Hands-on & in-person at our fully-equipped Seattle lab
Basic Skills
All our classes, including the ones below, require key computer skills.
Links to some tutorials on Windows and macOS basics: Windows | macOS
You should be able to... (links are to directions/tutorials)
- Locate and launch a software application program when directed.
- In Windows, use the Taskbar or the Start Menu to do so
- In the macOS, use the Dock or the Applications folder to do so
- Locate and open documents from a specified location, such as the Desktop: Windows | macOS
- Work with open windows (minimizing, closing, and hiding them). Windows | macOS
- Switch between two or more open programs or windows: Windows | macOS
- Understand where Menu commands are and how they're referenced (e.g., the Save command is under the File menu. This might be written as "File>Save" or spoken like "File...Save"). Windows | macOS
- Use and access "context menus": the menus you get when you right-click (Windows) or control-click (macOS).
Note: Macs can also use a right-click when a multi-button mouse is attached or the Mouse System Preference settings for a Mac Mouse are configured to use a "secondary click".
- Save documents to a folder on your computer's Desktop: Windows | macOS
- Quit programs.
- Copy folders or documents to a USB flash drive: Windows | macOS
View and/or right-click to download A map of our Curriculum [53K PDF].
Introductory Classes
Our prerequisite classes cover key concepts and software skills required to do photography or print or web publishing. Look over the descriptions below. If you live far from our Seattle classroom, but still need these preliminary skills and ideas, you should contact us to find out what you can do to prepare for our main curriculum.
If you are familiar with the concepts and have the skills these prerequisite classes provide, you should feel free to move directly to our Essentials courses.
Class Skill Levels Explained:
Introductory: Appropriate for students completely new to professional Desktop Publishing and Web Design
Level 1: For students new to the software or skill being taught, or with broad gaps in knowledge, but familiar with the concepts under discussion
Level 2: For students comfortable with the basics, but in need of deepened insight into more challenging features and/or application of them
Level 3: For students quite familiar with the subject, but in need of advanced skills and/or difficult features
Desktop Publishing Overview
$149 — Skill Level: Introductory — one–half day, 9:30am–12:30pm
A half-day class exploring the knowledge required for learning InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Learn the terms and concepts required to build publications, edit images, and create logos and other graphics. We'll discuss and briefly use each of these software applications as well as learn about color, file formats, resolution, and more. If you have some experience with these ideas and know the role each program plays in a publishing workflow, you may skip this class.
Next offered:
For all dates, more information, and to register, click here!
HTML and CSS Overview
$199 — Skill Level: Introductory — one day, 9:30am–4:30pm
This class delivers the knowledge you need to begin building websites or to learn Dreamweaver or other web software. You'll get a hands-on introduction to HTML and CSS and the terms and concepts required to do web design and development. If these are familiar, you may skip this class. If you're new to web publishing, start here. Also very useful for those building e-books.
Next offered:
For all dates, more information, and to register, click here!
Graphic Design Basics
$325 — Skill Level: Introductory — one day, 9:30am–4:30pm
A discussion-driven class on design principles and fundamentals for those who would like a quick but solid overview of compositional rules and principles.
Next offered:
For all dates, more information, and to register, click here!