JBJOHN BLAND CADContact John

Work by my students

Frank, Kallum and Sam have kindly shared their work and photographs. Their starting points were different; each brought their own experience and jobs to the lessons.

Frank M · USA

“A year and a few months later, I feel confident tackling any cover project that comes my way.”

Frank M USA

Read Frank’s full story

“Two years ago, I decided to explore 3D technology for my business. I began looking at equipment and taking lessons, but everyone I spoke to kept saying, ‘Call John.’ Boy, am I glad I did.

“We talked for a good half-hour, and John laid out a plan for me to learn scanning and CAD. We started with computer skills and Rhino—it had been ten years since I’d worked on a computer.

“From there, we progressed to Polycam and Rhino, then FARO and Rhino, and finally Leo and Rhino. Each stage built on what I’d learned before.

“A year and a few months later, I feel confident tackling any cover project that comes my way. John has even featured some of my work on his Facebook page.

“In the last two months, I’ve completed three Ocean Yachts hard-glass, track-to-track projects. Today, I scanned a 48-foot Egg Harbor for another. Next, John plans to teach me how to integrate FARO with Leo.

“If you’re thinking about getting into 3D scanning, call John Bland. You’ll be glad you did.”

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Kallum · AJ Canopies

Narrowboat and cruiser canopies made by Kallum at AJ Canopies.

“The biggest takeaway I have gained from John is learning how to prepare measuring data to create clean surfaces, create surfaces that unroll accurately, and design framework in CAD. These skills have transformed the way we work, resulting in significant time savings, greater accuracy, and a much more efficient workflow.”

Kallum AJ Canopies

Rhino CAD model of a narrowboat enclosure, showing the roof, windows and panel seams
Working out the enclosure shape and where the windows and seams will go.

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Sam · Lion Sails

Sam was a sailmaker and new to boat canvas when we started working together. These are some of his sprayhoods and enclosures.

Work and photographs by Sam, Lion Sails.

“I’m very happy with the quality of the lessons. To be honest, if I did not found out about you, it would have taken me years to get on this level where I am at now. I had no experience in cad a few months back and now I’m producing sprayhoods that fit!”

Sam Lion Sails

View larger: tan sprayhood with curved roof and shaped clear windows, by Sam at Lion Sails
Tan sprayhood
View larger: black motorboat cockpit enclosure seen from the stern, by Sam at Lion Sails
Black motorboat enclosure
View larger: navy sailing-boat sprayhood with broad clear windows, by Sam at Lion Sails
Navy sprayhood
View larger: navy motorboat aft enclosure with clear windows, viewed from the stern, by Sam at Lion Sails
Navy motorboat enclosure
View larger: black sprayhood with clear front and side windows, by Sam at Lion Sails
Black sprayhood
View larger: cockpit looking forward beneath a navy sprayhood by Sam at Lion Sails
From inside the cockpit

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More feedback from students

“His teaching moves fast; in just a few hours he packs in an enormous amount of practical knowledge. And because he provides videos and transcripts of every session, you can easily search back through the transcripts to find exactly the moment you need in the video. His hard-won advice has helped me avoid mistakes I'd never have known to watch for. Highly recommended.”

Steve Valvasori

“I attended two class's with John Bland. A group class and a 1-on-1. He explains in detail every step of the way and doesn't hurry through if you have questions. His deep experience in the industry really shows as well as his love for teaching. If your looking to get into marine CAD. This is the way.”

Brandon Boatsew

“John doesn’t simply teach software. He empowers you to understand how to use it as a real design and communication tool, and his enthusiasm makes the learning process enjoyable along the way.”

Rebecca Delano Alfred’s Canvas

“I can't recommend John's courses enough. I've both taken a pre-scheduled class and scheduled 1:1 sessions with him. I will likely do it again in the future.”

Daniel White

Get in touch

If you would like help with your own CAD work, tell me what you make and where you are starting from.

Email John

john@johnblandcad.com · 07971 852412