Going a Little Cuckoo

Oooh! We got our first Bootcamp assignment on Monday this week. We're going to work on a cuckoo clock cell phone cover. I'm really excited to work on this one because a) I need all the practice I can get when it comes to doing product mock-ups and b) I've recently purchased a cell phone cover myself and was super-inspired by all the possible options out there. The one thing that has me biting the end of my pencil is that I know this is another one of those projects where I will really need/want to use Photoshop and/or Illustrator to get the layers, product mock-up and color pallet that I am envisioning. Here's where I groan a little because I have a total love-hate relationship with these programs. I LOVE what they are capable of doing and I HATE how much time it takes me to figure out how to do it! Sigh... I have chatted with other classmates who, like me, are more than a little challenged when it comes to using Photoshop and Illustrator. I know just enough to be dangerous. The further I get into surface pattern design, the more I realize that I could really benefit from some more practice and maybe some classes. I'd love any suggestions for good online courses that won't break the bank. Lay 'em on me in the comments below. The other usual frustration is the tediousness of trying to get a line where I want it with a mouse. Yes, I know. I need to invest in a stylus. Again, any and all suggestions on the best stylus for the job are welcome. (Again, please share in the comments below. Thanks!) I think the time has come to take the plunge on that little investment as well. I'm plotting my little design and have a concept that is sticking so I'm going to run with it. Here are a few sneak peaks of the initial sketches: Stay tuned for more glimpses into the process. Thanks so much for checking in!