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Rita J.'s Photo

Graphic Design, Painting and Drawing Instructor | 16+ Years Teaching
Rita J.

5.0 (160 ratings)

530 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $60
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About Rita

Bio

I am a lifelong artist, designer, and educator with more than 35 years of professional creative experience and over 16 years teaching art and design to students of all ages. My background combines formal training in Fine Arts with decades of hands-on experience in drawing, painting, composition, color theory, design principles, and visual communication.

Throughout my career, I have helped students develop both technical skills and creative confidence. Whether you are a beginner learning...

I am a lifelong artist, designer, and educator with more than 35 years of professional creative experience and over 16 years teaching art and design to students of all ages. My background combines formal training in Fine Arts with decades of hands-on experience in drawing, painting, composition, color theory, design principles, and visual communication.

Throughout my career, I have helped students develop both technical skills and creative confidence. Whether you are a beginner learning the fundamentals, a student preparing for a class, or an experienced artist looking to refine your work, I tailor lessons to your individual goals, interests, and learning style.

As both a fine artist and graphic designer, I bring a unique perspective that bridges artistic expression and visual design. I believe creativity can be nurtured through encouragement, practice, and a deeper understanding of the principles that make art effective and meaningful.

I also enjoy teaching Art History by bringing the subject to life through storytelling, images, and real-world connections. Rather than focusing solely on names and dates, I help students understand the people, ideas, cultures, and artistic movements that shaped the visual world we live in today.

Art and design have been lifelong passions of mine. My goal is not only to teach techniques and concepts, but also to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lasting appreciation for the creative process. I strive to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and discovering their own creative voice.

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Education

(Old Dominion University
Fine Arts
(Post-Bac) University of Phoenix online
MBA
Academy of Arts San Francisco - MFA
Masters

Policies

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

I am an Adobe Certified Associate. I have used Adobe Illustrator as a practicing Graphic Designer for over 20 years and have taught it at the high school and college levels.
Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop

I am an Adobe Certified Associate. I used Photoshop as a practicing Graphic Designer since Photoshop version 1.0. I taught Photoshop at the high school and college levels.
Drawing

Drawing

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, graduate-level MFA studies, and more than 35 years as a professional graphic designer, I offer students both artistic and industry perspectives. I have spent decades drawing, painting, designing, and creating visual solutions while teaching art and design to students of all ages for more than 16 years. Whether your goal is fine art, illustration, design fundamentals, portfolio development, or creative confidence, I provide personalized instruction tailored to your needs. I am passionate about helping students discover their strengths and grow as visual communicators.
Graphic Design

Graphic Design

I was a practicing graphic designer for over 30 years working for both large (CNN) and small organizations. I have been teaching graphic design at both the college and high school levels for over 11 years.
Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint

I have been using Microsoft PowerPoint since its inception regulary for business and personal presentations.
Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word

Hi, MS Word is a staple in any business industry or personal use. I have used MS Word daily since it was first created back in the 1980's. I would so happy to introduce it to you in an enthusiastic and patient manner.
Painting

Painting

With a Fine Arts degree, graduate-level MFA studies, and decades of experience as a practicing artist, I help students develop both technical skills and creative confidence. I have taught art for more than 16 years, working with children, teens, and adults at all skill levels. Lessons are customized to each student's interests and goals, whether learning the basics, improving technique, or exploring personal artistic expression. My teaching style is encouraging, practical, and focused on helping every student succeed.
Web Design

Web Design

I have worked on websites since the inception of the internet beginning with the original team that built CNN.com. I am familiar with HTML, CSS and all the modern day authoring tools. I have used WordPress, Dreamweaver, Wix, etc. to build many business and personal websites. I have taught Web Design at both the high school and college levels.
Art History
Art Theory

Examples of Expertise

Rita has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 18 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Rita J.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (160 ratings)
5 star
(156)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

EXCELLENT 5-Star Tutor on ALL Levels!

Rita is definitely a seasoned graphic designer who is excellent on all levels in tutoring. I thoroughly enjoyed her instruction and look forward to the next. We accomplished each of my goals on time and I even learned so much more than what I imagined. Thank you Rita!

Stayce, 3 lessons with Rita

Knowledgeable and very patient!

Rita and I went over Wordpress. She was very thorough and was super patient with me. I’ve had several tutors through Wyzant and Rita is among the best! Thank you Rita!

Susan, 3 lessons with Rita

Knowledgeable and patient tutor.

Rita was great. She understood what I needed and best directions to take. Loved how she admired my work and complimented me on the job I was doing. She walked me through the steps I needed to get my pages in order,

Catherine, 1 lesson with Rita

Well Informed and Patient

Rita was wonderful and helped me discover what I needed to do before I could set up my portfolio website. She is very patient and knowledgable. I would recommend her to help anyone needing help with a website project in Squarespace.

Robin, 1 lesson with Rita

Adobe photoshop beginner lesson

Great overview of the layout of the menu as well as concentration on the key skill I was looking for! Very satisfied first-time customer. Will most likely book a future session with Rita after I’ve used photoshop a bit.

Chrissie, 1 lesson with Rita

Kind, Caring and Trustworthy Tutor!

Rita is SO sweet and knowledgable. 100% recommend her. She helped me better understand my business processes, and made me feel more confident in myself and my abilities. Will definitely book her again!

Sean, 1 lesson with Rita

Thank you for your encouragement!

I have been doing ongoing classes with Rita to learn photoshop and create the first piece on my portfolio. Rita showed me how to use most needed as well as advanced techniques and gave suggestions how to improve my first creation and now I have a lovely ad for portfolio and know how to create it in Photoshop. Most importantly, I love how encouraging Rita is! It really helps me overcome some of my fears around being a designer and move with it as a new career path 🥰

Maria, 48 lessons with Rita

Extrememly helpful in building my website

With Rita's expert experience we are building a website. I learn as we work through it together. This will make it easier for me to make future changes to my site myself at no additional cost.

Marcy, 8 lessons with Rita

Knowledgable & Patient Tutor

Great session. Rita has been a fantastic and patient tutor. I needed to learn the foundational elements to begin working in AI. Her sessions are quickly giving me the confidence to try new things in Illustrator. Looking forward to more advanced skills as we continue our sessions.

Carla, 3 lessons with Rita

Great!

Rita is very knowledge and patient! I came to her been self taught in photoshop and wanted to learn Illustrator. In only a few lessons she has taught me so many great tips that I am already using easily, she identified problems and mistakes I was making while always being positive. I look forward to our sessions and the time flies! I definitely recommend Rita!

Jen, 8 lessons with Rita
Hourly Rate: $60
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