On March 11, 2006, IDSA Chicago teamed up with Tony Ruth, founder of Vessel Ideation, Inc, instructor at Columbia College, and Photoshop-rendering guru, for two unforgettable 4-hour power workshop sessions held at Columbia College, 600 S. Michigan Ave. The workshop sessions, advanced and beginner were both sold-out events. With such a great response to the Photoshop Illustration Demo at the Apple Store, designers could not wait to have a more personal insight on the tricks of digital illustration.


If have ever attended a workshop and spent the time focusing on taking notes to make sure that you don't forget any of the lesson and never really get to follow along with the lesson, this workshop was different. The workshop was so helpful because the time was spent with actual hands-on experience working with the tools. Tony had put together two very complete tutorials that walk you through the steps of digitally creating objects like an ipod and a walkie-talkie. These tutorials were a great way for the participants to take home the lesson and review it in more detail. The class covered the steps of the tutorials while also being able to answer individual questions from the audience.

From participating in the workshop myself, I would say one of the most valuable lessons was how to build, efficiently and effectively, your files from the start. When it comes down to making those few tweaks and adjustments that your client is looking for, you should not need to start all over, if you follow the steps from a pro like Tony. The foundation that the workshops provided would allow any beginner or advanced designer to improve their illustration skills. Idsa
Chicago thanks Tony Ruth for sharing his knowledge of digital illustration with the Chicago design community.

Text & photos: Michael Carrow