About
For The Press
As the President of Media Cats, Inc., A.J. Wood has been ranked the #1 Adobe Instructor WORLDWIDE more than once. In 2009, he was selected to join the ranks of recognized Adobe Community Professionals (formerly known as Adobe Community Experts). A.J. is best known for his straightforward teaching style, and ability to communicate ideas in the simplest of terms. A creative generalist, he has worked as a musician, studio engineer, and network mercenary. One day A.J. woke to the realization he was smack in the middle of the wrong career. He reinvented himself, patiently building his craft as a digital artisan while discovering his passion for teaching.
A.J. gives back to the community by leading the Acrobat & InDesign user groups, and actively promotes the arts & technology throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. A.J. has published video tutorials on LayerMagazine.com, and was recognized by Collin College’s Instructor Spotlight. He travels throughout the USA delivering seminars on Adobe products, and has appeared as a guest speaker for the AIGA, Westwood College, the University of Texas Arlington, and the Art Institute of Dallas.
Connect to A.J. through his Retaggr page which lists all his networks. You can follow A.J. on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, view A.J.’s Flickr photostream, join him on NAPP (Nation Association of Photoshop Professionals) or checkout A.J.’s LinkedIn References.
In His Own Words
Thank you for visiting my website. If you’re a long time reader, then you can appreciate the breadth of content that I’ve spouted through the years, and the metamorphosis that led to my present day ambitions. It’s taken a lifetime to discover my passion, and acknowledge the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me. I hope you find the information within useful, and I am thankful to be a part of your learning experience.
My heart is that of an entrepreneur, and my work as an instructor & digital artisan would not be possible without the unwavering support of my wife Michelle. Her honesty has kept me moving forward when obstacles stood before me. She is not only the love of my life, but a necessary piece to all the things I am not. In 2008, we were blessed with a baby girl, Sydney, and she is my untapped inspiration for the next chapter in our lives.
Heard Around Town
“A. J. is an excellent instructor. I would highly recommend him to any company looking to educate their employees.”
J Schuh
“A.J. is an excellent trainer and very knowledgeable. He is always up to date on current developments.”
Gene McCullagh, Owner/Writer, Pix Veritas
“I worked with A.J. at SECURUS Technologies while he was a contractor being utilized as a Trainer for the Facility Manager application. A.J. was always professional and became very knowledgeable of the application in a very short amount of time. I was able to travel with him to a few sites to witness him in action and was very impressed. Our customers came to call for him because of his ability to train them to their satisfaction. I would recommend him to any organization needing his expertise.”
Micheal Miller, Implementation – Project Manager, Securus Technologies
“Probably the best instructor I’ve seen. Though he mainly instructs on Adobe and MS-Office products, his teaching style can be applied to any program.”
David Krein, Operations Officer, GUILD (Graphical User Interactive Learning & Development) – Graphic Users Interactive Learning & Development
“A.J. is a member of the DFW North Photoshop/Digital Photography Meetup www.photoshop.meetup.com/219. His assistance and advisory counsel to our meetup is stellar. Meetings he has led have always been the most popular and beneficial to our membership. The meetings have highlighted his command of Photoshop and All Adobe products. To anyone wanting corporate education in Adobe products, A.J.’s ability to teach is incomparable. He teaches from his ability to understand composition and talent for creating superior art. A.J. is an amazing talent and we are most happy to have him not only as a resource but as a member of our group.”
Cliff Weaver
“I have known A.J. Wood since May 1, 1995. As team leader of systems administration at Alexsis, Inc., I found A.J. to be a valuable asset to the group. His technical strengths and attention to details were augmented by an eagerness to learn and assume new responsibilities. He was often called upon to step up to sometimes daunting challenges in a very difficult work environment and always rose to the challenge.”
Christopher Zygmunt, System Administrator Team Lead, Alexsis
“A.J. has a wealth of knowledge about a great variety of software products, including but not limited to all the Adobe/Macromedia products. He imparts this knowledge to students in a way that is both interesting and informative. He has a nice speaking manner and doesn’t talk down to anyone. A.J. is a certified Adobe Instructor. I highly recommend A.J. and Media Cats for continuing education and specific software training needs.”
Dana Weitz
“A.J. is a remarkable artist and instructor. He produces eye-catching results regardless of the medium. His advanced knowledge of and experience with Adobe products, and his approachable and easy demeanor engages and holds his audience. He exemplifies all the traits of excellence and professionalism.”
Terry Wooten
“AJ is very professional, friendly and efficient. He does the job he says he’ll do and always gives more than he promises. I would highly recommend AJ for any job. Annette Maxberry-Carrara Publisher Wisdom House Books”
Annette Maxberry-Carrara
“Here is a person who gives back. No concept goes unanswered. He has a solution for every question. Personable, easy to work with and brings value to team. I will use his services anytime!”
Robert Neff
“A.J.’s expertise in Adobe products are evident in the displays of his skills in items like Photoshop and other creative-based software and is a great contributor to the DFW Adobe User’s Group (dfwaug.net). We are very fortunate to have him available as a resource.”
Kevin Stagg, Manager, Dallas/Fort Worth Adobe User Group
