Register Now for Co.Open Workshops in Electronic Music, Photojournalism, Mapping and Graphic Design
Want to build your digital media skills in 2017? Co.Open is excited to open registration for its digital media workshops in Electronic Music Production, Phone Photojournalism and Blogging, Data, Mapping and Research Justice, and Graphic Design. Co.Open is a media-making cooperative that provides design services, training, and professional development for freelancers and media makers in Detroit.
Classes start in February and will meet one day a week for four weeks at Allied Media Projects, 4126 Third St, in Detroit.
The deadline to register is February 6th and the cost to register is $100 per four-week workshop. Limited scholarships are available. If you have questions about the Co.Open workshops, email imad@coopen.co.
Electronic Music Production
Monday 6-9pm, February 6, 20, 27, March 13
This class will focus on electronic music production. In this class we will explore computer software, midi controllers, tape recorders and electronic hardware instruments. Using these tools, we will attempt to break down a wide range of methods used in electronic music production. Take this class if you are interested in understanding how different electronic musical styles are made on a theoretical and practical level. This is an intermediate level course, so some fundamental experience or knowledge is desired from participants, but not essential.
Instructor: Ben Christensen
Ben is a Detroit based musician, producer, and co-founder of Sector 7G Recordings. He composes music for TV, Film, animations and advertisements. He has taught electronic music with Youthville Detroit, Detroit Future Schools and Detroit Future Media.
Phone Photojournalism and Blogging
Tuesday 6-9pm, February 7, 14, 21, 28
This class will teach participants how to become independent documentary makers by using your phone as a creative instrument for written and visual communication.
In this class we will talk about:
- The importance of repetition and rhythm when doing independent creative work
- How simplicity and self-discipline can guide you to do stronger work
- Creative nonfiction techniques and practice
- How to document real life experience and participate in it without getting in the way of telling your story
- Where to showcase your work: self-published blogs vs. professional media outlets
Instructor: Walter Wasacz
Walter is an independent writer, editor and consultant based in Hamtramck. His work has appeared in publications in Berlin, London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit. Walter’s most recent project is a series on walkable discovery, in which he walks and writes about people and place, including interior life (thoughts, feelings, dreams, memories) conjured by his experiences. He is also part of an audio-visual ambient techno project called Shorelights and plays records and performs live under the name Nospectacle.
Data, Mapping, and Research Justice
Wednesday 6-9pm, February 8, 15, 22, March 1
Maps and data can be used to better understand where inequality exists, to look at possible correlations between environmental risk factors, or even to visualize community responses to social issues. Working within the framework of research justice, we will be using open source tools to learn about and work with maps and data. Our goal will be to successfully understand equitable data collection, data management, and basic map visualization techniques. Do you want to use maps and data to further your social justice cause? Then this is the course for you!
Instructor: Alex B. Hill
Alex has been trained in social justice movement building and has supported
the efforts of numerous social justice organizations and causes. He is currently an Epidemiologist with the Detroit Health Department and brings 7+ years of experience in community engagement, conducting research, and mapping. Check out some of his work at DETROITography!
Graphic Design
Thursday 6-9pm, February 9, 16, 23, March 2
This class will focus on the basics of graphic design using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. In this class, we will explore how to take your ideas from concept to final design. Take this class if you want to work on your own project(s) while learning how to navigate and use Illustrator and Photoshop hands-on. This workshop is an introductory level course, so no prior knowledge of Adobe programs is necessary although you should have a graphic design project you’d like to develop.
Instructor: Ron Watters
Ron is a product designer, artist, educator, and Detroiter. He is the owner and founder of One Custom City, a screen printing and design business in Detroit. He has taught at Detroit Future Media and Detroit Community Schools as part of Detroit Connections.