Jack of many trades, master of these:

For two decades I have been delivering instructor-led training for Adobe and other creative software. I teach Adobe Illustrator, Animate, Captivate, Premiere, Photoshop, and InDesign, as well as Autodesk Fusion.

Steve repairing a CO2 laser machine

I have ten years experience diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing laser machines. I primarily work with Ruida and Trocen-based CO2 lasers, but also have experience with diode lasers. I’m especially familiar with Thunder Laser and Boss Laser brand machines, as well as cheap generic machines.

I began inking comics professionally in 1999. I’ve mostly worked with DC Comics.

I also co-host the Marvel Reread Club podcast about classic Marvel comics.

Software Training

I provide instructor-led training, either in-person or virtual, in Adobe Illustrator, Animate, Captivate, Premiere, Photoshop, and InDesign, as well as Autodesk Fusion.

I’ve worked independently, as well as through training providers including Ledet, Future Media Concepts, and others.

Since 2005, I have taught for groups including ESPN.com, Cisco Systems, Emirates, UNC, Old Dominion Freight Lines, Holler Technologies, several major periodicals including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Oregonian, U.S. News & World Report and more, as well as the US Army, US Air Force, US Marines, and US Coast Guard.

I am the Laser Shop Lead at Forge Greensboro, the largest makerspace in the southeast US. I have ten years experience diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing laser machines. I primarily work with Ruida and Trocen-based CO2 lasers, but also have experience with diode lasers. I’m especially familiar with Thunder Laser and Boss Laser brand machines, as well as cheap generic machines. Services I can provide include:

  • Tube replacement

  • Beam alignment

  • Optics cleaning/replacement

  • High voltage laser power supply replacement

  • Bearing adjustment (on lasers with adjustable bearings)

  • Gantry squaring

  • Laser wattage testing

  • Mode burn test (is your beam nice and pointy?)

  • General training and mentoring

I’ve built my laser skills in part through TabletopEnvy™. I design, cut, and assemble wooden storage solutions and accessories for nerdy tabletop games!

Laser Steve Social Media:

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

BlueSky

TabletopEnvy Social Media:

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

BlueSky

Comics

Image from the DC Comic Hard Time contrasting Brian Hurtt's pencils with my finished inks

I began inking for DC Comics and their Vertigo imprint in 1999. I’ve worked on Detective Comics, Robin, Nightwing, Blue Beetle, The Outsiders, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Hard Time, Hunter: Age of Magic, and Legendary Comics’ Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero, and more.

I also co-host the Marvel Reread Club podcast with my brother, Matt Bird, bestselling author of Secrets of Story and Secrets of Character.