My Dogs Ate My Rendering!

Below is an email Merlyn received after today's Studio Live webinar. Merlyn copied me on the email and I laughed out loud when I read it. Susann gladly gave us permission to post her email. It is really funny when things like this aren't happening to you.

Enjoy!

"Hi Merlyn, Great webinar today (as usual!). I have to tell you about how Studio saved me a trip recently... I have two dogs that I rescued 5 years ago. They were holy terrors when I first got them and have come a long way since then, but they still have a few "quirks" that drive me crazy. I had just heard from a client that she wanted to go with one of my renderings for her MBR, and she asked me to send her a quote. I said sure, got her folder out and went to another room to get my calculator. By the time I got back to my desk, her folder had been ripped to shreds and partially eaten by one (or both, who knows?) of the dogs. (Yeah, two years ago they did that to my taxes just as I was going to deliver them to my accountant). Anyway, as I sifted through the shards of paper, I found my initial measurements showing all but the length of the window being quoted. I wanted to get that quote in the mail that day and not have to wait a few days to go out to measure yet again. Then it dawned on me...when I did the rendering for that window, I did it on a photo and used the set scale tool. So, I checked the rendering and had the measurement that was close enough to do the quote! Bet you haven't heard that one before!! I told the client (who also has dogs) who got a big kick out of the story (as did my accountant two years ago)...I'm so glad everyone else thinks it's so funny!
Susann S. Pittsburgh, PA"

Susann, I know your dogs aren't as bad as the dog in the photo, but I thought the photo added a bit more humor to your story. Thanks for sharing!

Do you have a story you would like to share regarding how you have used Studio?

First Class -- All the Way!

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Yesterday marked the last day of our inaugural Studio Coaching Program. These jam-packed six week courses have been structured to give Novice and Advanced users an intense program of supervised, interactive study, including homework, critiques and focused topics.

It was so gratifying to me to work with our twenty designers and observe how they progressed. Many had no experience at all with the Studio Graphic Design software. Over the weeks, they became familiar with the tools and functions of the software and created beautiful elevation renderings and designs on photos. The advanced group learned innovative techniques to produce faster, more refined drawings, including perspective views. Both groups developed polished looking logo templates to brand their businesses and add a professional finish to their projects.

Above and below are two examples of the drawings that were submitted as part of the weekly assignments.

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We were thrilled with the feedback we received from an anonymous survey; here are some of the comments:

“I like the entire concept of the on line webinar. I like the homework critiques, very helpful. I like the pace; allows me enough time to “get it” and jot down a few reminder notes. Also, love the ability to listen to the recordings in order to refresh my overloaded brain!”

“This advanced coaching class is worth every penny!”

“Reviewing information, such as when other students experience similar difficulties.”

“I am very pleased with the novice coaching program. So far it has met all my expectations.”

“Being able to play it back to supplement my notes. I do hope we’ll have access to those for a bit.”

We have scheduled two new sessions beginning in August for both Novice and Advanced Studio Designers, and will also offer a 90 minute computer class for those who need to learn more about operating their computer in preparation for working in Studio. The Coaching Program class size is limited to 10 to provide individual attention with coaching via email, private forum on The Lounge, and phone calls in addition to the on line presentations.

Call the office or visit the website for more information or to register.
Click here for the Novice class
Click here for the Advanced class

Our “First Class” was just that – first class all the way. They will be a hard act to follow. We look forward to helping you take your Studio skills to the next level!

Studio's Anniversary Webinar

Wednesday, April 14th, was a big day for Minutes Matter. We celebrated Studio 3.0's anniversary with a special webinar. If you missed the webinar, you can view the recorded version. Merlyn, did an outstanding job that day. You won't want to miss a single minute of this Anniversary Webinar.

That same day, Jerry and I left Nashville to drive to High Point for the Spring Furniture Market. Sandy Cruz was kind enough to allow us to join the Anniversary Webinar at her place. After the webinar, I took a few photographs to share. Check out all the computers in her office! I thought I was bad, but she definitely is worse! She has everything you can image when it comes to technology.

Sandy used her talents to decorate every room. Every room had beautiful custom window coverings and, of course, every room was neat as a pin.


Her workroom had every tool or piece of equipment any workroom could want. For some reason, I only took a photograph of half of her workroom.

Thank you, Merlyn and Sandy, for a great day!

SPECIAL NOTE: While we were in High Point, we heard from numerous people that stopped by our booth that they could not join the webinar that day and wanted to know if we would be giving away the bedding template again. Good news! We have decided to give the template away again during the May 19th webinar. The only stipulation is that you have to attend live.