Pivot Then Live It: The Blog

Howdy Y’all,

Today I want to focus on the importance of finding something you’re passionate about and becoming an expert in that area. Whether it’s a hobby, a skill, or a subject that excites you, dive deep, master it, and never stop improving. Once you’ve honed your expertise, share your knowledge with others. Our talents are not meant to be kept to ourselves; they are meant to inspire and help others grow.

Google Drawings Expert…Hello!

Let me share my story of how I became an “expert”. My area of expertise has to do with digital art, BUT specifically as it relates to an online platform called Google Drawings.

Eleven years ago, I was asked to teach graphic design to high school students in East Austin. At the time, the school where I taught couldn’t afford industry-standard tools like Photoshop or Illustrator, so I had to think outside the box. I had previously learned some basic design skills using Microsoft Publisher, but unfortunately, our computer lab didn’t have Publisher. However, it did have PowerPoint. Recognizing that PowerPoint had similar design tools, I made it my go-to design software. For years, I taught my students how to create fun and eventually detailed graphic designs as well as animations using PowerPoint.

A few years later, I took a job in Hutto, Texas, teaching Graphic Design, Web Business (where I polished and honed the Student Like A Boss curriculum), and Technology Applications. The new challenge was that the students’ computers didn’t have PowerPoint. However, each student had a Google account for Google Classroom and email. I started exploring ways to transfer the design techniques, strategies, and processes I used in PowerPoint to Google Slides, Google’s version of PowerPoint. This worked well for about two years.

Then, seven years ago, I discovered Google Drawings. Initially created for diagramming and basic design scenarios, I quickly realized that Google Drawings was just as effective for graphic design as PowerPoint. Plus, since it was part of the Google Suite, everything created on the platform could be saved to the students’ Google Drive and easily shared with me for grading—a true win-win!

Over the past seven years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into mastering Google Drawings. My goal has always been to provide students (and their families) with a free, accessible platform to create amazing digital art. I’ve made it a priority to master Google Drawings so that I can continue to pass along my knowledge of graphic design and print-on-demand strategies, empowering students and their families to achieve their creative and entrepreneurial goals.

Many people dismiss Google Drawings as too simplistic for serious graphic design. However, through dedication, exploration, and creativity, I’ve demonstrated that it can rival leading design platforms. Google Drawings is versatile, powerful, and most importantly, FREE. It’s accessible to everyone and easy to learn, making it an excellent tool for aspiring artists and designers.

Despite the skepticism and ridicule, I’ve proven that Google Drawings can produce professional-quality digital art. Over the years, I’ve leveraged its foundational features to create intricate, stunning designs. My students, equipped with this knowledge, often produce work that surpasses those created with more expensive tools like Adobe Creative Cloud (Express) and Canva.

The most rewarding part of this journey has been witnessing the growth and success of my students. High school teachers frequently tell me that my students, using Google Drawings, create superior graphics compared to those using Adobe. This feedback highlights the power of Google Drawings and the effectiveness of our teaching methods.

Former students often reach out to share their ongoing successes, telling me how their design skills and online business have flourished since they started learning with Google Drawings in middle school. My students have gone on to become proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, and other platforms. They gained foundational knowledge of the graphic design process on Google Drawings…and then they spread their wings and flew. Some of my students have even gone on to get degrees in Graphic Design and Visual Arts. These stories showcase not only the resilience and creativity of my students but also the importance of someone becoming an expert…and then sharing their wealth of knowledge..

Personal Benefits Of Being An Expert

Becoming an expert in any field offers a myriad of benefits that can significantly enhance both personal and professional aspects of life. Expertise brings a profound sense of confidence and mastery, enabling you to tackle challenges with ease and inspire others with your knowledge. It opens up opportunities for career advancement, as specialized skills are highly valued and often lead to greater job security and higher earning potential. 

Moreover, becoming an expert fosters a deeper passion and commitment to continuous learning, ensuring you stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Sharing your expertise with others not only solidifies your own understanding but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on your community, contributing to a cycle of knowledge and growth.

Bottom Line Y’all…

By dedicating time and effort to mastering a particular skill, we unlock a wealth of personal and professional benefits, from increased confidence and career opportunities to a profound sense of fulfillment and the ability to inspire and educate others. As we see with my mastery of Google Drawings, becoming an expert not only elevates our own capabilities but also empowers us to make a lasting impact on those around us. 

So, find your passion, become an expert, and share your knowledge. In doing so, you will not only grow personally but also inspire others on their journeys.

Move Forward! Don’t Suck! Every Day!

~Mitch