I work primarily with artists and arts-related organizations to help them learn how to do what they want to do, based on the following concepts:

• Taking a traditional class in a computer skill is often frustrating because we learn much more than we need to know, sometimes don't acquire the particular skill we need, and too often are unable to apply what we've learned soon enough to avoid forgetting the whole process.

• Having a step-by-step procedure tailored to the actual task at hand allows us to repeat the steps no matter how long it's been since the last time we did it.

• Learning one skill at a time builds confidence and allows us to see how the skill acquired can translate to other programs, which sets us up to accomplish continuing self-training.

• Being able to ask questions, and receive answers, particular to our specific need is allowed on only a limited basis in a traditional classroom setting.

• One-on-one tutoring in a particular skill we need saves time, frustration, and money.

• Work can be accomplished in face-to-face meetings, via email and telephone, in whatever combination suits the client.

• A volunteer wants to take over the maintenance of her organization's website. We work together for two hours, in her office, to install free software that will allow her to download pages, edit them, and load them back up to her host server. She learns how to change elements on each page, create links to other pages, adjust images and insert them into pages, etc. Through follow-up email she receives a list of procedures to follow the next time she wants to make changes to the site.
  

• An artist wants to create a Microsoft Powerpoint Presentation for use in negotiating custom wall mural work. She learns how to scan pictures to create digital images, and to use the software to create a professional presentation to potential clients.
  

• An artist wants to send a quarterly emailed newsletter to clients and friends without incurring the cost of operating through a mailing house. She learns how to design an electronic mail piece that can be received by all users, whether they view email in html or text only. She learns how to create distribution lists using software she is already familiar with.