Have you ever seen someone else do something in QLab and wondered how? Do you know QLab, but feel like there’s another layer of knowledge that you’re not sure how to explore? Is there a QLab question you’re just dying to ask? This class is for you. Using questions submitted in advance by YOU as a starting point, this symposium is a Q&A, how-to, gee-I-never-imagined-QLab-could-do-THAT bonanza. Attendees are encouraged but not required to bring their own Mac (macOS 11 or newer, Apple Silicon recommended.)

The Know Your Contracts workshops, led by your Business Representatives, serve to introduce and explain the ins and outs of our various Agreements. We'll provide an overview of the agreement, guidance on how to read and navigate the contract, highlight key terms and provisions, and answer any questions.

This workshop, led by your MOPIC Business Representatives Alyssa Bracken and Mark Thornton, serves to introduce and explain the ins and outs of our Majors Agreement including the new provisions from our 2024 negotiation. We'll provide an overview of the agreement, guidance on how to read and navigate the contract, highlight key terms and provisions, and answer any questions you may have.

We also hope that this session, along with all of our Know Your Contracts workshops, encourages more dialogue amongst us all when answering colleagues' questions about the agreement and to empower each of us take ownership in enforcing our contracts and hard-fought provisions.

Just joined USA 829? Or maybe it’s just a good time to blow the dust off that old membership card? Either way, you’re invited to Member Orientation—a lively, welcoming session where members new and old come together to connect and learn more about their union.

We’ll cover the essentials every member should know:
Your rights and responsibilities as a member
How to access and use your benefits
Working under a union contract
Navigating the USA 829 website and resources

It’s also a great chance to ask questions, meet fellow members, and hear directly from union staff about how USA 829 supports you and your craft.

This class introduces Adobe Photoshop as a versatile creative tool for costume designers and costume design illustrators, focusing on how various digital illustration techniques can be applied to meet the needs of a project.

Rather than presenting a single fixed workflow, the session explores multiple approaches to digital rendering, including translating hand drawings into digital form, building layered collage-based images, and developing texture and surface effects. The emphasis is on process, judgment, and adaptability, understanding a variety of approaches and which techniques are most effective at different stages of design, communication, and production.

Through concrete examples from professional practice, the class demonstrates how Photoshop can support everything from early visual exploration to presentation-ready images and production-oriented files. The session is demonstration-led and designed to be accessible regardless of individual hardware setup, making it suitable for remote participants. Please note: This class will be limited to 20 participants.

We’re thrilled to announce another Benefits 101 orientation, led by your Benefits & Support Services Liaison, Sid Solomon! This 90-minute session will take a friendly and accessible look at how our members qualify for health coverage, pension benefits, and participate in annuity and 401(k) plans, while also digging into other benefits & support services to which you're entitled. And while it’s especially geared toward newer members, everyone is welcome. Seriously, if you’ve always been a little confused by how your benefits worked but weren't sure who to ask, Benefits 101 is for you.

Can I negotiate for myself? How can I get the best deal for my upcoming job? If these questions sound familiar, or you have others about the business of working as an art department or costume department coordinator, this workshop is geared specifically towards the business aspect of being a Coordinator in Motion Pictures.

The session will explore essential negotiation principles and provide practical tools to strengthen your approach at the bargaining table. Whether you're new to negotiating or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers valuable insights to help you advocate effectively for yourself and your work.