I first started toying with the idea of starting a creative business in 2012, but one huge obstacle stood in my way: I didn’t have the first clue about digitizing artwork and calligraphy. I knew there was no way I could sell my designs if I didn’t know how to use the computer, so I crossed my fingers, bought Photoshop, and agreed to design a BabyQ invitation pro-bono for a friend.
I won’t sugarcoat it: at that time, I found Photoshop to be infinitely frustrating. I tried to watch tutorials online, but most of them were focused on how to use Photoshop for, well, photos. Since I wanted to use Photoshop to edit artwork, I was having a tough time finding information that was helpful. And yet … I found the process rewarding. I had put my “BabyQ” invitation design — the one I had initially made for my friend — on Etsy, and people were ordering it! All I had to do when I got an order was go into Photoshop, open the file to modify the information on the invitation, and have it printed out. Eventually, I wanted to offer a wider range of custom artwork, so I started working with my illustrations (like the wedding map below) in Photoshop. I still found myself frustrated at times, but every bit of frustration served as a lesson. If something wasn’t working for me, I had to figure out why, and how to solve the issue.
Fast-forward three years, and I use Photoshop every day … with zero frustration. I use it for digitizing artwork, like the teacup on the front of the Scribblers Kaitlin Style workbook:
I use it for client commissions, like these fabric wedding invitations:
And I use it to modify photos for social media and the TPK blog, like in the photo below. (I scanned the calligraphy into my computer and used Photoshop to put it on top of the mug!)
As I have displayed more and more photos of my own digitized work, I have received emails from other artists and calligraphers asking about tips for digitizing their own work. There are so many people who are handy with pen and paper, but are totally intimidated by Photoshop … just like I was. I remember what it was like to just be starting out with the program, which is why I created this eCourse.
You will benefit from the Digitizing Artwork and Calligraphy eCourse if you have an interest in digitally working with your creations. The course includes all of the information that I wish I would have had access to when I first made up my mind to learn how to digitize. In true TPK style, the course starts from scratch; it was made with the beginner in mind! Trust me, even if you don’t consider yourself to be tech-savvy, you can do it!
The Digitizing Artwork and Calligraphy eCourse is the first of its kind here on TPK because it includes a 70-page eBook. Sure, every one of the five lessons included in the course includes several videos; but I wanted to write the eBook so you could have a learning supplement. Sometimes the eBook explains things the videos don’t, and furthermore the eBook will be helpful to reference in the future when you just need a quick reminder of how to remove the background of your calligraphy or how to ensure your invitation has bleed room. (If you don’t know what “bleed room” is, don’t worry — it’s explained in the course!)
The course has something for everyone because it covers a wide range of topics. You can read about everything in detail in the course description, but here is a brief overview of what you’ll learn:
- Lesson 1: An overview of Photoshop plus scanning tips – This lesson contains a visual explanation of Photoshop layers that should prove very helpful!
- Lesson 2: How to digitize your calligraphy, use it in photos, and make custom calligraphy rubber stamps – Knowing how to digitize your calligraphy can be really useful if you want your photos to stand out! Plus, who doesn’t love custom rubber stamps?
- Lesson 3: How to digitize your artwork and prepare it for professional printing – This will be really nice if you’ve been thinking about selling your art!
- Lesson 4: How to make PDF files – Great for bloggers and Etsy shop owners who would like to provide PDFs for free or sell them.
- Lesson 5: How to design invitations – After this lesson, you’ll be able to say, “Sure!” next time a friend — or a client — asks you to help make their event special with a one-of-a-kind invitation.
As far as what you’ll need to take the course, a scanner, a computer, and Photoshop are imperative! If you don’t have Photoshop, you can buy Adobe’s photography plan here for $10/month, or you can take a look at the packages Adobe has to offer. I’d suggest perusing the packages because in some cases, you may be eligible for a discount, especially if you work in education or are a student! Otherwise, the $10/month deal should be just fine, and you can start off with a free month-long trial to make sure you like it. (As a side note, the links to Adobe are affiliate links; I love Adobe’s software and have based the course around it, so I’m comfortable with using them.)
Each lesson ends with a short quiz, so make sure you’re paying attention! (Don’t worry; if you don’t pass, you can re-take the quiz.) Remember, too, that you’re not alone in taking the eCourse. If you have any questions, I would love for you to ask them in the “Discussion” section provided under each lesson! There is a 110% chance that someone else out there is wondering the same thing, and your question will help them, too. Once you ask, you will receive an answer within 48 hours.
If you have any questions regarding the Digitizing Artwork and Calligraphy eCourse, please feel free to ask! I’m happy to answer … though I will probably start addressing comments on Thursday since I’m taking Wednesday off to celebrate the completion of the course (it’s been months in the making)! 🙂 Thanks so much for reading about the course; I’m very proud to be able to offer it, and I truly think it will be helpful to you!
Warmly,