Worthwhile to take Standard Copic Certification class?

[lirael2008]

Hello! I just saw that standard copic certification classes are coming to my city and am thrilled. However, I saw that it's basic topics that are covered in it, and that you need to take this class in order to take the intermediate class.

I would love to take both these classes, but at $120 and $199 it's a huge investment. Also, I've already taken online beginning and intermediate classes with Simply Scrapping Crafts (now defunct) and Color Me Creative Classroom so not sure if there would be lots of repetition (with the standard class at least).

So my question is...for those of you who have taken either or both, do you think it's worth it to splurge for these classes? I'm sure they will be great but on the other hand maybe it's better to just use the money to...buy more Copics.:p

Note that I'm just a papercrafts enthusiast and not a store owner or design team member or anything fancy. :o

[Michellena317]

I have been debating that same question for at least a year now. The standard cert is on Sunday in my area and I decided not to apply this year and wait until the next go round when I have the full $319 SAVED UP to take both the standard and intermediate. I decided it just didn't make sense financially for me this year but it is something I want to do in the future.

[Novell]

I think it depends on how comfortable you feel with your Copic abilities. If you feel like you have a good handle on using them and feel satisfied with your results, then the class might not seem worth it. I have not taken any advanced classes so I have no opinion one way or the other on that.

ETA: no matter what you decide, I'm sure you'll learn something you didn't already know. Personally, I have no art background and really have no desire to color like an artist. I'm an amateur and I'm okay with that. If your desire is to learn to color with professional results, it might be worth checking out. I just know that for my own personal needs and abilities, the standard class was as far as I needed to take it.

[katestamps716]

If you're not teaching and don't need the credential on your resume, then it's probably not worth it. It sounds like you've covered a lot already.

[lirael2008]

Hi Michelle--I like your blog by the way--I'm a subscriber. So even though you seem proficient already with Copics, you're still interested in taking both standard and intermediate? Is it because you are involved in design teams and/or plan to teach classes one day? Or just because you think it sounds fun and like a good learning experience?

[Michellena317]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lirael2008

Hi Michelle--I like your blog by the way--I'm a subscriber. So even though you seem proficient already with Copics, you're still interested in taking both standard and intermediate? Is it because you are involved in design teams and/or plan to teach classes one day? Or just because you think it sounds fun and like a good learning experience?

Thank you!! I want to someday possibly teach and get back into design teams so I thought the credentials would be nice to have. Plus I think it would be nice to meet some of the Copic team members and all the other people taking the certification. I am kind of bummed because Pocono Pam from the showTable Scraps on You Tube is going to be at tomorrow's certification in NY. It would have been awesome to meet her.

[Barbara Jay]

My questions for your decision is when people apply to be on Design Teams do companies place a heavy criteria weight on whether a person has Copic Certification? Or do they look at a person's coloring skills when choosing Desgin team members?

Secondly does anyone have a copy of the Syllabus for the topics taught in the various level classes?
Seeing what will be covered would give you an idea how helpful these classes would be .

[KathiR]

I met Pocono Pam today at the NY Certification (actually on the subway afterward) and she is a doll!

I've been using Copics for over a year and learned a bunch of new things today. I think the Certification is definitely worthwhile.

I think that Design Teams look for excellent coloring skills, not so much for the official certification (though that wouldn't hurt).

I'm fairly certain that you can see what's covered in the class by going to Copic's website.

In fact, now I'd love to get my Intermediate Certification!!!

[Barbara Jay]

I just went to the Copic main site and they do not provide any information on the topics covered for each level of certification

Just the price, name of the instructor and location.

Is it flexible where the instructor decides the curriculum ?
Or are there required topics covered at each level?

[Colleen Schaan]

Barbara (and anyone else who is interested...)

We have a very strict outline that we all follow for the certification classes so that every student is learning the same information. Obviously, we all have different teaching styles, but the content is the same.

In fact, in the intermediate class, the three of us who teach it all use the exact same power-point with videos as our outline to make sure we are all covering the same info.

The standard class covers basic product information (the entire Copic product line - not just the markers), care for your products, the number system, product compatibility, blending techniques (includes tips and tricks that we have all learned), multiple surfaces, mixed media, and the airbrush system. Within each class, we also answer questions on sales and how to create classes for those store owners and instructors attending. There is not a lot of actual time to color, but there is time to get feedback from the instructor and do some troubleshooting. It's a great arena for getting any and all Copic questions answered.

In the intermediate, it's all about coloring! LOL We spend 5 of the 8 hours actually coloring... putting into use the things we learn during class. The class covers color theory, theory of lighting, theory of shading and shadows (cast shadows vs shading), perspective and distance in color, handling difficult blending and colors, undertones, design theory, skin and hair, and adding details. In essence, it is a class that covers not only HOW to color realistically, but the WHY behind what we are doing. It's really been a very well received class.

I have specific details about both the standard and the intermediate classes on my blog page HERE... just scroll down past my scheduled locations.

If you have any questions... feel free to ask! I'm happy to help.
colorful hugs,
colleen

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbara Jay

I just went to the Copic main site and they do not provide any information on the topics covered for each level of certification

Just the price, name of the instructor and location.

Is it flexible where the instructor decides the curriculum ?
Or are there required topics covered at each level?

[Barbara Jay]

Thanks Colleen!!
It looks like I would "benefit greatly" from the Intermediate class so I will need to take both IF they ever come to my area.

It is my understanding that one must take the entry level class before they can take the Intermediate class.
I don't have a Blog . I just want to improve my coloring skills. I never had any art training or experience in school . So I am having a blast with my Copics. I originally bought them to just do solid one color coloring because they go on so smoothly and without streaks . Then I branched out to try shading.
I never saw shadows on objects until I started learning to use Copics. Now I see them everywhere.

Of all of the things I have purchased for card making, my Copic give me the "most" pleasure. In fact now things revolve around my Copics. I no longer buy a stamp because it is pretty. I look at any stamp and ask myself how well it will color with my Copics LOL
LaBlanche stamps are very pretty, but not conducive to coloring with my Copics so I didn't buy any of them.

[scrappypine]

Look for a certified instructor as they have demonstated competencies within a core curricullum. I took from a visitor to a local area shop and very disappointedly didn't learn a thing. What a waste of time and money - but I learned, ya get what ya pay for....I just live so far from where the experts teach!

[Barbara Jay]

Scrappypine, A while ago a scrapbook store about 35 miles from me that was offering a Copic class for $40. I knew it was not the official one and I did not sign up for it. I was afraid of just what you said that it would be a waste of money . If I take Copic classes they will be the Copic sponsored ones from a certified insturctor.

[palval77]

**** I took the Copic Class in May Worth every single cent!! ****

[CanadianMom]

I did take the standard class and was disappointed completely. It was such a waste of my time and money. IF I was a store owner then this info would be great for selling the product -but as a class all on its own not at all what I was looking for. We did not have any feedback on our methods of colouring (simply demoed by the instructor and we could chose to do it or not) nor any one on one time with the instructor.

The second class requires you to submit your work. The second class topics are the meat of what I want to learn so I am not certain why the requirement to submit my work - I want to learn, I am not already proficient.

The info in the first class for papers, inks, airbrushing etc could be covered in a one hour product knowledge class - not a whole day.




[QUOTE=Colleen Schaan;18604516]Barbara (and anyone else who is interested...)

The standard class covers basic product information (the entire Copic product line - not just the markers), care for your products, the number system, product compatibility, blending techniques (includes tips and tricks that we have all learned), multiple surfaces, mixed media, and the airbrush system. Within each class, we also answer questions on sales and how to create classes for those store owners and instructors attending. There is not a lot of actual time to color, but there is time to get feedback from the instructor and do some troubleshooting. It's a great arena for getting any and all Copic questions answered.

In the intermediate, it's all about coloring! LOL We spend 5 of the 8 hours actually coloring... putting into use the things we learn during class. The class covers color theory, theory of lighting, theory of shading and shadows (cast shadows vs shading), perspective and distance in color, handling difficult blending and colors, undertones, design theory, skin and hair, and adding details. In essence, it is a class that covers not only HOW to color realistically, but the WHY behind what we are doing. It's really been a very well received class.

[Colleen Schaan]

Canadamom, I'm sorry you were disappointed in your experience. I understand your wanting more coloring time...that's common, although hopefully you had time to practice your blending techniques and get individual feedback from the instructor. The standard class really was geared in the beginning to teach store owners about Copic products and to help teachers and designers learn the basics of the product and how to successfully use it. Those things are definitely covered in the standard class still... even though we do have non-store owners attending every once-in-a-while.

The standard class is the foundation... I like to say that to build strong skills, you need to have a strong base...and that's what the standard class is. There is so much info out there about Copics and how to use them... and unfortunately it's not all good or correct. In the standard class we go back to basics and cover the product (again, geared towards store owners and designers and instructors who need this knowledge) and the basics of blending. You also should touch on how the markers react on a variety of surfaces and using the airbrush.

The reason we ask you to show your work to get into the intermediate class is so that we know you are ready to attend. NOT that you have perfected those skills...but that you understand the different blending techniques and understand picking good blending groups. The reason we ask that is because we spend ZERO time in the intermediate teaching that... and it can be very frustrating (for everyone involved) if a student comes into the intermediate class not having the basic knowledge. So yes... we do ask that you submit samples of blending... and answer some basic questions... not because we want to see perfect work, but we want to see that you understand what we are talking about and asking about the product.

Does that make sense? Definitely don't feel like you have to be perfect to apply for the intermediate... just make sure you practice the basics and feel comfortable with them so that you can get everything possible out of the intermediate class experience.

Whatever you decide to do... just keep playing with those Copics and enjoying your time coloring!

[CanadianMom]

The time spent on the blending is so minimal I am not even certain why it is included in the basic class. If that is a crucial ( which i agree that it is) element to working with the markers than that should be the focal point. In your comment you note that i need not be perfect but understand the different blending techniques - heck I couldn't even do any of them while there and what feedback? We were lucky to even follow what she was doing let alone do it ourselves. Now in my own way (which of course without anyone to guide you I think I may be doing it correct but really have no idea) I have come to be very comfortable with my markers BUT I would still not recommend this course to anyone who is simply looking to get a handle on the markers.

I am not trying to be a downer this is simply my opinion of my dollars going to waste. I would have preferred an hour of what the appropriate paper and ink to use and then lets get to work with the markers. The majority of information that the average person is looking for is contained in the second course.

If someone NEEDS to have the certification to get a job (teacher/design team) then by all means it is worthwhile - but it is not a course for the every day user in MHO.


.....................................

The reason we ask you to show your work to get into the intermediate class is so that we know you are ready to attend. NOT that you have perfected those skills...but that you understand the different blending techniques and understand picking good blending groups. The reason we ask that is because we spend ZERO time in the intermediate teaching that... and it can be very frustrating (for everyone involved) if a student comes into the intermediate class not having the basic knowledge. So yes... we do ask that you submit samples of blending... and answer some basic questions... not because we want to see perfect work, but we want to see that you understand what we are talking about and asking about the product.

Does that make sense? Definitely don't feel like you have to be perfect to apply for the intermediate... just make sure you practice the basics and feel comfortable with them so that you can get everything possible out of the intermediate class experience.

Whatever you decide to do... just keep playing with those Copics and enjoying your time coloring![/QUOTE]

[lirael2008]

Well, for better or for worse, I signed up for both the Standard and Intermediate certification classes. I am not a store owner, just a hobbyist who does a little teaching on the side and by no means needs the official credentials. I'm interested in applying for a design team one day, so this certification might help? Regardless, I'm excited to meet Marianne Walker as well as other local Copic fanatics.

I did some research online for "reviews" from people who took the classes and for the most part, they seem to appreciate it. I can see being a little bored in the Standard class since I've learned most of it already through other classes, reading, and videos, but on the other hand I'm sure I'll learn something new still. I wish that hobbyists had the choice of skipping this one though since it's intended more for business owners and other professional crafters.

[Colleen Schaan]

Canadianmom, I didn't take it as being a "downer" at all... every opinion counts and should be heard.

Hugs!

[momcani]

I believe the certification courses are designed for people to have credentials for teaching. This level probably isn't needed by most people. There are tons of tutorials on youtube for anyone who needs to increase their skill set.

[QueenOfInkland]

I took the standard Certification class only for my own benefit so that I could learn in person from some of the most talented Copics instructors around. I can't wait for the intermediate class to be available near me (I hear it will be this fall sometime) and now there is a new type of class (maybe mixed media-ish) they're added to their class offerings and I will take that one at some point even if I have to travel a bit to get to it (sounds like a vacation in the making).

[Colleen Schaan]

Hi Ladies (and gentlemen)... I see this thread is up and running again. It's been a while since the original post and discussion and I just wanted to share a few tidbits and updates with everyone.

Each fall, we have a team meeting where we look at our current programs and make any changes/tweaks necessary. We give surveys at the end of each class and we take a serious look at the feedback we get during the year. As our program has evolved, so has the way we cover the content in our classes. This past year, we condensed the "store/instructor" aspect of our certification classes and added more focus on getting the markers in your hands and practicing the coloring and blending techniques. We also have added a "portfolio" for the Standard class like we have in the Intermediate. Our images have all been tweaked and new ones added. The content of the class isn't different, but the amount of time focusing on each aspect has been readjusted based on customer feedback.

Our certification classes are no longer "just for teachers or stores" but for anyone who wants to successfully learn how to use their Copic products. Like I said in a previous post, there is a lot of info out there on how to use Copic products. Some info is spot on and some is not. There are some amazingly talented Copic instructors out there... whether you decide to take a class from one of our Regional Certification Instructors (trained directly by the company) or someone else, please make sure to do some research about the instructor/class first so you won't be disappointed.

Have a Colorful Day!

[manetta]

I just came across this thread. I am hoping someone can help me. I am very interested in taking classes on using copics but I can't find any anywhere. I have been searching for days. I am willing to travel a little bit if I have to as long as it is on a weekend. Is there a list anywhere so I can look to see who is certified to teach even basics in SW FL area? thank you in advance for any help with a name/website/email.

[gregzgurl]

Hi Manetta! I tried to find this information for you, but the closest I could come was Cindy Lawrence's page HERE that had a link to sign up for email notifications. Maybe that would be your best option to let them tell you...?

[bjeans]

Manetta, you may have this page already, but just in case not, here you go:

https://imaginationinternationalinc.com/copic/classes/ It has a "view schedule" button in the middle of the page, and other resources and contact info under the Support tab. Good luck!

Beth

[prairiecrafter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by manetta

I just came across this thread. I am hoping someone can help me. I am very interested in taking classes on using copics but I can't find any anywhere. I have been searching for days. I am willing to travel a little bit if I have to as long as it is on a weekend. Is there a list anywhere so I can look to see who is certified to teach even basics in SW FL area? thank you in advance for any help with a name/website/email.

If you do not want to do the Copic certified classes and want to know more about using them the Online Card Classes had one a couple of years ago that you can still sign up for or Sandy Allnock has one from a couple of months ago called "Copic jumpstart". You can sign up for both of these, but they are not live.

[bjeans]

Manetta, btw, as per the website, the standard cert class is apparently coming back in 2017. A short outline is included in the description.

https://imaginationinternationalinc....-certification

My LSS sometimes offers Copic classes by a certified instructor; you might want to google for LSS's within easy traveling distance and contact them if you want training that isn't certification-driven.

My local shop sometimes adds classes if someone requests them - in fact that's how I attended my very first stamping class. So if you don't see a Copics class, don't give up!

[Scrapjanny]

I took the standard certification class with Cindy Lawrence in PA a few months ago, and it was totally worth the money. Some of the material I already knew, but she explained a lot more, and we learned a lot more. She is wonderful, but I'm sure all of the instructors are very good.

[prairiecrafter]

Manetta I forgot to mention that I did take the Copic Certification class several years ago and felt it was worth my money. I do want to take the intermediate class, but have to save my pennies for when it is offered again.