FAQ

Are the courses run by Create Visual only relevant to garden designers?

Not at all. While garden designers are the primary focus, the skills taught in our courses are equally applicable to those working in other creative design roles.
How do I know which course to start with?

John offers a FREE 15 minute discovery Zoom call during which you can briefly explain your design background, your current level of digital design experience and what you are looking to achieve through tuition. Please click on the button at the bottom of this page to book your call.
Do you need to have had prior experience of the software to attend the courses?

We welcome students at all levels and career stages. Many of our students are total beginners and their participation in our courses often marks their first experience of digital design.
Do I need an iPad to participate in Create Visual’s courses?

No. Although many people attending our courses do already own iPads, you do not need to have one to take part. If you are completely new to the world of digital design (or are considering moving across from the desktop interface) you can use our courses to assist in your decision making process before you take the plunge to invest in an iPad. As full course recordings are provided to all attendees, John’s teaching is focused on providing real time demonstrations and on allowing students to observe and discuss the techniques and processes being shown, rather than requiring the techniques to be attempted during the sessions. The intention is that the recordings can be revisited afterwards to allow for practice and consolidation.
Which iPad do you recommend?

John uses an iPad Air (5th Generation) 64 GB. This is his personal choice and we do not make specific recommendations in this regard. We always advise that people seek their own independent advice before purchasing an iPad. The only requirement is that the chosen model is compatible with the use of an Apple pencil.
Is there any other equipment required to attend courses?

You really don’t need to bring anything to attend (either in person or online). For those who do own iPads, we recommend that you consider purchasing pen tips to soften the feel of the digital pencil on the surface of the iPad. For the same reason, we invite people to buy a paper-feel screen protector. Links to recommended products can be found below: https://pen.tips/en-uk/products/pentips_2_plus https://amzn.eu/d/4H6qX9g
Can I use Create Visual’s services if I live outside of the UK?

Yes – we have people from all corners of the globe among our students. Online tuition via Zoom is offered, either by attending one of our scheduled group courses, or by booking a 1-2-1 session with John.
Are all courses recorded, or do I need to take my own notes?

While you are welcome to bring a notepad, you will receive full recordings of the sessions and are therefore encouraged not to take copious notes, but rather to watch the demonstrations in real time and ask questions, as they arise.
I work on a desktop. Do you offer any desktop based tuition?

Yes – while our courses primarily focus on design using the iPad, we do also offer desktop based group courses and 1-2-1 sessions on SketchUp, Layout for SketchUp and Twinmotion. Please contact us for more detail and booking information.
Will I be able to contact John for follow-up support after the course?

If anything covered during the courses requires further clarification, we are contactable by email and John will respond to questions. If you have lots of questions, need a topic refresher, or if more extensive support is required, you are welcome to book an online or in person 1-2-1 session with John (subject to your geographic location), which will be charged at his hourly £75 rate.
I would like to buy a SketchUp licence. Can you recommend a provider for this?

We recommend Cadsoft Solutions for purchasing your SketchUp licence (either SketchUp Pro or SketchUp Go, depending on whether you are desktop or iPad based). If you purchase through them, please mention that you have been referred by John Wood at Create Visual and they will supply a discount code. You can find their contact details here: Cadsoft Solutions Limited
Which SketchUp licence is best to purchase?

This will depend on which device you plan on using SketchUp on. We recommend that you contact Cadsoft Solutions and ask for their advice on this. Cadsoft Solutions Limited
How do I download Procreate and Morpholio Trace?

You can find both of these by searching on the Apple App Store on your iPad. They are exclusively for use on Apple devices and are not available for Android users.
Are all of your courses delivered live, or do you also offer pre-recorded ones?

We are in the process of developing a series of pre-recorded courses in relation to all of the digital design platforms that John teaches. Please follow us on Instagram and join our mailing list (sign up on our homepage) for updates.
Do you offer student discounts?

We are a small business and have to carefully consider the financial viability of running our courses. Therefore, we are not able to offer student discounts at this time.
How can I be kept up to date with your future course dates?

We will have all courses advertised here on our website (we are currently finalising our booking system). We will also be promoting courses on our Instagram page and in our newsletter. If you would like to join our mailing list, you can do that on our homepage.
How do I get in touch with Create Visual?

Claire Denham runs our administrative and marketing functions and is your primary point of contact for all questions related to our services. She can be reached on email at info@create-visual.co.uk