One Million Views on My YouTube Channel

One Million Views on YouTube!!!

One Million Views on My YouTube Channel

Earlier this week I discovered my YouTube channel passed the one million views mark.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Over a year ago I committed to the idea of sharing my knowledge & responding to community questions with videos. Your support has grown the channel from a party of one to nearly ten thousand subscribers. Due to the success of the YouTube channel I’ve had the opportunity to write for Photoshop User Magazine, create video content for Layers Magazine & PSD Tuts, speak at a number art & technology conferences, appear on TV, receive sponsor interest, and pursue new job opportunities.

That success would not be possible without your continued patronage.

Thank you.

A number of folks have asked, “What’s in store for 2012?”

I am working on a number of projects, which I hope to share in the upcoming months. “I Create Content” currently has one sponsor, onOne Software, who graciously provides software each month. They have even provided you my loyal readers a discount code; simply use “ajwood” for 10% off your purchase. I hope more sponsors will come on this year so I’ll have a nice goodie basket to share with you my loyal readers. I want to continue to expand the content of the show, not only increasing which products I teach, but also adding new show segments. Stay tuned for those announcements.

Growth of the show and its programming really depends on you. Please continue to Like the videos, but more importantly share them on Facebook & Google+, embed them on your blog, pass them along on Twitter. Encourage your friends & associates to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Checkout the playlists I’ve created, review some of your favorite tutorials, and find some new favorites.

I can’t wait to see what we create together during the next million views.

Year End Thanks for 2011

Whew! Have you ever had a moment that REALLY kicked your ass? Has that moment ever lasted an entire year? 2011 seems to have been that year for a lot of folks I know. I can’t recall a time (including 2008) where every aspect of my life simultaneously became a stress point. If 2011 is the year that tested us, then 2012 promises to be the reward for facing those challenges head on.

The year had its highs & lows, and I wanted to take a moment to recognize some folks who have helped me so that I can be there to help you:

J Schuh – you may know him as The Texas Animator, I know him as my best friend & partner in all things creative. Despite his incredible reputation, he deserves even more recognition for his talent & humanity. Look for me to rock out some cool stuff with J in 2012.

Glyn Dewis – my best mate who I haven’t seen since we met at Photoshop World eons ago. You might say we’re 21st century “pen pals”. He might be across the pond, but he’s been a far truer friend than folks I know right here in town.

TipSquirrel – the only person who has ever promoted everything I do without so much as a poke from me. If I were seeking a manager, he would be my guy. He’s been a constant source of support, asked or not. Coming from someone who spends a lot of time helping other people it’s nice to be on the receiving end.

Kevin Ames – my only regret is we didn’t become friends sooner. Kevin is a great mentor, confidant, and truly an inspiration behind a camera. I’m a better person knowing him.

John Pozadzides – to be successful you need to emulate successful people. I’m sure a lot of people think they can do what John “P” does, but truly they wouldn’t be as successful. A chance meeting in Vegas at Photoshop World led to some good conversations, and a whole lot of education on my part. John’s been a great friend to my family, generously lending his time & resources as I’ve built my podcast.

Darryl Briggs – the man behind the DFW Photography Club knows you can’t have a successful video podcast without a place to host the show. Darryl believed in my YouTube channel before I ever recorded an episode. He helped get the show started and was a huge support this past year keeping the episodes on schedule for you. When I was running on empty Darryl was always there.

Justin SeeleyI wrote it in a comment on Justin’s blog a few weeks ago, and I’ll say it again — Justin is the reason I have a YouTube channel today. Justin’s the same great guy I met at Photoshop World several years ago, minus a few pounds. He understands that building community stems from a commitment to the needs of others more than yourself.

Dee Sadler – was one of the first to recognize my contributions to the Adobe community. One of the most intelligent ladies I know, she’s the force behind the D2WC conference.

Zig Baird – the man behind this site, Zig is The WP Guy. Sure, I’m technically inclined, but the challenge of growing your business is keeping up with all the growth. Zig has been HUGE part of keeping AJWOOD.COM running, and he’ll continue to roll out improvements in 2012.

Brian Sullivan – I enjoy the fact that Brian believes I’m cooler than I actually am. He’s been a great motivator, a tremendous support and he opened the door to new opportunities this year. The face of Big(D)esign, I’m thankful that he saw things in me I had forgotten about.

Giovanni Gallucci – the first person to say my show sucked when everyone else said it was awesome, and I’ve got a better show because of that.

Dave Curlee – you can’t see the stuff Dave does, but it’s evident every time I upload a new episode of I Create Content. He is my go-to guy for video, podcasting & other AV knowledge. This year he was also my rock of Faith.

John Hays – a former student who has become a good friend & colleague, John is someone who looks to change the world one personal connection at a time. He reminds me of Tom Cruise in Cocktail as his passion for personal development extends beyond his own needs, and he generously gives his time to others. He’s been a sounding board for ideas, and is a class act.

Gene McCullagh – a top Lightroom expert, the leader of the DFWAUG, Gene has been one of my longest supporters in Dallas. Many in his position could have seen me as a threat, but he embraced me as a colleague & friend. He consistently promotes the fact that I do actually get paid to teach, and has helped keep my talents in front of people who needed them.

David Ziser – David’s work inspired me long before we became friends. I admire his business savvy, and the longevity of his wedding photography is as much a testament to that as is his talent. His wife LaDawn is such a gracious lady, and I’ve appreciated her encouragement in my endeavors.

Thanks to Paul Goodman for allowing me the use of his photos from the Photo Pro Network Summer event this past July.

I’m blessed to know so many wonderful people, and I’m thankful to call them friends. I know there are others who are not as fortunate to have a support system, or fail to recognize the one they have.

In 2012 I’ll be spotlighting folks who not only inspire me, but those I think will serve as creative inspiration for you my loyal readers. If I’ve learned anything from this year it’s that you should live every moment possible AND you should have folks to share in those moments.

The Adobe Wan Thanks You for Watching on YouTube

Thanks for stopping by everyone. I’ve skipped the tutorial today to share some holiday photos with you, and thank you for your continued patronage of this website. My YouTube channel has grown to over 2000+ subscribers, and traffic is strong here on the blog. I’m taking the rest of the month off to enjoy some family time, but I’ll be back in January 2011 with Tip Tuesday tutorials. Happy Holidays!!!