classes opened my eyes to a whole new world. Previous to her class, I had read everything I could get my hands on to understand my camera and never understood it. Then in the first class with Nicole, it was like all that information floating in my head fell into place. For the first time in years, I understood. Now 2 years later, I have a great little business and the first credit goes to Nicole. Thanks.
-Lisa, Cedar Hills, UT

My favorite part of the course(s) is the lighting demo and shooting on location. That immediate feedback really helps.
-Denise, San Francisco, CA

This class was just what I needed to make everyting "click." I had spent hours studying photography, but needed your in person instruction to put it all together. I think my photography has improved leaps and bounds since taking your crash course. Thanks so much! -Lori, Aliso Viejo, CA

The length and time of the classes were perfect. I work full time and am a mom to two. I liked that it wasn't one of those 2 1/2 hour classes that you take after work sometimes for 10 weeks at a time. It was a good amount of information in learning photography and the assignments were great in helping in that process. The classes were very motivational as well. I looked forward going to each one.
-Joyce, San Francisco, CA

I would highly recommend these classes to anyone- they were all fabulous!
-Carla, Alameda, CA

I love that the classes were intimate and they were taught by working professionals. I went to a design college and it's less stressful and down to earth (or maybe it was the instructors?) but since it's only a "crash course" i welcomed the quick tips that this class provided me in order to get me on my way of figuring out the program (in a more advanced way) on my own!! Very helpful first steps!
-Kathy, San Francisco, CA

Taught in such an understandable way, Nicole doesn't make you feel bad for pictures that need improvement, so nice that she is willing to answer any questions, I can't wait to take 102!
-Amy, Sacramento, CA

Taking your Photo 101 class was the best thing I ever decided to do.
-Martha, SLC, UT

I can't tell you how much your class has helped me with my camera. In that one day, I was able to really "click" with my camera and I have been getting more and more of the results I want from my images.I have received such positive feedback from others. I now am getting more and more referrals for family photo shoots so it looks like I have a little business growing! I have a four month old daughter and I take pictures of her all the time. The images I am now able to achieve from your class are priceless! I love that I will be able to look back at each stage of her life with such great images.
-Kara, South Jordan, UT

ACCEPTING SPONSORS

2010-02-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

Nicole's Classes® is finally accepting sponsors for individual classes, Art Weekends and Retreats for a variety of sponsoring levels from products for swag bags to title sponsorship. Please click here to apply.

About
Nicole's Classes® is a unique educational company with a very targeted demographic. Nicole Hill Gerulat is a Brooks-educated photographer who has been teaching photography courses from her own curriculum since 2007. These intimate classes of up to 20 students sell out within hours of announcement through Nicole’s established photography blog, A Little Sussy.

In 2008, at the request of her students, Nicole added Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator courses to her curriculum. These courses are taught by husband and wife team Mike and Alma Loveland, digital art specialists.

These core classes are taught locally (Nicole is based out of San Francisco; Mike and Alma are based out of Salt Lake City) and nationally as the group travels to major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, DC and Boston. Starting March 2010, their curriculum will also be available online.

Recently, Photo 101: The Book, Illustrator 101: The Book and Photoshop 101: The Book were released and quickly sold out of their first printing.

In addition to the core courses, Nicole's Classes® organizes Art Weekends® that boast a variety of affordable, educational courses taught by a wide array of talented instructors, local to the city. These large scale events feature between 15-20 a la carte classes that cater to hobbyists and budding professionals. At these events, attendees benefit not only from the knowledge they gain, but the networking they are able to do with like-minded individuals in their own community.

The first Art Weekend® was held in San Francisco in August, 2009. Over 350 tickets were sold with only a few mentions on three blogs -including Nicole’s A Little Sussy. The second Art Weekend® was held in Salt Lake City November, 2009 and sold out quickly -with over 450 tickets sold. Each event was a success with rave reviews from the students.

New classes introduced for 2010 include Art Weekend -Salt Lake City, The Seller's Retreat and The French Photo Retreat.

To apply to become a sponsor, please click here.

2010-02-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

It’s time to see France through a whole new lens. Photographers Nicole Hill Gerulat and Candice Stringham will share 3 fabulous photo-fun-filled days with you in the countryside region of Beynac. You’ll learn how to photograph architecture, landscapes, and portraits within breathtaking scenery and humbling environment. A limited group size (fewer than 20 people) ensures you will get the personal attention and creative support you deserve. A peaceful background, cozy accommodations, world-class food … this may be the most memorable trip of your life.

Take your photography to the next level – take the French Photo Retreat with Nicole Hill Gerulat and Candice Stringham!

When: July 12-14, 2010

Where: Beynac-et-Cazenac, a gorgeous, picturesque village 5.5 hrs (by car) from Paris. Does the place look familiar? The movies Chocolat and Ever After were filmed here!

Hotel: We have a block of rooms reserved at Hostellerie Maleville

65 € for a double room with breakfast included

60 € for a single room with breakfast included

85 € for a triple room with breakfast included

The prices with breakfast and dinner included (half board) are :

65 € per person in a double room or triple room

81 € for one person in a single room

Schedule of Events:

Each morning we'll begin with class instruction. The morning classes will take place around La Maisonette (a home owned by Stephanie of the well known blog, Stephmodo). Literally built into the castle walls, it's the perfect location for beautiful views and amazing light. We'll discuss such topics as equipment, settings, finding and creating beautiful light, food/ table top photography, portraiture, and basic editing. Detailed instructions and handouts will be included. Both Nicole and Candice have BFA's in photography and many years of teaching experience. With such a small group of students, this retreat is a great opportunity to ask lots of questions and receive personal feedback.

Lunch will be served each day before we depart to our stunning photo-shoot locations. You will get to enjoy classic french fare catered by a local chef.

Because Benyac is such a beautiful village we will spend the afternoons exploring photographic opportunities at various locations. With models and both instructors on site, you'll have the chance to put all the knowledge you are gaining into practice.

Each evening class will end at 5 p.m. After 5, you'll have an opportunity yourself to explore and enjoy a little downtime in Benyac.

On the final evening, Nicole and Candice will host a dinner party at a local restaurant to end our fabulous three days together!

Cost: $1400 -Includes 3 full days of instruction with models (and any excursions we might take). Lunch provided and Wednesday dinner provided. does not include hotel or airfare.

online class registration open!

2010-02-05T10:34:00.001-08:00

we are now registering through our shop. please click here for a no-hassle registration.

Online Classes Are Launching!

2010-02-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

{By Alma}

By the way, did you know that registration starts for our online classes tonight at 6 pm PST?? We should totally have a launch party. Except that Nicole lives in SF and we're in Utah. Hmm. Maybe we should get together at Disneyland to celebrate. (Which, by the way, we are, and also, you're invited to come and participate as part of our LA mini Art Weekend activities!)

But seriously folks. You can take our classes online now! That means that you don't have to be located in Utah or San Francisco to benefit from our vast knowledge. And do you want to know what makes our classes better than other online classes? Well, let me tell you the story about that one time that I tried to learn Flash by using the tutorial that came with the program.

So I wanted to learn Flash. And I followed this step-by-step tutorial of how to make some gnome thing. And I was following along step-by-step and doing great. Until the very last step when all of a sudden, my gnome didn't work, but the tutorial's gnome DID work. What went wrong? I carefully inspected everything and mine looked identical to the tutorial's version. So then, I started all over. From scratch. And I redid every single step, paying attention to every minor tiny little detail. And then I got to the end, and my gnome didn't work. Seriously??

Guess what. That is the last time I have ever used Flash. I didn't learn the program at all. All it would have taken was one person to show me the minor teeny tiny seemingly insignificant thing that I did wrong that would suddenly make things right again. And then I would have gone on to the next tutorial and continued learning Flash.

At Nicole's classes, what we are offering you is as close to our live class experience as possible in an online format. You benefit from STRUCTURE. You have one month to complete the class. What this means is that we save you from your own good intentions. (Sites that have you pay a monthly subscription fee, on the other hand, benefit from you always meaning to learn your program but never actually getting around to doing it, so month after month, they collect money from you.) It means that in one month, you can be confident that you will have learned the lesson material. How awesome is it to say, "In one month, I will know how to use Illustrator"? (Or Photoshop. Or that really expensive camera that you bought but have no idea how to use.)

You also benefit from HOMEWORK. That's right. What used to be a bad word back when you were in school is now a WONDERFUL word, meaning you'll be assigned really fun, useful assignments that allow you to practice the skills you are learning. In my Illustrator class for example, you'll make your own poster, your own invitation, your own blog header, and more! And then you benefit from critique of your homework! So if something's not working for you, you have access to teacher help, where you can submit an image of what's going wrong, and we can tell you what to do to fix it! We'll comment on all your homework!

And you benefit from LIVE CHAT SESSIONS. That's right. You get direct, live access to us with all the other members of the class so that you can see what they are asking, and ask your own questions---just like you would have if you were taking our classes in person!

And finally, you can benefit from TEXTBOOKS (sold separately) that we have written ourselves, that complement the classes. So you can have a written record of everything that you'll learn in the online platform, but that you can keep forever.

So get ready, get set, and GO sign up for Photography 101, Photoshop 101, and Illustrator 101! You will love love love it! (Sign up starts at 6 p.m. PST. There are a limited number of seats available, so act now!)

mark your calendars

2010-01-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars: Nicole's Classes *ONLINE* registration will start February 3rd at 6pm PST at NicolesClasses.net

Classes are structured like the main month-long course with weekly videos and lessons, chat rooms, student galleries for instructor feedback. Each class will take a limited amount of students each month to be able to devote more attention to each student.

More details to follow!

mini ART WEEKEND-LA: FEB 19/20

2010-01-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Art Weekend is on the road -and we're bringing a mini version to Los Angeles!! It'll be a 2-day weekend FULL of amazing art classes. I've gathered the finest teachers to share with you their knowledge, expertise and tips. What's better, our a la carte system and tiered pricing make the classes more affordable to you! Each class is two hours, giving you enough time to learn the basics and more opportunities to take multiple classes. Class sizes will also be small (no more than 20-25 in each class) so you can get all the attention you deserve!

Location
Sheraton Downtown LA
711 South Hope Street, LA
213.488.3500
$5 reduced rate for self-parking

Classes Offered
Photo 101 All Day Crash Course *SOLD OUT*
Photo 101 Basics
Commercial Photography
Studio Lighting
Photoshop 101
Photoshop Actions
Digital Workflow for Photographers
Illustrator 101
Illustrator: Pretty Paper Products
Illustrator: Making a Pattern
Screenprinting
Portfolio Reviews + Private Instruction

The Schedule
(click to enlarge)

Cost

1-2 classes: $45 each* (no discount)
3-4 classes: $40/class* (10% discount code: minus10 )
5-7 classes: $36/class* (20% discount code: minus20 )
7+ classes: $31/class* (30% discount code: minus30 )

*prices are approximate, based on discount. Some classes have materials fees.
*photo 101 all day crash course and studio lighting is not eligible for discount as it is a separate price.

To receive a discount, you must enter a discount code if you are purchasing more than 2 tickets. Please refer to the chart above for the proper discount code.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: If you apply a discount code that you are not eligible for, your order will be canceled and your money refunded, minus a $20 processing fee. You may not register for multiple people for a better discount

The Store!
At AW-LA, we'll have our textbooks, screens and other awesome products available for a discounted price!

Giveaways!
Nicole's Classes® is giving away online classes and textbooks for Photo 101, Illustrator 101 and Photoshop 101!

Disneyland!
Participate in Disney's® Give & Get program and join us on February 18 for a day at Disneyland!

Sign-Up Now!

PHOTO 101 ALL DAY CRASH COURSE *SOLD OUT*
taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat

The Photo 101 Crash Course is for beginners with little or no experience in photography. In class, you will learn how to work your camera using manual settings. A large portion of the class will focus on exposure and composition. Shooting with natural light will be encouraged and instructed. We will also have a lighting demo where we will be learning lighting techniques and posing with a model. A film or digital SLR camera is recommended. Taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat. Click here to sign up.

PHOTO 101 BASICS
taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat

Frustrated because only 1 of 20 of your pictures turn out? Take this 2-hr class and you'll learn how to properly expose with your camera by learning its manual settings. By the end of class, you'll know how to stop motion, create motion and change depth of field -the essentials to learning how to shoot like a pro. No previous exposure to photography necessary. Please bring your cameras. SLRs are recommended. (If you are taking the full day course, this class isn't necessary.) Taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat. Click here to sign up.

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat

The Commercial Photography class will discuss all aspects of commercial photography -from branding yourself to booking the job. Other topics include shooting for and selling stock, finding clients, your portfolio, estimates and bidding, the photo shoot, the aftermath and getting more work. This class is taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat -who has been shooting commercially and was the photo editor for a stock photography company. Click here to sign up.

STUDIO LIGHTING
taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat

This class will show you everything you need to shart shooting with lighting equipment. There will also be a demo with a model with a chance for the students to shoot. Other topics include lighting diagrams, setup/takedown, and lighting patterns. This class is taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat. *Please note: there is a $5 additional fee for this class built into the price: $50.Click here to sign up.

PHOTOSHOP BASICS
taught by Mike Loveland

Learn Photoshop's most useful tools and become familiar with the workspace. Use Photoshop to enhance your photos by improving color and contrast. Learn about layer masking and actions. Laptop with Photoshop CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class.) Click here to sign up.

DIGITAL WORKFLOW FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
taught by Mike Loveland

Use Camera RAW, an industry-preferred way to enhance your photos and manipulate your images without damaging the original file. Images will be provided. Laptop with Photoshop CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the week before class.) Taught by Mike Loveland. Click here to sign up.

PHOTOSHOP: ACTIONS
taught by Mike Loveland

Create and implement 4-5 Photoshop actions as a class. Students can expect to gain a superior understanding of how Photoshop's actions work, and how to create their own actions. Give all your photos a lomo or a "Polaroid" look. Add a charming vignette. Then batch all your photos, sit back, and let Photoshop do your work. Laptop with Photoshop CS4 installed required, previous PS experience required (at least Photoshop Basics). Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class. The actual actions files will be sent to those who sign up for the class, after the class. Click here to sign up.

ILLUSTRATOR BASICS
taught by Alma Loveland

Learn the basics of Illustrator to get you on your way to creating logos, graphics, and vector illustrations. Don't know what vector is? That's a very good reason to take this course. Laptop with Illustrator CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com.Please do not download until one week before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland. Click here to sign up.

ILLUSTRATOR: PRETTY PAPER PRODUCTS
taught by Alma Loveland

Today we are lucky to live in a world where well-designed paper products are readily available. But still, are you ever frustrated to be at the mercy of someone else's design? Do you ever wish that you could design your own invitations, calling cards, and announcements? Do you have ideas for greeting cards that you want to develop? Illustrator is a program that the professionals use to develop the artwork for stationery. Sign up for Illustrator: Pretty Paper Products, and you will learn about designing and printing your own products!

Class includes: Templates for common paper products, including photo announcements, invitations, calendars, and business cards. Design elements, made specifically for this class by Alma Loveland. You must take Illustrator Basics or have equivalent experience before taking this class. Click here to sign up.

ILLUSTRATOR: MAKING A PATTERN
taught by Alma Loveland

Use Illustrator to create a pattern. We'll start with a simple polka dot and work our way up to a complex, seamless pattern. Laptop with Illustrator CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland.Click here to sign up. (You must take Illustrator Basics or have equivalent experience before taking this class.)

SCREEN PRINTING WORKSHOP
taught by Andy Kane

Have you ever wanted to silkscreen your own designer t-shirts and fabrics? Here's your chance. This screen printing workshop is beginner level curriculum and demonstrates the whole screen printing process. Participants will leave with a complete understanding of the process and be fully prepared to setup a screen printing studio at his or her kitchen table or studio space. Participants will also print on a take-home tote bag and have permanent access to a companion digital content website - tutorials, sample files, and more. The instructor, Andy Kane, is a high school teacher and practicing artist who has worked as a screen printer for ten years. There is a $10 materials fee due at class to pay for the tote you will be screen printing. Click here to sign up.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION + PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
with Nicole, Mike and Alma

Are the classes not advanced enough? Maybe you need a little help editing your portfolio or learning a new trick? Nicole, Mike and Alma will be available for private instruction and portfolio review. Dates and price TBD.

Valentine's Day Cards & Gifts - Feb 4

2010-01-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

Instructor
Alma works as a freelance designer, specializing in logos, banners, business needs, and wedding invites. She has worked as a designer for FranklinCovey and has been teaching classes since March 2008.

Course Description
Do you have trouble finding the right card to tell your special someone exactly how you feel? Can't find "I love you because you make me laugh till milk comes out my nose" at Hallmark? Don't want to send the kids to school with lame Spongebob Valentines this year? Take Illustrator: Valentine's Day Cards & Gifts! You'll learn to make your own cards and valentines, as well as a poster, because what says "I LOVE YOU" more than a huge poster that says "I LOVE YOU"? (This class includes templates and printing instructions for Valentines, Cards, and a poster. It also includes a Valentine's vector pack, developed specifically for this class, that has patterns, brushes, and artwork for you to use!)

Class Requirements
A laptop must be brought to every class with illustrator downloaded. (You can download a free trial for the class.) You must have Illustrator experience to take this class. (If you have no experience, you can pick up the basics on January 30th. Click here for details and sign up info.)

Cost
$45

Location
Pebbles in My Pocket, Orem, Utah

Class Times
Thursday, February 4 7:00-9:30 p.m.

Sign-Up
Click here to register for class! Please note that the class payment will not be refundable, but you may transfer your registration to another student.

2010-01-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

Instructor
Alma works as a freelance designer, specializing in logos, banners, business needs, and wedding invites. She has worked as a designer for FranklinCovey and has been teaching classes since March 2008. To see more of Alma's work, please click here. To buy her textbook or online course, click here.

Course Description
InDesign is the best program to use for books, brochures, and newsletters. Learn to create templates in InDesign to keep the look of your publications consistent. InDesign 101, we'll work on three cookbook spreads together. No previous experience with InDesign required.

Class Requirements
A laptop must be brought to every class with indesign downloaded. (You can download a free trial for the class.)

Cost
$100

Location
Pebbles in My Pocket, Orem, Utah

Class Time
Saturday, March 27 10:00-4:00

Please note that the class payment will not be refundable, but you may transfer your registration to another student.

photo 101 full course : san francisco : february

2010-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

2010-01-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

Here at Nicole’s Classes, we’ve taken our popular in-person class experience and seamlessly transformed it for an online environment. Structured, one-month-long classes help keep you focused on learning what you’ve always wanted to know, not just when you “get around to it.” In just 30 days, you can strut your new skills for the world to see, whether it be Illustrator, Photoshop, or the fancy manual function on your expensive camera. (Please note: mini courses are 2 weeks only.)

Each week (4 weeks for full courses, 2 weeks for mini courses), you’ll have access to a new lesson, filled with video, text, and photos to help you learn the ins and outs of your chosen subject. These materials can be accessed anytime, day or night, so you have 168 hours a week to watch, read, and create. Find your own pace and take your talent to the next level.

Along with all the fantastic education info, each week features an assignment to be completed – yes, homework. You may have hated it before, but this will be the most fun you’ve ever had in school! These useful and enjoyable projects will help you put your newly-gained knowledge to work. Whether taking stylish photos, creating your own invitations, or editing out imperfections, this is where the real education happens.

Completed assignments are uploaded into a gallery shared by all class members by Sunday night of each week. Both the instructor and your fellow classmates will be able to leave praise & feedback on your creative works. Instructors quickly follow-up on your submissions each Monday with support and constructive criticism that helps you make the most of your efforts.

Got questions? You’ll have great opportunities to make yourself heard. You are always welcome (encouraged even) to message your instructor directly. They’re here to help you, so make the most of your time with them & ask away, whether it be about the class or their professional tips. And for some course, scheduled online chat(s) will be held with the instructor and all students. Ask questions, make comments, share inspirational finds – this is when connections are made, quandaries are solved, and the feeling of an in-person class is truly created.

Fallen a little behind? Problem solved - each class features an additional bonus week of instructor-free access to all the learning materials. Re-learn, review, or wrap up any missing links you need to feel confident about your enhanced artistic talents. And keep in mind that we do offer paid extension weeks at the close of the course.

Look in our sidebar under "online courses" for a complete listing of our online courses and mini courses.

updates

2010-01-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited for what this year will bring for the Classes --we are so close to having everything ready.

Registration will be opening soon, but wanted to give you a heads-up on some classes.

Mini Art Weekends are 2 days full of photography, photoshop, illustrator, and indesign classes.

Art Weekends are 3 days full of photography, photoshop, illustrator, indesign, painting, blogging, etsy and other craft classes.

*dates may shift slightly, but at least you'll know where we are going!

Jan 30 {Seattle} Photo 101 Crash Course
Feb 6 {Los Angles} Photo 101 Crash Course
Mar 12-13 {Las Vegas} Mini Art Weekend
April 16-17 {Ft Lauderdale / Orlando} Mini Art Weekend
May 20-22 {San Francisco} Art Weekend
June 24-26 {Houston} Art Weekend
July 8-10 {Salt Lake City} Art Weekend
Aug 14 {Denver} Photo 101 Crash Course
Aug 21 {Chicago} Photo 101 Crash Course

any other recommendations?

textbooks!

2009-12-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

we are taking pre -orders for our textbooks that are due in January! perfect holiday gift for the budding enthusiast! click here to see the shop.

just in case you missed it,

2009-12-08T18:43:00.001-08:00

here are some tabletop photography tips from nicole hill gerulat:

New Classes, Sneak Peek!

2009-12-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Coming in 2010 are a few changes to Alma and Mike's classes. Here's how it will go:

Each season (winter, spring, summer, fall) we will offer one each of our full courses, which include Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. (This winter, we'll have Illustrator in January, Photoshop in February, and InDesign in March).

In addition to these full courses, we will be offering some mini courses, which will change throughout the year. Some of these courses will build on concepts that you've already learned in our 101 classes. Some will be courses that you can take without having taken another class. These classes will generally be held for 2.5 hours during one evening session on a weekday and will cost $45 each.

In Winter 2010, you can expect the following mini courses:

"Illustrator: Valentine's Day Cards and Gifts": The Christmas Cards and Gifts was such a success at the Art Weekend, that we wanted to bring you this opportunity to take the class during our regular curriculum! This class will include a whole new set of Valentine's Day specific artwork. Together we'll put together a photo card, and a set of unique, personal Valentine's Day cards. (Think of how cool your kid will be when they show up at school with their very own personalized Valentine's Day cards! You'd be a bad parent not to take this class!) More details and examples to come! Be excited. Be very excited! (You can leave your email address here if you're interested in being notified when more info is available and registration is open.)

"Photoshop.com": You've complained, and we've listened. Let's face it. For some of you out there, Photoshop is 1) too expensive and 2) too complicated for what you really need to do. If you want to learn a photo editing program because you just want to crop and fix up your personal photos, if you want to know the tricks and tips to making a blah photo into a wow photo, if your life is fulfilled having never learned about "actions" or "layer masking," then this class is for you! In one session, Mike will give you all the tools and know-how to use Adobe's FREE photo editor at photoshop.com. Please check back for details! (You can leave your email address here if you're interested in being notified when more info is available and registration is open.)

Our new full course is InDesign 101, which will continue throughout the year, depending on its success in March. So if you're interested in learning this program, let us know! In our 2-hour class at the Art Weekend, we were able to make a spread. Learn this and more about InDesign's capabilities at our crash course! Info to be posted soon! (You can leave your email address here if you're interested in being notified when more info is available and registration is open.)

studio 5 -UTAH update

2009-12-08T13:50:00.002-08:00

hey hey! well that was one morning!

the tv segment this morning went well --though i was beet red with cotton mouth. seriously.. what is wrong with me? i can teach thousands, but throw a camera in front and it's a different story. fortunately the online class videos turned out well.

anyway, just wanted to share some of the new photos you might have missed.

special thanks to brooklyn who came over at 8am to take these last minute, my mom for being my moral support and hair and makeup team, and for the lovely products.... headbands: old soul new heart and love, taza; booties: peekaboo monkey

© nicolephoto.com

Studio 5 -UTAH

2009-12-08T13:50:00.001-08:00

Taking a late flight tonight to be on Studio 5 for KSL TV tomorrow at 11am -(tune in or set your dvr!) I will be giving tips on styling tabletop products... specifically for you etsy sellers.

nicolephoto.com booties from peekaboo monkey

coming up next!

2009-12-01T13:27:00.001-08:00

so many things -and people- have been neglected these past two weeks. from 10am -midnight, i've been hammering out this book. and today it will be finished! (just finishing the table of contents and bio page now). this is very very exciting news for me because i'll soon be able to work on other projects.

lucky art weekend students were able to pre-order this book and will receive it by Christmas!

If you'd like to purchase gift certificates for Christmas, we are offering gift certificates for the following:

*any future live classes
* private instruction (alma, mike, me)
* the textbooks -photo, illustrator and photoshop ($40 + $5 shipping) will not be shipped in time for Christmas, sorry.

here are some other things to look forward to for Jan 1, 2010:

*registration for online classes.
*brand spankin' new nicolesclasses.com
*a shop with our books, goods, favorite things and more
*all our traveling classes for 2010 will be announced
*new* art weekend dates and locations (we're choosing btwn Austin, Vegas, Phoenix, FL, LA, SF, SLC)

can you tell we've been busy? wowzers. i need to calm down.

here i am with the printout copy of the rough draft.

CLASSES FOR 2010

2009-11-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

Will be announced soon! Please stay tuned -we are busy planning, writing and filming for next year! Hurrah.

shh!!! it's a secret!

2009-11-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

AW-SLC is offering so many amazing giveaways --including an *emera bag! (don't worry, if you don't win you can buy one in our store.)

friday student social

2009-11-03T00:09:00.001-08:00

We just don't think we'll get enough of you at Art Weekend -SLC, so we are hosting a student social on friday night from 7-8:30pm! There will be lots of Smart Cookies, AMAZING door prizes and a chance for everyone to work on their Art Weekend projects --and get some help from some of the teachers. Do I hear a short film and popcorn? That might be in the works too.

Only available for our AW-SLC students --whoa.. have you not signed up yet? There are just a few spaces left! Click here.

meet holly!

2009-10-25T16:15:00.003-07:00

I am so excited to be taking this DIY foral arranging class with Holly Fowler at Art Weekend-SLC. It is the perfect way to learn simple tabletop flower arrangements and boutonnieres. You'll be taking ordinary grocery bouquets and turn them into beautiful arrangements. This is an excellent and economical way to bring color and life into your home. This class is offered at ART WEEKEND -SLC. Thursday, November 5th from 9:00 am - 10:50 am. There is a $15 materials fee due at class and you WILL be going home with your arrangement! Click here to sign up..

photo by me. location: alice lane; flowers: holly fowler

meet alma!

2009-10-25T16:15:00.001-07:00

brilliant alma illustrated this adorable game that is now available for sale! click here. (ps... come take a class from alma at our Art Weekend -SLC!)

featured teacher: cindy ferguson

2009-10-14T19:49:00.003-07:00

over the next couple weeks i'm going to feature some of our SLC Art Weekend teachers -because if you haven't already been introduced to their work, you should!

first up, cindy ferguson -master paper cutter. her work is so intricate and beautiful -i'd love to own them all. i'm particularly excited that she will be teaching a papercutting (scherenschnitte) class at my SLC Art Weekend because i've always wanted to learn. sign-ups here!

and if you can't make it to this fabulous weekend, you can buy cindy's art at her etsy shop!

featured teacher: kelly mccaleb

2009-10-14T19:49:00.001-07:00

have you seen kelly mccaleb's lovely lovely goods and patterns for sale? i first found her beautiful work a couple years ago and bought some cards she made that I haven't been able to part with just yet. kelly has run a successful etsy business with over 700 sales at 100% feedback. want to learn how to do it too? click here to take kelly's class at The ART Weekend -SLC.

another crash course added!:

2009-10-14T19:13:00.001-07:00

new crash course added:

2009-10-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

art weekend : new york city : oct 9-10

2009-09-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

The Art Weekend is on the road -and this time we're hitting up NYC!

The classes offered are now Sold OUT.

art weekend : salt lake city, utah : hotel info

2009-09-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

We've booked our spaces and rooms! Come join us!

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel

122 W South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 521-0130

Call and request our group rate!

Give them "Nicole's Classes" for the top-secret password.

See you there!

$74 Single/Dbl

$84 Triple/Quad

art weekend : salt lake city, utah : nov 5-7

2009-09-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Art Weekend is on the road --and the biggest and best event will be Salt Lake City! It'll be a weekend FULL of amazing art classes. I've gathered the finest teachers to share with you their knowledge, expertise and tips. What's better, our a la carte system and tiered pricing make the classes more affordable to you! Each class is a little under two hours, giving you enough time to learn the basics and more opportunities to take multiple classes. Class sizes will also be small (no more than 20 in each class) so you can get all the attention you deserve.

Don't forget, we'll be offering giveaways at the start of each class. (hint hint: brand spankin' new nicole's classes textbooks, amazing sponsor's products and online classes will be part of the giveaways. thousands of dollars worth in great prizes.. :)

Classes Offered:
Photography -Sold out
Tabletop Photography -Sold out
Photoshop Actions: --Sold out
Photoshop: Digital Workflow for Photographers
Illustrator -NEW CLASS ADDED!!!
Illustrator: Making Cards + Gifts --Sold out
Illustrator: Creating an Identity --Sold out
Illustrator: Making a Pattern --Sold out
InDesign
Screenprinting --Sold out
Blogging: From Starting to Marketing --Sold out
Starting an Etsy Shop
Papercutting (Scherenschnitte)
Flower Arranging
Bookbinding

Cost:

1-2 classes $45 each (no discount)
3-4 classes: $40/class* (10% discount code: tier1minus10 )
5-7 classes: $35/class* (25% discount code: tier2minus25 )
7+ classes: $30/class* (33% discount code: tier3minus33 )

*prices are approximate, based on discount.

To receive a discount, you must enter a discount code if you are purchasing more than 2 tickets. Please refer to the chart below for the proper discount code.

Location:
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel
122 W South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 521-0130

Hotel:
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel
122 W South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 521-0130

Call and request our group rate!

Give them "Nicole's Classes" for the top-secret password.

See you there!

$74 Single/Dbl

$84 Triple/Quad

Sign-ups:
Click here to sign up.

For a layout of the class schedule, click below to enlarge:

taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat

Frustrated because only 1 of 20 of your pictures turn out? Take this class and you'll learn how to properly expose with your camera by learning its manual settings. By the end of class, you'll know how to stop motion, create motion and change depth of field -the essentials to learning how to shoot like a pro. No previous exposure to photography necessary. Please bring your cameras. SLRs are recommended. Taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat. This class is offered Thursday, November 5th from 2:00am - 3:50pm and Saturday, November 7th from 11:00 am - 12:50 pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat

The Tabletop Photography class is a hands-on demo to show the best way to photograph products and food using natural light. Tip and tricks for better lighting and styling will be discussed. Please bring your cameras and tripods. Class size very limited. You must have a good understanding of manual exposures as this will not be discussed in class. Taught by Nicole Hill Gerulat. This class is offered Thursday, November 5th from 4:00 pm - 5:50 pm and Saturday, November 7th from 4:00 pm - 5:50 pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Mike Loveland

taught by Mike Loveland

Use Camera RAW, an industry-preferred way to enhance your photos and manipulate your images without damaging the original file. Images will be provided. Laptop with Photoshop CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the week before class.) Taught by Mike Loveland. This class will be offered Thursday, November 5th from 4:00pm - 5:50pm and Saturday, November 7th from 2:00pm - 3:50pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Mike Loveland

Create and implement 3-4 Photoshop actions as a class. Students can expect to gain a superior understanding of how Photoshop's actions work, and how to create their own actions. Give all your photos a lomo or a polaroid look. Add a charming vignette. Then batch all your photos, sit back, and let Photoshop do your work. Laptop with Photoshop CS4 installed required, previous PS experience required (at least Photoshop Basics). (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class.) Taught by Mike Loveland. This class will be offered Saturday, November 7th from 11:00 am - 12:50pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Alma Loveland

Learn the basics of Illustrator to get you on your way to creating logos, graphics, and vector illustrations. Don't know what vector is? That's a very good reason to take this course. Laptop with Illustrator CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com.Please do not download until one week before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland. This class is offered Thursday, November 5th from 11:00 am - 12:50 pm AND Saturday, November 7th from 4-5:50pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Alma Loveland

Create great Christmas card templates for yourself or for your photography business in Illustrator. Learn to use Photoshop and Illustrator together to drop pictures into your design and develop an eye-catching Christmas card! Create gift tags in Illustrator to add an extra personal touch to your gifts this season. Laptop with Illustrator CS4 installed required; Illustrator basics strongly encouraged before taking this class. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until one week before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland. This class is offered Friday, November 6th from 11:00 am - 12:50 pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Alma Loveland

Learn how to create graphics unique to you or your client. We'll cover the basics of logos, blog headers, and web buttons. An ideal class for up and coming entrepreneurs. Laptop with Illustrator CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until one week before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland. This class is offered Thursday, November 5th from 2:00pm - 3:50pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Alma Loveland

Use Illustrator to create a pattern. We'll start with a simple polka dot and work our way up to a complex, seamless pattern. Laptop with Illustrator CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available at adobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland. This class is offered Friday, November 6th from 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Alma Loveland

InDesign is the best program to use for books, brochures, and newsletters. Learn to create templates in InDesign to keep the look of your publications consistent. We'll work on a cookbook spread together in class. No previous experience with InDesign required. Laptop with InDesign CS4 installed required. (Free trial download available atadobe.com. Please do not download until the night before class.) Taught by Alma Loveland. This class is offered Friday, November 6th from 4:00 pm - 5:50 pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Andy Kane * SOLD OUT!!!!****

Have you ever wanted to silkscreen your own designer t-shirts and fabrics? Here’s your chance. Screenprinting, or silkscreen, is everywhere. Screenprinting is one of the most versatile, low-tech, and easy printing methods available. This workshop covers:

- Image and Text Design
- DIY Screen Construction
- DIY Printing Base
- Exposure Systems
- Press Setup & Registration
- Printing Techniques
- Ink & Mesh Selection
- Production Tips & Tricks
- Equipment Maintenance
- General Troubleshooting
- Extensive Q & A's

This workshop is a beginner level curriculum and demonstrates the whole silkscreen process. Participants will leave with a complete understanding of the process and be fully prepared to setup a silkscreen studio at his or her kitchen table or studio space. Participants will also print on a take-home tote bag. The instructor, Andy Kane, is a high school teacher and practicing artist who has worked continuously as a screen-printer for ten years. This class is offered Friday, November 6th from 9:00 am - 10:50 am , Friday, November 6th from 11:00 am - 12:50 pm and Saturday, November 7th from 9:00 am - 10:50 am. There is a $10 materials fee due at class. Click here to sign up.

taught by Kelly McCaleb

This class will give you all the tools you need to finally get the etsy shop you've been dreaming about up and running. First, we will become totally familiar with the technical side of etsy, including actually setting up shop. Then we will delve into the really important stuff: how to get your goods seen and sold! Come prepared to hear exactly what you need to do to be a successful Etsian! Please bring a laptop, if possible. Class taught by Kelly McCaleb. This class is offered Thursday, November 5th 11:00 am - 12:50pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Rachel Jones of Black Eiffel

Ready to start a blog as a creative outlet or to launch your business? This class will teach you how to setup a blogspot blog. Rachel will share her tips and tricks to getting your blog noticed, from consistent design, to successful marketing! Please bring a laptop, if possible. Class taught by Rachel Jones. This class is offered Friday, November 6th from 9:00 am - 10:50 pm. Click here to sign up.

Taught by Cindy Ferguson

Scherenschnitte, or the art of paper cutting, comes from 16th century Germany and Switzerland. Now in 2009, it's here in Salt Lake City. Learn the best techniques from a local art star, Cindy Ferguson and soon you'll have lots of hand crafted goodness to fill your home. Low Christmas budget this year? Paper cuts would make a beautiful and very personal gift. (Students will be required to bring their own materials, estimated cost $10-$20. A materials list will be emailed to students at least one week before the event.) This class if offered Friday, November 6th from 4:00pm - 5:50pm. Click here to sign up.

taught by Holly Fowler

This DIY foral arranging class is the perfect way to learn simple tabletop flower arrangements and boutonnieres. You'll be taking ordinary grocery bouquets and turn them into beautiful arrangements. This is an excellent and economical way to bring color and life into your home. This class is offered Thursday, November 5th from 9:00 am - 10:50 am. There is a $15 materials fee due at class and you WILL be going home with your arrangement! Click here to sign up..

taught by Melissa Esplin

Bookbinding is a perfect skill to learn in time for the holiday season. Students will learn and apply the techniques of binding a book and will each bind their own book in class, with the instruction and expertise of Melissa Esplin of ISLY. (Students will be required to bring their own materials; a list will be provided and estimated cost is $15-30, but many of the items may be found around the home.) This class is offered Friday, November 6th from 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm and Saturday, November 7th from 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm. Click here to sign up.

We hope you won't miss this opportunity! If you'll be coming in from out of town and would like some tips for hotels, restaurants and other activities, please feel free to email me: nicolechill at gmail dot com

2009-08-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

Instructor
Mike worked as the Director of Post-Production for Rubberball Productions, a stock photography company, for 8 years, where he was in charge of acquiring thousands of images every month and led a team of 5 retouchers. Currently, he works freelance with his wife, Alma.

Course Description
Photoshop 101 will discuss the proper ways of acquiring images, learning Photoshop tools for retouching and designing, and will discuss better methods of the photographer's workflow through batching and creating Photoshop actions.

Class Requirements
A laptop must be brought to every class with Photoshop CS4 or CS5 downloaded. (You can download a free trial for the class at adobe.com.)

Cost
$100

Location
Pebbles in my Pocket, (1132 South State Orem, Utah 84097)

Class Times
Saturday, June 19: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

2009-08-24T16:12:00.001-07:00

Instructor 
Alma works as a freelance designer, specializing in logos, banners, business needs, and wedding invites. She has worked as a designer for FranklinCovey and has been teaching Illustrator classes since March 2008.

  Course Description 
Illustrator 101 will cover the toolbar, with emphasis on the pen tool, and the most common palettes.

Class Requirements 
A laptop must be brought to every class with illustrator CS4 or CS5 downloaded. (You can download a free trial for the class from adobe.com.)

Cost
$100  

Location 
Pebbles in my Pocket, (1132 South State Orem, Utah 84097)

Class Times 
Saturday, June 5 10:00-4:30

photo 101 crash course : new york, ny : oct 10

2009-08-23T21:21:00.000-07:00