Hello everyone and welcome to December! In two short weeks we’ll be starting a new year. Actually, we’re kicking off a new DECADE and I couldn’t be more excited!
January 2020 marks my 40th year as a forensic artist. I remember how thrilled I was to take my entry test and be accepted into my first forensic art course. The course was taught by LAPD’s famed police sketch artist Fernando Ponce. He became a friend and mentor. Fast forward 40 years and I’m now working as one of LAPD’s Police Composite Artists. Ponce always told me to work hard. I have never forgotten his words of wisdom and over the years it’s proven to be the best advice anyone gave me for success.
Over the last two years I’ve been sharing my thoughts with you about forensic facial imaging. Although we’ve introduced a few courses on our SketchCop® Online Academy, it’s not even close to where I want it to be. I could give you a million excuses why, but talk is cheap. It’s time I finally deliver on those promises and 2020 will be the year for that to happen.
I can tell you that I’m currently in the process of working on an extensive course in forensic art and how to draw facial composites, both in the traditional pencil and paper method as well as digitally, using a software-driven approach.
At the same time, we will be deciding how to deliver it. All at once, or one course per month as a ‘part-time’ program.
Luckily, I have an experienced forensic science professor helping me with the academic part and course design, so I’m sure we will come up with something special to get this off the ground once and for all. (Big shout-out to Terri Armenta from Forensic Science Unlimited at: https://forensictrainingunlimited.teachable.com/, she’s amazing!)
It would be great to hear from all of you to let me know what kind of training you would like to see. Please drop me a note at: Michael@SketchCop.com and let me know, OK?
In the meantime, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. I’m hoping that 2020 is going to be a big year for all of us, filled with happiness and success. Just lay off the eggnog, embrace your ugly Christmas sweater, let go for the holidays and enjoy everyone and everything going on around you. Just make sure you take some time out to sketch. Even if you can’t draw a straight line. ?
Thanks again for being a part of SketchCop® Online Academy. Again, Happy Holidays and I’ll catch you on the flip side of the calendar!
