Learning Takes Time and Patience

I've seen numerous examples lately of a user posting a graphic and asking "how do I create this?". I guess they are expecting a magic feature to create it for them. In most cases it is impossible to answer their question without very detailed instructions. Of course the users asking these questions are also typically brand new users of CorelDRAW (or whatever graphics software they've chosen).


In today's world, there is very little patience and that is exactly what is required. No matter what software you are using, take time to learn at least the basic functionality. This isn't going to happen in one day, one week or even one month with professional-level software. In the case of CorelDRAW, many people have been using it for years and still learn new things almost every day. If you don't know anything about the software, even a good explanation of how to accomplish a complicated task wouldn't be at all helpful.

It may take artistic talent. Sure, it may look simple and that just shows the artist's ability to convey they vision. One example I saw had nothing but text. Just a bunch of words, though they were arranged into a cool artistic pattern. The question was whether it could be created in CorelDRAW. Absolutely it was possible and it really only used Artistic text. Yet it would take hours upon hours to arrange things to get the right image.

When you are learning new software, start with simple projects and work your way up to the masterpiece you want to create. Obviously I think it helps to have good training material to teach you the best ways to use the software. For CorelDRAW users, I can't think of a better tool than our CorelDRAW Unleashed books. When I'm learning other software, I search out the best training aids I can find. Recently one of the users asking a question said that her boss wouldn't authorize a single penny for training. That is one dumb boss! Rather than having help speeding up the learning curve, he is paying an employee to struggle and be unproductive. Yes, good training may cost a little bit, but it will also pay for itself quickly in time and materials saved.

As we get closer to a new year, many of us will make a resolution for something we want to accomplish in the coming year. How about vowing to truly learn how to use your graphics software?