I will be hosting a two-day SketchUp class on Thursday and Friday, April 26-26, 2018, 9am to 5pm in the Cincinnati area. This is your opportunity to learn 3D modeling from an expert SketchUp trainer in a small class, held in a convenient and comfortable setting. If you have tried to learn SketchUp on your own and found it frustrating, or if you’ve heard about SketchUp but don’t know where to start, this class will get you up to speed and put a short straight line across the learning curve. I’ve taught thousands of people over the last 10 years through my books and live classes. I don’t just know how to use SketchUp, I know how to teach SketchUp. In class we will go through a series of exercises that give you an understanding of what is happening on screen and how to navigate in an imaginary three-dimensional world. You will overcome the common problems most new SketchUp users encounter, and you’ll go home with the ability to model anything and share the results either digitally or in print.

How It Works
You bring your own computer. My computer screen is projected so that everyone can see. I demonstrate how to perform a task and while students practice I look over shoulders and give one-on-one coaching. We start with the basics of how to set up the program and move through creating and manipulating simple objects. When everyone has a handle on that, we move forward to more advanced topics tailored to the interests of those in the class. With a small class size, your questions will be answered and you will learn efficient and effective techniques for modeling what you need to model.

SketchUp is different from other graphics and CAD programs and the best way to learn is to have someone with experience help you over the tricky parts and show you what to practice. I provide several handouts for your reference during and after class. This class is open to anyone with an interest in 3D modeling and basic computer skills. We usually have a mix of woodworkers, designers, architects and builders. The first day, we stick to the basics and simple geometric shapes. On the second day we will cover specific needs of those in the class and extracting information from the finished model in the form of rendered images and dimensioned drawings.

Approximately two weeks after class, all participants will be invited to a two-hour online followup session. In that session we will review and problem solve what we covered in class.

Where, When, and What’s for Lunch?
Class will be held at the You and Me Dance Studio, 62 W. Foster-Maineville Road in downtown Maineville, Ohio. It’s about 10 minutes from Interstate 71, just north of Cincinnati. I will provide coffee, bottled water and light snacks. We’ll take an hour-long break for lunch; there are several options nearby or you can bring your own. If you’re traveling there are numerous hotel choices near King’s Island, about 10-15 minutes away. Doors will open at 8:45 and we will start at 9:15. Class will end no later than 5 each day.

What to Bring
Your own computer with a 3-button scroll wheel mouse. (You need the mouse even if you have a Mac-read this post and this other post about using the mouse in SketchUp). You don’t need a fancy or expensive mouse. In fact an expensive mouse with extra features and software can cause problems. I recommend an inexpensive mouse such as this. You might want to bring a notebook and a pad for your chair.

Download and install SketchUp before class. SketchUp is available in both a free version (SketchUp Make 2017)  and a paid Pro Version. Everything in class can be accomplished with the free version, and the differences will be discussed and demonstrated in class.

• Check the system requirements here to make sure your computer is capable of running SketchUp.
• If you plan on purchasing SketchUp Pro, download the latest version here. 
• If your use of SketchUp is for personal use only, download SketchUp Make 2017 here.

If you are brand new to SketchUp, install the program, make sure it will open and run on your machine and work through a couple of the tutorials found at this link.

Class Fees: The cost of this two-day class is $300. THIS CLASS WILL BE HELD and there is an upper limit of 12 students. Life is easier if you pay online, but if you want to pay by check that’s OK. E-mail to reserve your spot and make payment arrangements. If you pay the entire fee when you register, you get a $25 discount. Otherwise, payment of half the class fee ($150) is due with your registration, and the balance is due before the start of class.

CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO REGISTER AND PAY THE ENTIRE CLASS FEE YOU SAVE $25-TOTAL PAYMENT OF $275	CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO REGISTER AND PAY A $150 DEPOSIT. BALANCE OF $150 MUST BE MADE BEFORE START OF CLASS.

If you have any questions or want to set up a class for your organization or in your area, click my signature below to contact me by email. SIGN UP TODAY-CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED!

– Bob Lang