Author: David Burnett
Tips on Learning by Reading
I am self taught and am a firm believer in learning things the "hard" way. The hard way always etches it into memory! When I am looking to learn something from scratch I first go the the local bookstore and read a bit on the topic. I tend to read the instructional books backwards, unless it obviously is not applicable. Most tutorial books have a massive amount of fluff in the first half, and get to the real stuff in the back of the book. I go directly to the back of the book where they have that tutorial project that goes over everything they teach in the book. This cuts to the chase and gives you a true map and overview of what you need to know. I also like to jump into whatever it is I'm learning without any knowledge at all and give it a try, running purely on my own knowledge. (Warning: this could be dangerous if your looking at advanced chainsaw carving, or flying an airplane .... etc..) This never works out, but helps GREATLY! For example after trying to make a new piece of software work, It gets me familiarized with the language, buttons and layout of the program. Then when I go and read on it, I have some sort of reference. Learning from reading is definately not as easy as having someone teach you hands on.
My tutorials are designed to cut to the chase with no fluff (ya, I know this writing is a bit fluffy.) I try and make them as direct as possible and do not try and explain the meaning of life at every angle. I'm not to fond of learning how a web server works, I just want to upload my bleeping suff!
I have listed all the basic graphic design categories and will be touching upon each of these at a beginner level.
If you have any questions on any of the tutorials please feel free to post a comment at the bottom of the page. Within reason I will more than gladly respond.
Enjoy!!!
- David Burnett
