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Learn Computer Art & Design w/Fun College Prof. & Working Artist!
Erin S.

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $35
Contact Erin
Response time: 6 hours

About Erin

Bio

Most of my students will tell you I not only know my stuff, but I also know the business of art and design. I love sharing that knowledge in a way that is fun, simple, and actually makes sense.

Whether you’re trying to get into a college art and design program, need help with a tough course, or want to learn the "behind the scenes" secrets of building a business to sell, market, and license your work—I’m here to help!

I’ve spent over 20 years designing and teaching in the arts. I teach...

Most of my students will tell you I not only know my stuff, but I also know the business of art and design. I love sharing that knowledge in a way that is fun, simple, and actually makes sense.

Whether you’re trying to get into a college art and design program, need help with a tough course, or want to learn the "behind the scenes" secrets of building a business to sell, market, and license your work—I’m here to help!

I’ve spent over 20 years designing and teaching in the arts. I teach college-level courses on all the Adobe applications, including Photography (Photoshop/Lightroom), Graphic Design (Illustrator/InDesign), and Video Editing/Motion Graphics (Premiere/After Effects). On top of that, I’m an entrepreneur. I developed the award-winning "make-your-own" book kits, 3D Tunnel Books, which are now in stores nationwide, including the Virginia Air and Space Science Center and Barnes & Noble.

I also tutor artists, designers, and students of all ages by answering those specific questions you just can't find answers for anywhere else. I can fill you in on everything from technical Adobe tips to the business side of how to package, produce, and actually sell your designs.

If you’re feeling frustrated and just want someone to show you how to do it—if you’re tired of "doom scrolling" for answers or watching endless YouTube videos that never get to the point—I’m your go-to.

I don’t just teach you which buttons to click; I teach you why those tools matter and how to use them to build a real-world career. My style is patient, simple, and encouraging. I specialize in breaking down complex software into manageable steps through live demos and hands-on practice.

So, let's meet and get you unstuck!

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Education

University of Vermont
Product Design Dev
Academy of Art University
Masters
Harvard
Other

Policies

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects

If After Effects feels confusing or you’re struggling to turn ideas into clean, polished motion, I can help you build clarity and confidence with the software. I currently teach After Effects and motion graphics at the collegiate level. I guide students through practical fundamentals like keyframing, timing, easing, z-axis and organizing a solid workflow. With over two decades of professional experience in digital media and curriculum design, I’m skilled at breaking complex tools into manageable steps that make sense. Whether you’re aiming to improve class projects, prepare for a creative program, or strengthen your understanding of the basics, I’ll support you at your pace so you can make steady, real progress.
Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

I’ve been using Adobe Illustrator for over 20 years, not just as an educator but as a working professional and entrepreneur. I teach college-level Illustrator courses, and I used the software to design and launch my own award-winning product line, 3D Tunnel Books. Whether you need to learn the technical "how-to" of vector art or the business side of preparing designs for real-world production and licensing, I can show you the ropes without the fluff. My goal is to break down complex tools into simple, manageable steps so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start creating.
Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign

If you want to create clean, professional layouts but InDesign feels overwhelming, I can help you build confidence and clarity with the program. I’ve taught Adobe InDesign, typography, layout systems, and publication design at the collegiate level, guiding beginners through everything from basic tool use to polished multi-page documents. In my professional work, I’ve designed books, catalogs, marketing materials, and branded assets for clients, publishers, and my own product lines—giving me deep, real-world experience in print workflows, file setup, export standards, and production. I specialize in breaking complex concepts into simple, practical steps so students can create strong portfolio pieces and understand why design decisions matter. Whether you're preparing for a design program, improving class projects, or building career-ready skills, I’ll support you at your pace so you can produce work you're proud of.
Adobe Premiere

Adobe Premiere

If video editing feels overwhelming or you’re struggling to turn your footage into clean, professional-looking edits, I can help you build clarity and confidence in Premiere Pro. I teach video editing and motion graphics at the collegiate level, guiding students through practical fundamentals like timelines, pacing, cutting for storytelling, audio cleanup, color correction, and establishing a strong workflow. With over two decades of experience in digital media, curriculum design, and hands-on production, I’m skilled at breaking complex tools into simple, manageable steps. Whether you want to improve class assignments, prepare for a creative program, or strengthen your foundational editing skills, I’ll meet you at your level so you can make steady, real progress.
Drawing

Drawing

I bring an MFA and over 20 years of experience teaching drawing, illustration, and design to learners of all ages. My background includes extensive training in traditional drawing techniques as well as the creative process behind character design. I specialize in teaching students how to improve their technical skills, strengthen their style, and develop their own characters and ideas on the page. My lessons are supportive, structured, and designed to help each student grow at their own pace.
Graphic Design

Graphic Design

With an MFA and two decades of college-level teaching experience, I specialize in helping students master graphic design fundamentals and creative tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, layout design, branding, and visual strategy. I’ve also built and run my own design-forward product brand, which allows me to teach practical design thinking grounded in real-world marketing and entrepreneurship. My teaching style breaks concepts down simply—hierarchy, contrast, typography, color, and composition—so students can apply them with confidence. I support learners at every level, from beginners to those preparing for art school, internships, or creative professions.
Photography

Photography

I am an MFA-trained professional photographer and college instructor with extensive experience teaching digital workflows, Lightroom editing, Photoshop retouching, and creative image processing. My background spans decades of studio, portrait, product, and fine art photography, and I’ve served as a juror for numerous photography competitions as well as exhibited work in museums and galleries. I specialize in helping students understand exposure, composition, lighting, and post-production in a clear, step-by-step way. Whether a student is learning for school, building a portfolio, or preparing for creative career pathways, I tailor lessons to their goals and skill level.
Web Design

Web Design

If building a website feels confusing or you’re struggling to make your site look professional, function well, or get found online, I can help you learn the essentials with clarity and confidence. I currently teach WordPress and HTML/CSS in a collegiate certificate program, guiding adult learners step-by-step through themes, plugins, site structure, accessibility, and content organization. As a business owner who runs a full Shopify e-commerce site, I bring real-world experience in SEO best practices, Google Ads, PPC strategy, and the practical side of managing and optimizing a working online store. Whether you're preparing for a creative program, improving a class project, starting a small business, or simply wanting to understand the basics, I’ll help you build skills steadily and make meaningful progress—at your pace.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Art Theory
Erin S.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Erin before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Erin
Response time: 6 hours
Hourly Rate: $35
Response time: 6 hours
Contact Erin