first pixels origin story

I've been running a branding and web design business, cyclone press, for over 10 years. We build, rebuild, and maintain WordPress websites for small businesses - busy entrepreneurs and soloproneurs who inevitably need help with other design, website, admin and IT tasks.

Support has become a very big part of what we do. Over the years I've found myself answering miscellaneous tech questions about how to fix iCloud account issues, why that weird thing was happening with Google, or yes, this email is definitely spam. Remote logins and project management training started to become a thing. I added tech training as a service to cyclonepress.com, but I didn't do much with it.

In 2019 I was doing long-term, consistent 1:1 tech coaching with a client. After our discussions, and informal feedback while networking for cyclone press, I decided to spin tech training off into its own separate business and first pixels was born.

While the coaching itself is individualized for each client, my end goal for firstpixels.tech is to build out a tech training course that any entrepreneur can do at their own pace. Technology can be an amazing tool, but if you're intimidated by it, it can also be a source of constant frustration. First pixels exists to empower the tech-challenged with confidence to troubleshoot their MacBooks and iPhones and make tech work for them.

I'd love it if you subscribed to the first pixels mailing list to be the first to know when the course is launched. Feedback is welcome as I'm working on this, so if you have a particular area you'd like to see covered or any specific suggestions, please let me know here.

Sarah Schumacher

founder + tech coach

I'm founder + creative director at cyclone press, tech coach and course creator here at first pixels, and in free time not spent reading books I create mixed media art and write essays at sarahschumacher.art.

About the name and logo:

One business name idea was First Principles Tech. The concept of First Principles means to break concepts down into their most basic parts. It's the idea of building your understanding on a subject from the ground up.

First pixels sounds like first principles. It's also reminiscent of a toddler learning to walk. It requires persistence, but it's an inevitable skill after enough practice. The name felt accessible, not intimidating.

The logo icon consists of stacked squares (pixels) forming steps. Learning to utilize technology requires taking one step at a time and gradually building your knowledge.

A pixel is the smallest visual component of your computer screen. The words you’re reading right now are composed of thousands of tiny pixel squares. The visual component is important – incorporating visuals and diagrams make concepts must easier to learn and will be an important part of the online course.

Do you work with Mac/iPhone users?

We specialize in Apple products, so absolutely. There are tools and tricks built into Mac computers that are rarely being used to their full potential. We love teaching those techniques.

I use a PC/Window computer. Can I still work with first pixels?

Yes – our foundational 1:1 tech coaching will work for everyone, as will process consulting. Many of the systems used by business owners are cloud-based, meaning they can run on either platform.

Troubleshooting on Windows computers can be a bit more complicated. If it's a common issue we can probably help, but if it's a Windows-specific issue we may refer you to a specialist.

Online Course Coming Soon

We're excited to be developing an online course that will give you the foundational understanding to better use your phone, computer, anything that employs the technology that continues to permeate our lives. Sign up for our list to be the first to know when we launch (or request to be a beta tester).

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