What do this blog and this Amazon Kindle commercial have in common with Austin?

DesignLoveFest is the brainchild of Bri Emery, an L.A.-based graphic designer who also happens to be the art director of popular online shelter magazine, Rue. The catchy stop-motion commercial concept was developed and produced by photographer Angela Kohler and her (now) husband Ithyle Griffiths, a creative couple whose studio, Angela+Ithyle, is also based in Los Angeles.

So... Los Angeles? Austin? A fortuitous friendship between Emery and Kohler (their significant others are in a band together) spawned the brilliant idea of developing a way to share their Photoshop tips and tricks with other aspiring, design savvy bloggers around the world.

Although they initially debuted Blogshopin early May in Los Angeles, news of the fun (and intensive) two-day workshop quickly spread across the blogoshpere and soon the pair had sold out classes in other creative meccas such as New York, Berlin and Paris. I admit, I’ve watched the Blogshop blog with bated breath for any inkling of information about getting an Austin class on the books, and luckily—finally— the two are heading to the Lone Star State in early January.

The underlying mission of the class is simple: to give students the Photoshop and basic web design tools needed to kickstart a budding blog or spruce up an existing one—perfect for recreational web publishing enthusiasts and business owners alike. After all, branded editorial content is certainly not going anywhere; instead, it's gaining momentum as all types of businesses continue to jump on the social media bandwagon.

Although no two classes are the same, the duo has developed a successful formula that seems to be working quite well. With each session limited to no more than 20 students, Emery and Kohler are able to carefully curate the experience for each locale, sourcing meals, treats and an assortment of branded goodie bag items from unique local shops and businesses. And somehow they manage to sneak a heaping serving of smarts into the fun experience.

The Austin workshop will take place the weekend of January 7-8, and only a few spots remain. Location details have yet to be solidified/shared, but as of two days ago, the team is still looking for an intern…

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You can buy tickets for Austin Blogshop here.