My name is Laura Burke, and I live with my husband in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

I’ve been a graphic designer since 1983 when I got a job at the local weekly newspaper. Back then the tools were different but the goal was the same: Take a certain amount of information, text and photos, and make it look good — make people want it!

I started teaching the basics of graphic design using Photoshop in the early 2000s to a few small groups and individuals. It was so enjoyable to see their excitement at being able to create effects they’d seen in magazines and online. And I was hooked on teaching.

Over the years, and particularly from about 1997 to 2016, I was a freelance graphic designer on the side in addition to doing graphic design at my 9-to-5.

Then came print on demand. I’ve been doing it since 2014 and I LOVE it! I started with Teespring but now focus on Merch by Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify, using various fulfillment partners.

My experience in both fields - POD and design - has led to my creating this course, and I love to help those newer to design with personal support and advice.