"Nicole’s Classes helped me find my business identity. Every detail of Aqua Juel Design has been influenced by what I’ve learned through classes I’ve taken (including Photo 101, Tabletop Photography and other design classes) — from my branding, to taking and displaying product photos, to interacting with clients. Although I’ve really enjoyed all the information and feedback from all the classes I’ve taken, I feel I’ve gotten the most out of Photo 101 and the branding class. I had no idea how to use my camera outside of auto mode, and after just my first Photo 101 lesson, I already felt more in control of my camera! The other HUGE impact on me and my business was the branding class. Not only did it help me with my own branding, it helped me with the creative process in general, from how to get the ball rolling with an initial idea to how to present a final product to a client. It has been an incredible help!

What I love the most about Nicole’s Classes and what I feel sets them apart from other online courses is the amazing feedback from the instructors and other students in the class. Take advantage of posting homework on time and give feedback to other students in your class. I feel like I grew just as much from the feedback I received on homework assignments as from the actual lessons themselves."

- Christen Fleming from Aqua Juel Design, Photography, Photoshop, & Design student

“Thank you so much for this class! Thanks for your amazing feedback: starting with the positive, and when necessary, ending with tactful, honest, awesome advice. My camera returned and I can’t wait to get out shooting today. You have inspired us all.”

- Judy, Photo 101 student

"When I started taking Nicole’s Classes, I was merely a writer who had recently left her full-time job in Marketing to focus on her website, PositivelyPresent.com. I knew I wanted to learn more about design (particularly illustrating) to improve my website, but I had no idea how much Nicole’s Classes would transform my business. I started by learning the basics, which really helped me to create more effective images for my website. I knew my site needed an update so I took the branding class and rebranded my entire business. I then dove into the Illustrator classes (taking all of them!) and found that I was really passionate about illustrating. I was able to cultivate my illustrating skills, which inspired me to create Positively Dani, a new portion of my business that focuses on positive, inspiring design. Positively Dani offers digital products on Etsy and a variety of tangible goods on Society 6. Though I’d always loved drawing and graphic design, I had absolutely no experience prior to discovering Nicole’s Classes and would never have been able to transform my site (and create online shops!) without the help of the classes.

While I’ve loved all of the classes I’ve taken (12 so far!), I’d have to say that Illustrator 101 and branding were the most influential classes for me, both personally and professionally. Illustrator 101 was my introduction to Illustrator and it introduced me to all of the amazing things that can be created in Illustrator. Since taking that class (and all of the other Illustrator classes!), I’ve opened my online shops, created personalized greeting cards for friends and family, designed my own Christmas card, and I even got my first job as a graphic designer creating the illustrations for a 2015 calendar! I learned how to create a cohesive identity for Positively Present which expands across my website, through various social media platforms, and into my Positively Dani products. The class taught me so much about how to create a design that worked well for my brand, an invaluable lesson that I know will serve me well for years to come.

What I consider to be one of the best part of Nicole’s Classes is the assignments and the feedback from instructors and fellow students. To make the most of the classes, I’d highly recommend doing all of the homework (even the optional bits!) and checking back to view the instructor feedback. I’d also recommend checking out your fellow classmates’ work and offering feedback. It’s fun to see what others are doing and you’re more likely to get feedback from others if you offer your thoughts on their work. Also, I’d like to add that if anyone isn’t sure about whether or not to take a class, my advice is this: do it! The classes are so worth every single penny. You’ll learn so much and you’ll be surprised by what you can do if you keep learning!"

- Danielle DiPirro from Positively Present, Illustrator, Photoshop, Photography, & InDesign student