File Makers Academy

Everything you need to know to design Glowforge files using Adobe Illustrator.

In this 5-week course, you’ll go from feeling overwhelmed and intimidated by designing for the Glowforge to confidently creating your own files. 

You’re a creative brimming with ideas that you’re dying to bring to life…

…but a little (or a lot!) overwhelmed by all the knowledge it takes to design your own files.

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Let’s talk about who this course serves:

Whether you…

  • just ordered your Glowforge and want to hit the ground running with a full portfolio of files by the time it arrives

  • have always purchased files from other designers but are ready to take the plunge and create your own

  • have tried to design your own files in the past but gotten frustrated by failure…

You’re in the right place! I’m here to walk you step-by-step through the process of designing your own Glowforge files.

In fact, if you work through every lesson, you’ll walk away with a portfolio of 17+ files…

…your OWN designs, not just copies of mine.

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You will learn design techniques by making actual projects right alongside me. 

By the end of this program, you will have:

  • developed your own design aesthetic that speaks to your customers

  • curated a rich pool of inspiration for future file ideas

  • learned file design principles and techniques that you can use to make any file going forward

  • designed your first 17+ files that you can make and sell

What People Are Saying

 

The Fable Tree File Makers Academy was an awesome experience.  I’ve owned my Glowforge for a little over a year.  I’ve learned design techniques that allowed me to create basic designs but this course has really allowed me to expand the level of my design skills. 

The lessons Jacquelyn taught us allowed me to think “outside of the box” and really got my creative juices flowing. 

Jacquelyn is an incredible instructor.  She’s very knowledgeable and friendly.  Class was a bundle of fun and I’ve met some incredible Glowforger friends. 

I would recommend anyone whether you are a beginner or someone who really wants to expand their knowledge in design to take this course.  You definitely won’t regret it!

— Carol

 

I've purchased several other file making courses before and never got all the way through any of them. I'd start out strong and then lose interest because all the courses- while comprehensive and worthwhile- just took SO long. I felt like I was learning how to design bits and pieces but never actually made a full design.

The two aspects that sold me on File Maker's Academy were that I could learn to design files in just 5 weeks; and that I'd finish the course with at least 17 files of my own design.

You know what? Both were totally true. I struggled with Illustrator in the first week or so, but kept watching the lessons over and over. By week 3, I was more comfortable and it's gotten easier since then.

I'm proud to say I finished the entire course and ended up with way more than 17 files in my initial portfolio. I'm slowly getting these files finalized and ready for sale.

If you are considering File Maker's Academy, sign up- even if you don't think you'll ever be able to make files. With Jacquelyn's teaching and guidance, and your own practice and patience, you will surprise yourself. I know I did.

— Rachna

“I was brand new with using Illustrator and had no idea what I was doing. Jacquelyn sent me simple step by step videos that were super easy to follow. It was so helpful and helped me learn so next time I could do it on my own. She was also super sweet and answered all of my questions quickly. I would definitely recommend her if you are wanting to learn something new!”

— Crystal

Enroll in File Makers Academy today.


 

What’s Inside

 

Module 0:

This module gets you set up for success—and gives you something to get started with as soon as you enroll.

I’ll walk you through setting up your software so all your tools are available when and where you need them—don’t worry, this part doesn’t take long!

You’ll curate a pool of design inspiration so you’re never short on ideas for your next file.

Finally, you’ll order supplies—and even your Glowforge—so your files come to life with no hassle.

 

Module 1:

The first training module opens upon registration.

You will choose fonts and phrases for your first two files.

We’ll start with the very simplest file: a basic cutout word sign.

Then, you’ll take it to the next level by creating a layered cutout word sign with scored lines for guiding placement of each layer.

You will make 2 cutout word files in this module—or more if you want to keep practicing!

Module 2:

The second training module one week after the first module.

You will plan your designs for this module.

The first file we’ll create together will be an engraved place card or keychain (it’s up to you!).

Next, we’ll create an engraved fill-in-the-blank sign (baby details, first day of school, etc.).

Then, we’ll combine cutout and engraved elements on a half circle backing.

And—I couldn’t help myself—I added a surprise bonus lesson on reverse engraving in this module.

You will make 4 files in this module.

 

Module 3:

The third training module opens one week after Module 2.

This module is all about ornaments.

We’ll create several designs together, starting out simple and gradually increasing complexity by building on the skills from previous lessons as you gain confidence.

Lessons include a simple words + frame ornament, adding a backing, scoring designs onto the backing, engraved ornaments, and engraved + cutout elements ornaments.

You will make 5 ornament files in this module.

Module 4:

The fourth training module opens one week after Module 3.

We will take a deep dive into many designers’ best sellers: signs.

We start strong with a geometric mosaic wall hanging, then dive right into knockout text, complex shapes, and interchangeable signs.

You will create 4 files in this module.

 

Module 5:

The fifth training module opens one week after Module 4.

In this module, we’ll explore more complex files.

Learn about kerf, slots, and tabs, and create two types of slotted stand and one Grand Finale project.

You will create 3 files in this module.

 

When you enroll in File Makers Academy, you’ll get…

Five Training Modules that walk you through creating a full portfolio of beautifully-designed files you can use to start or grow your Glowforge business.

A step-by-step path to learning file design without the overwhelm.

The skills and knowledge to design flawless files that cut perfectly every time.

Instructional PDFs to support your learning at every step of your journey.

Modules open weekly on Mondays.

Why not all at once?

In my years of teaching online classes in the college and university setting, I’ve learned that publishing content on a weekly basis rather than all at once helps to reduce student overwhelm.

Plus, this format allows you the time to fully master each set of skills and experiment with different designs before moving on to the next module.

Plus, you’ll get these bonuses…

File Makers Academy Bonuses:

 
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File Makers Academy Private Facebook Group

  • Join our private Facebook community, where you can connect with others in the course to keep each other motivated, accountable, and inspired!

  • I’ll be in the Facebook group to help out as well.

  • PLUS: I’ll do Live Q+A sessions weekly in the group for the duration of the course—submit your questions ahead of time, or ask in the chat.

  • Available instantly upon course enrollment.

 
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Procreate for Beginners Workshop

  • Want to incorporate your own hand-lettering or drawings into your designs?

  • Use your iPad and Apple Pencil to create any graphics you can’t manage with Illustrator.

  • Learn how to use Procreate, export your illustrations, and use them in your Illustrator files.

  • This workshop will be posted alongside Module 2 of File Makers Academy.

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How to Sell Files on Etsy Mini-Training

  • You’re going to create so many beautiful files throughout the course of this training.

  • This mini-training will walk you through the process of setting up your Etsy shop and listing your designs for sale.

  • PLUS: Get my Canva template for creating the instructional PDF for every file you sell.

  • This bonus will be posted alongside Module 5 of the course.

Enroll in File Makers Academy today.

 

Risk-free 14 day money back guarantee:

I’ve done everything I can to reduce the overwhelm that comes with learning a whole new software program, coming up with new design ideas, and bringing them to life. 

My students consistently tell me that I make things easy to understand. 

But I understand that my teaching style won’t be for everyone—so I’m offering a 14 day risk free money back guarantee. 

That means you’ll have the opportunity to work through the first two full modules—and get a good sense for who I am and how I do things. 

If you get started with the course and realize it isn’t a good fit, simply email me at jacquelyn@thefabletree.com and I’ll send you a link to a survey about what didn’t work for you (I always want to know where you’re struggling!) and refund your purchase price. 

 

FAQs

 

Do I have to use Adobe Illustrator? 

I strongly recommend that you use Illustrator as you work through this course. Can other programs (such as Inkscape and SBE) do the same things? Sure! But I walk you step-by-step through making different types of files in this course, and it’s really helpful if you can push the same buttons I’m using to do the same thing.

I’m not creative. How will I figure out what to make?

Well, I don’t want to call you a liar...but I do think you’re creative. Either way, I’ll help you find ideas—curating inspiration boards is absolutely part of the process.

Can I sell the files I make in this course?

Absolutely! You won’t be just copying my designs in this course. I’ll walk you through finding inspiration to tailor each project to your own specific aesthetic. In fact, there’s a bonus at the end of the course that helps you get set up for selling files on Etsy!.

How long will I have access to the course?

You will have access for the lifetime of my business. As long as I’m teaching online Glowforge courses, you’ll have access to this one. The good news is that as I update the course for future sessions, you’ll have free access to those updates too! 

I’ve never made a file before. Will this be too advanced for me?

Nope! You’re in the right place. We start at the very beginning, and build your skills throughout the course. 

Will I make the same 17 files you make, or can I make my own versions? 

You should make your own versions—and I’ll help you brainstorm ways to make each project your own. That way, you can make products or sell your files at the end of the course (which you shouldn’t do if you just copy my designs).

What if I need help?

There are a few ways you can get help if you get stuck: first, post in our private Facebook group—chances are, someone will be able to get you moving again. I’ll be in the group often too. Second, you can submit a question for the weekly Live Q+A. If things get really dire, you can book a troubleshooting session or files audit with me here.

Can I see the whole course at once?

This course is released in weekly modules every Monday. I’ve been in the online teaching game for a looooong time, and I’ve seen firsthand how things can go wrong when the entire course is released at once. Some students get so overwhelmed and intimidated they don’t even start. Others skip to the first exciting lesson, ignoring all the fundamental skills they would have learned in the skipped lessons. It’s just a bad look all around. However, if you’d rather breeze all the way through in one intense weekend, that’s possible—just wait until the end of the session.

Still thinking about it?

You should enroll in File Makers Academy if…

  • You’re waiting on your Glowforge to arrive, and want to be ready with gorgeous files and projects so you can hit the ground running.

  • You can never find files for the projects you really want to make, and know that you need to start creating them yourself.

  • You’re ready to take your Glowforge business to the next level by adding files sales as a passive income stream.

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Listen, I’ve seen firsthand how growing a Glowforge business can transform lives.

It’s brought me more financial freedom and time at home with my child than I could have hoped—and I can’t wait to see what it does for you. 

I’m seriously honored to have the privilege of helping this next group of students learn the skills and knowledge you’ll need to bring your ideas into the world. 

If you join me, I know your business—and just maybe your life—will change completely.

Let’s do this,
Jacquelyn Kyle

Enroll in File Makers Academy today.