Just wanted to update my previous review for Luminous Works. As promised, the class has been restructured since the class I took in May and I was pleasantly surprised. I really felt like they took my feedback to heart and made some good changes. 25 minutes into the class and we were already practicing using the software. We spent approximately 50 minutes in Illustrator (yep, I tracked the time), 60 minutes in InDesign, and about 30 minutes in Photoshop. The rest of the time we were learning about how the programs overlap and interact, etc. The class teacher, Steve, clearly knows everything about anything regarding Adobe, and was more than willing to answer questions throughout the lecture. He is very easygoing. This was a good class because we didn't spend too much time learning 'theory' and we did a lot of hands on work. I WOULD recommend this class to anyone who is looking to learn the basics of Adobe Design Standard, or get a little more familiar with the programs. You learn a good amount of shortcuts and such as well, to help you work more efficiently. This is very helpful for me as I begin to do more design work at my job. read more

I took my second class there this week, CSS (the initial was their advanced Flash class), and was yet again pleased. the facility is ideal for intimate (8 students max) training and the instructors are knowledgeable, friendly and patient without dwelling too long on topics. in both classes I was one of the more advanced students. while the instructors are sure to give adequate attention to the weaker students they are willing to assure the advanced students are getting everything they can from the class, even it means staying a bit after the class' conclusion. read more

As an aspiring graphic designer/novice photographer, Luminous Works has been the answer to several (if not most) of my prayers - if they offered Kool-Aid in addition to the free coffee and tea, I'd drink it. I've shopped around at various studios, schools, and with multiple teachers in an effort to find a learning style that fits, is relevant in reality, and most importantly as an adult learner - FUN. The classes at Luminous Works by far have been my most favorite AND the most helpful on this road through the unknown. I have taken Desktop Publishing Overview, HTML & CSS Overview, and the Photoshop Overview classes so far, and while it ain't cheap (I won't gloss over this fact), let me repeat, it ain't cheap, it has been absolutely worth it. I leave each class, only one or two days, with more material than I received in weeks worth of instruction in college or months at an internship. Most importantly, I've left each class feeling empowered and excited about my career change. From beginners to avid users, the Luminous Works environment is well worth the try. It's also important to note that you can and should email Steve and Carla if you have ANY questions regarding your skill level or which classes to take. They will be able to steer you toward the right class a the right level, thus helping everyone avoid disappointment. Great, relevant classes, comprehensive instruction, and small classes... What's not to love? I am definitely looking forward to my next classes at Luminous Works. read more

Great instructors, very knowledgeable, very helpful! I would recommend this class to anyone looking to learn Adobe anything!

I'm thrilled that I discovered this place!!! The setting is ideal and the instructors are very knowledgeable. I learned so much in such a short amount of time. I am definitely going back for more classes. read more

I just completed the two day Photoshop Essentials class, and it did not disappoint. We immediately got into the software, and we covered all the essentials. Mark was knowledgeable and engaging, and he brought the material to life. I wanted to explore some more advanced techniques, but I understand the limitations of an introductory class. I definitely feel better equipped to explore the many menus and options contained within Photoshop having taken this class. I would recommend it to any photographer wanting to understand all of the post processing options available. read more

I took 2 classes here: Photoshop CC Essentials and Photoshop Level 2 for Design & Illustration and it was an absolutely great investment. Steve is extremely knowledgable, personable, and extremely patient (even when you ask a silly or stupid question). If you think that watching a couple of Photoshop tutorials will get you the same level of knowledge, you are mistaken. Steve shows you everything step by step and teaches you the most important tools of Photoshop and the ones you will use most often. His class is tailored for everyone - newbies and experienced users. You get to actually do everything yourself, not just watch him. He makes sure everyone is on the same page and understands what to do before moving on to the next topic. At the end of each class, you get to save the files you worked on so you can go back and remember what you did. I am the type of person who learns by doing, not just watching, so this was very beneficial to me. The price for the classes is a bit on the high side, but for the in-depth knowledge, valuable tips, and one-on-one interaction that Steve provides, it is worth it! The studio is located in ballard and there is street parking all around, you might have to circle around for a couple minutes, but you will find a spot near by. The studio itself is very comfortable and has a great atmosphere for learning. The desks and chairs are comfortable, the computers are new, and there is free coffee and sometimes treats to snack on. The one comment I'd like to make is that I felt that going into 3D stuff in the Level 2 Photoshop class was not helpful to me. I feel that this should be a separate class taught on its own because there is SO much to cover and it is so complex. We rushed through it and while I understand the basics of it, I don't think I would be able to work in 3D on my own without further instruction. I felt that it was not a good use of time, especially for the one day class. Overall, taking classes at Luminous Works is extremely helpful and I would recommend to anyone who is interested in Photoshop or other graphic design programs. I am not sure if other teachers teach this class, but I would highly recommend taking the Photoshop classes with Steve! read more

They have a beautiful set up in Ballard, but unfortunately the teachers really like to hear themselves talk more than have you practice the skills you are supposed to be learning. Clearly knowledgeable, it's unfortunate that the teaching isn't better- we spent the day listening, rather than practicing. I felt like it was a waste of time and money, even though I liked the place, teachers and information. Spend your money elsewhere. read more

Just finished a 2 day premiere pro editing class. It was taught by Navin who I thought was a great teacher. Most of the class was made of of people who had careers in media already, only I and another woman who actually beginners. I have played around with editing software previously but I wanted to learn all the functions and how to get the best of Premiere Pro. All in all I thought it was great. I was able to follow alone pretty well, and when you get lost the instructor was very nice about going over it again or coming to help you. He has a great speaking voice, nice and loud so we were all able to listen well. A lot of the program use was taught and I definitely feel I got my moneys worth. In just two day I've learned almost everything I wanted to know about editing film from start to finish. He also welcomed extra questions warmly. I would suggest you really stay engaged and pay attention because you can miss a lot if you are distracted. They offer free coffee/tea and have a fridge and kitchen for lunch, also a great deck/patio right outside the class room. The work space was very clean and stylish. You had the option to use the class on a MAC or Windows program (But the windows program did lag a lot) I highly recommend MAC, its also an easy fix in class. I do hope they put in a after effects class. read more

Luminous Works Training - class room - Vocational & Technical School Near Me

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I took an Illustrator Essentials class with Luminous Works this month and would highly recommend this business to anyone looking for training with Adobe products. The classroom was comfortable and well-kept with a relaxed atmosphere. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and the the lessons increased gradually in difficultly level with concepts building nicely on top of what we had just learned. A course with this business is money well spent for people looking to learn a program or sharpen their skills. read more

I've taken classes from the owners, Steve and Carla, from time to time over many years, either at Luminous or at the Photographic Center NW where Carla used to teach color photography. So I was psyched when they opened their own place in Ballard. While it is quite a hike for me from Bellevue, it is well worth it...you will be receiving world-class instruction from a certified master who works closely with Adobe and knows pretty much everything there is to know about Adobe products, photography, physics, etc.--but doesn't flaunt it. I've had enough classes over the years from ego-maniacs...Steve's focus is on the student. His teaching style is down-to-earth, yet professional and no-nonsense. They also offer a clean, organized, yet comfortable classroom environment. I can't recommend Luminous Works highly enough. read more

Keeping up with technology in business and education is bewildering and daunting. While on-line training has its benefits, there is no reply when you have a question related to the work you do and how a particular software application may suit your individual needs. That's why Luminous Works in Seattle/Ballard is such a valuable resource. Carla and Steve provide a comfortable atmosphere and the personal connection you can't get with an on-line or barn storming one day in town training for soft ware, digital photography, or a host of skills needed to keep you up to date and competitive. When it comes to some of the software applications, you can actually say that Steve Laskevitch wrote the book. In fact, he has written several. Between Steve and Carla, they have also been faculty members for several local universities. If you need to get up to speed with anything Adobe, you couldn't pick a better company to get your training. The folks at Luminous Works are constantly beta testing new releases and meeting with Adobe software developers to advise of software improvements. We've all experienced cut backs while the demands of our jobs have increased. My employer has basically said that we get one choice and one choice only for training and/or conferences. That choice for me is an easy one to make, Luminous Works! read more