New Look, New Goals

Okay, I’ve decided it is time to start implementing the new look. While I’m at work on it, all features may not be available, but rest assured I’m hard at work behind the scenes to get everything where it should be. Please note that the new look will hit the shop LAST so until then, the shop will hold onto the 2.0 Carbon interface.

This updated look also brings forth updated goals [for another post], exciting changes, and new and unique offerings from Studio|chris, including a couple of desktop applications that are in the works (and are top secret for now). Keep your eyes peeled for updates.

Feedback for Illustrator I at Digital Art Academy

Here’s what students have been saying about the first session of Illustrator I over at Digital Art Academy:

Your Illustrator class has been so good that you could have skipped week 4 and I still would have been more than satisfied!

You let us delve right into interesting creative projects rather than a whole bunch of boring little steps with each tool.

Chris’s clear explanations covered more ground than you would think possible in an introductory 4-week class. The stimulating homework assignments created results worth keeping and showing family & friends.

The lessons were just right – easy enough for a beginner, but challenging enough to make you think. I’ve had some prior training (years ago) with Illustrator, but still learned a LOT of new things/techniques I’d have never thought of otherwise!

Speaking for the one class I’ve taken so far (Illustrator CS3 Core) – I am eagerly looking forward to the next round of classes! The instructor for this class (Chris Price) is a genial artist whose enthusiasm for and knowledge of the program comes through very well, and his ability to convey a technique or a basic principle is outstanding. Best use of $32 I’ve had in a while. 🙂

I have never learned more in an online class! Please have Chris teach Illustrator 2!

Registration is currently OPEN for Session 2! Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun! $32 and packed full of info.

Shiny New 16GB iPhone

I finally gave into temptation and picked up a 16GB iPhone yesterday. I haven’t had a chance to test out the AT&T network as much as I’d like, but so far, I’m very happy. Now, if I could only install Painter, Photoshop and Illustrator (though I’d settle for the Flash plugin for Safari), I’d be set!

Meet Me at WPPI!

WPPI 2008 Logo

I’m teaming up with Marilyn once again! Meet me at Marilyn’s programs booth at WPPI in Las Vegas, March 17-20, 2008. There is sure to be a TON to see and do between the programs and the trade show, but do find us and say hi! We’d love to see you.

2008 New Year’s Resolutions – 2 Weeks In

I don’t usually set resolutions for the new year, but this year is as good as any to start the tradition. Here we are 2 weeks into 2008, so here are my resolutions… well, maybe they’re not resolutions, but more goals and guidelines for what’s to come in 2008!

  1. Blog more often and take advantage of WordPress native tagging!
  2. Restyle Studio|chris with a simplified, elegant interface that gives quick access to information, portfolio, and blog posts.
  3. Introduce a greater variety of products to the established sections of the Studio|chris Shop.
  4. Begin sharing my knowledge through live workshops.
  5. Add to the course catalog of Digital Art Academy.
  6. Paint something, no matter how small, at least three times a week.

What are your goals for this year?

Reminiscing 2007 – 10 Most Popular Posts

2007 has come and gone. Here are some of the most popular posts that are certainly worth a visit!

  1. Wacom 6D Art Pen Review: Part 1
    Learn about Wacom’s digital painting “wonder-pen.” With features such as active rotation, that are not included with the standard Wacom pens,  the 6D adds a whole new level of realism and user experience to their line of popular pen tablets.
  2. Wacom 6D Art Pen Review: Part 2
    Combine the 6D Art Pen with Corel Painter for a completely new experience using the Real Bristle brushes introduced with version 10 of this award winnign software.
  3. Photoshop Painting Study: Siberian Husky
    Join me as I explore Adobe Photoshop as a fine art painting medium with the help of my trust Wacom tablet.
  4. Painter X: Calla Lilies
    Painted with an unusual brush, these lilies turned out beautifully and were published in the Official Corel Painter Magazine!
  5. Fiery Red Insiration: Ilona Royce-Smithkin
    I hope I have the energy of this inspirational artist when I am her age!
  6. The Official Corel Painter Magazine Posts
    While this isn’t a single post, I consider being published multiple times in this magazine during 2007 a huge accomplishment. Hopefully this trend will continue throughout 2008 with exciting new content!
  7. Waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountains
    Go visit the wonderful story left in the comments for this article. True friendship is certainly is a wonderful thing. Look how photography took these two friends on some great adventures!
  8. Meeting Marilyn Sholin in North Carolina
    In October of 2007, I met Marilyn Sholin in person for the first time along with a wonderful group of photographers from across the US. We printed paintings and had fun embellishing them with paints, rubs, and metallic pens! As a small update to this one, I gave my painting to my best friend for her birthday and she absolutely loved it!
  9. Introducing Digital Art Academy
    Digital Art Academy is CLOSE to starting classes! It is an exciting opportunity to learn to create art digitally using a variety of programs from some of the best instructors in the community. I will be heading up the Adobe Illustrator program. Hope to see you there!
  10. About the Web Wanderers Category
    In November, I started a new category for the blog to give people exactly what they’re looking for when they visit the site. I certainly want to have interesting content for everyone that visits. If you have suggestions for the blog, please don’t hesitate to comment, contact me, or post in the Blog Suggestion Box. The blog is here for YOU!

Now that 2008 is here, I can only hope for another exciting year and more growth for Studio|chris, and in turn for all the readers and visitors to the site. More news later — HAPPY NEW YEAR!