Starting Smart:

Using a Projector as a Design Tool

COURSE OPENS JANUARY 14TH! Only $19

Make confident design and composition decisions before you ever put paint on your canvas.

Join Kara in a very short, practical mini class that shows you how to use a projector as a design tool—so you can start stronger, waste less time, and enjoy the painting process more.

This isn't a cheat, it's a tool to help you work smarter, not harder.

Starting shouldn’t be the hardest part!

Paintings don’t fail because of technique. They fall apart because of design and composition.

Does any of the following sound familiar?

  • Features feel off
  • The subject floats on the canvas
  • Cropping doesn’t quite work
  • You realize too late that something feels wrong

By then, you’ve already laid down paint—and fixing it feels frustrating.

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What if you could think it through before you paint?

Let's Talk About How a Projector Can Be a Tool!

A Projector allows you to think about design before you get started!  It helps you:

  • Experiment with composition
  • Test placement and scale
  • Make smart decisions early
  • Start with clarity instead of guesswork

Some people will call it cheating, but tracing a photo doesn’t replace skill — it supports learning.  When used with purpose it can:

  • Build muscle memory
  • Help you understand feature placement and proportion
  • Train your eye to see spacing and alignment
  • Support stronger free-hand drawing skills over time
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The goal isn’t dependency. The goal is understanding.

It's okay to use tools to help you create!  The masters did, and so can YOU!

This mini class shows you how to use a projector in a way that reinforces fundamentals rather than avoiding them.

LET ME TELL YOU MORE!

For ONLY $19 you will learn to...

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CHOOSE A PHOTO

Having a good photo to work from is half the battle.  This course will share links to free image resources.

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SET UP AND CONNECT

Many people struggle to set up and connect their projector.  I will show you step by step how to do it.

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ADJUST, SCALE, AND FOCUS

A projector has different tools to adjust your image.  We will walk through these together.

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EXPLORE DESIGN

I use a projector mainly to design my artwork.  I test out various possibilities prior to painting.

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TRANSFER YOUR IMAGE

We will discuss which materials are best for transferring your image.  You have options to choose from.

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EXPLORE A NEW TOOL

This tool will help you to design a successful painting before you begin.

PLUS a Live Zoom Call to Ask Your Questions!

Scheduled for January 20th at 10am Pacific time

What's included in this course:

  • Short, focused video lessons
  • A clear, repeatable setup process
  • Composition and design guidance
  • A beautifully designed PDF guide
  • Lifetime access

Who this course is for:

  • Artists who want to start paintings with clarity
  • Portrait and figurative artists
  • Artists short on time who still want to grow
  • Anyone who feels stuck at the beginning stage
  • Artists who want supportive tools—not rigid rules

Beginner-friendly and experience-supportive for just $19.

I am here to support you.

KarainStudiowithBowGirls1WhiteBlouse

Hi!  I'm Kara.

I’m an artist, educator, and founder of Kara Bullock Art School. I’ve spent years teaching artists how to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and create work that feels intentional and personal.

In my own studio, I use a projector to think through design, explore composition, and avoid unnecessary frustration later in the process. This mini class is me sharing that exact process with you.

 

 

Love notes from students...

I’ve taken several of Kara’s courses, and they are always clear, thoughtful, and beautifully done. She delivers top-notch material while creating a space that feels safe and encouraging. I’ve grown more confident not just in my art, but in how I learn.

- Michelle R.

Kara doesn’t just teach techniques — she teaches understanding. Her courses are well organized, supportive, and easy to follow. I always leave feeling encouraged, grounded, and excited to keep creating.

- Linda S.

Kara is a wonderful teacher who truly cares about her students. She explains things clearly, helps you feel safe making mistakes, and builds confidence along the way. Her courses have helped me trust myself more as an artist.

- Andrea G.

This class is about finding tools that can help you build confidence and keep you moving forward in your practice with less frustration.

By the End of this Class, You Will:

  • Start paintings with a strong design foundation
  • Feel confident in your composition choices
  • Save time and energy in your process
  • Reduce frustration and re-starts
  • Get better at drawing on your own
  • Enjoy painting more—from the very beginning
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Because Starting Smart Changes Everything!

This is Your Invitation

Without a plan, it’s easy to feel frustrated, give up, and stop creating altogether. Join Starting Smart: Using a Projector as a Design Tool and give yourself permission to use tools that support learning, clarity, and creative joy.

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Are you ready?!  Join me inside Starting Smart!

What You'll Need to Participate

Supplies You’ll Need for This Class

To get the most out of Starting Smart: Using a Projector as a Design Tool, you’ll need a simple studio setup. Nothing fancy — just the basics.

Required

  • A projector
    Any basic projector will work. This class focuses on how to use it, not on having a specific model.  I will give you two options that I have used - one is more expensive, and one is budget-friendly.

  • An HDMI cable
    Most projectors come with one.

  • An adapter for your device
    The adapter you need depends on whether you’re using a phone, iPad, or tablet (for example, HDMI to Lightning or USB-C).

  • A device with images
    Phone, iPad, or tablet with your reference images loaded.

  • Reference images
    Photos you plan to work from during the class.

  • A substrate - canvas, paper, panel
    Any size you’d like to work on.

  • An easel or wall space
    Somewhere you can hang or prop your canvas securely while projecting.

What You Don't Need

It's good to know that the following is not necessary to take this course.

  • A high-end projector

  • Advanced tech skills

  • A perfectly dark studio

  • Or a large workspace

This class is designed to work with real studios, real time constraints, and real life.

Terms & Conditions

By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • This course is designed to provide guidance, exercises, and inspiration to help you grow in your artistic practice. While many students experience personal breakthroughs, increased confidence, and artistic growth, results will vary for each individual.

  • Participation in this course does not guarantee professional success, art sales, gallery representation, or financial gain.

  • All course content is for educational and personal development purposes only. The artwork created from the lessons is for learning purposes.

  • Access to course materials is granted for personal use only. Sharing, distributing, or reselling course content is not permitted.

  • Due to the immediate availability of the course, and access to downloadable materials, we do not offer refunds.

By registering, you confirm that you have read and agree to these terms.