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Business Organizations — Do They Help or Hinder! NAPP — The One That Changed My Life! By: Roz Fruchtman roz@designsbydaybreak.com Being a reviewer and web and graphic consultant I have come in contact with some of the finest professional organizations, and some of the not so fine. Today I would like to talk about an organization that literally changed my life — The National Association of Photoshop Professionals, better known to the web and graphics industries as NAPP. Coming from a career as a Computer Typesetter/Production Word Processing Operator, I am well-versed in page layout. At a glance I can pick out an extra space between words, tell you what type characters need to be kerned, and in most cases, guess how many units of kerning are needed. At one time I could even cut out a comma between two words with an Exacto knife or a razor blade. However, when it came to graphic images — shudder — I would head for the nearest clipart program, or use whatever art was included within the program I was working. To me… it was unthinkable to even imagine creating my own art, no matter how simple. It took years to find out how misguided my thoughts were. Lo and behold, now I am creating my very own art for virtual greeting cards. (This is far from a validation of my own skills, but it is a testimonial for a professional organization that literally changed my life and opened the door to unleash the creativity within.) NAPP runs one-day seminars nationwide. To date I have attended three, and am scheduled to attend the fourth here in NYC. At my very first seminar, I learned that nothing was beyond my reach as far as creativity. I sat mesmerized as I watched spectacular images, banners, display ads, magazine covers, and more created before my very eyes — in a matter of minutes. I learned that if I mastered a few simple techniques I could create lovely things. When I left that first seminar I was so inspired that my designing attitude was never quite the same. From that day on, everything I look at everything artistically, thinking… “How can I use that in my designs?” For me… that was life changing! NOTE: The nice thing about NAPP seminars is that you hardly ever have to take your eyes from the screen and take notes. Everything is given to you in the way of a workbook and CD with images — to take home. Thus, giving you the opportunity to give Scott, or whoever is instructing your undivided attention. If you go to one NAPP seminar you won’t want to miss the next one that comes to your town! The National Association of Photoshop Professionals is an organization that caters to the needs of Photoshop users of all levels. While there is a membership fee to belong, it truly is minimal compared to the benefits one receives! Member benefits
can be viewed here, or surf on over to http://www.photoshopuser.com/benefit.htm. Upon membership you will receive an impressive packet containing the following: (This is what I got in 2000, when I first joined.)
NAPP believes
in the premise — Try before you buy... Go here to request
a FREE “Photoshop User” magazine and have a look for
yourself. This magazine is strictly for Photoshop users, and the
only one of its kind.
The Mission
Statement can be read here:
NAPP realizes that different people/organizations have different levels of needs. Therefore, they have six membership categories:
Click the link
below to read the descriptions of the membership categories above:
As an active member of NAPP for almost two years, I have had occasion to use more than a few of the member benefits. The one that I have come to know and love is the special Member Help Desk. A few times I have had problems, and forgetting about the help desk, tried finding the answers on my own, or through various Photoshop Discussion Groups. The problem here is that not all Photoshop users use all features, and either the question(s) went unanswered or the answers were not what I was looking for. Suddenly after floundering around for a week or two, I realized that expert help was only a click away at the NAPP help desk. Within a matter of an hour or so I got the correct answer the first time out! Trust me, I never forgot them again! Another great benefit is member discounts on training seminars and workshops, learning tools — books, tapes, and CDs. (Scott Kelby's Photoshop help books — with step-by-step tutorials — are the absolute greatest! I have them all!) Last but not least is the bimonthly “Photoshop Users” magazine. One word describes this... Phenomenal! Click here for your free issue.
In my opinion a company that gives so much, and takes so little back in return has to be doing something right — for its members! Trying before buying has to be one of the strongest marketing tools, and best way to snag customers/members. NAPP’s offer has been around for almost two years that I know about, and their membership continually grows. They have the only such magazine around. Try it, you will not only like it, you will love it! Don't take my
word for it. Surf on over and take a look for yourself! Just knowing that there is someone there to help when I need it, is enough to validate my own membership. If you have any comments about this article, or would like more information on Learning CDs and/or Tapes, other methods of alternative learning, industry events, or reviews, please write Roz and/or visit: RozReviews.com http://www.rozreviews.com/ Roz Fruchtman mailto:roz@designsbydaybreak.com
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