Classes Overview
Classes are divided into three tiers of skills: Entry/Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced. It is important to choose classes that are right for your skill level so you are not overwhelmed with the difficulty or bored with its simplicity. For a guide of what we mean by each tier go here, Tier Examples
Foundational Classes
Fundamentals 1: FORM DRAWING
Instructor: Clint Cearley | Duration: 8 lessons | Price: $195
Whether you’re new to drawing or you’re an intermediate whose been told you should “work on your fundamentals” this is the right place to start!
In this themed class you’ll visit Pirate Bay where you’ll stop each week at a different location where there’ll be new drawing principles to learn, and subjects to practice. Throughout the weeks you’ll work on two different skill sets: observational drawing, and imaginative drawing. The observation studies will improve your ability to judge subject size and placement, as well as how to simplify complex subjects so you can accurately draw the world you see around you. The imaginative drawing studies will focus on 3D forms and how to use them to build new subjects from imagination. The class will focus on observational skills, accuracy, control, and being able to think in 3D.
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Great for anyone who wants to start or improve their drawing skill
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Curriculum is appropriate for adolescents or adults
"The classes have been productive, engaging, and filled to the brim with information, and I highly recommend it to anyone feeling stuck or uncertain on how to progress your art skill."
Skill Level: Entry/Foundational
Type: Recorded lessons for self-study
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Launching June, 2024
DIGITAL PAINTING BASICS
Instructor: Nino Vecia | Duration: 8 lessons | Price: $195
In this foundational painting class, expert instructor Nino Vecia will guide you through the art principles that underpin illustration and concept art. You'll learn how to create digital paintings step-by-step in Adobe Photoshop. You'll cover everything from sketching and shading to colors and edges. You'll also learn how to approach complex subjects like faces and landscapes with confidence!
• No prior art or Photoshop experience required
• Great class for those interested in illustration, concept art or personal painting
• Paint-alongs in each lesson to prepare you for your assignments
Launching April 25th, 2024
Skill Level: Entry/Foundational
Type: Recorded lessons for self-study
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Intermediate Classes
CHARACTER CONCEPT DESIGN
Instructor: Diana Cearley | Duration: 8 lessons | Price: $195
In this expanded class you’ll step into the role of being a character concept designer at Swatches Studio where you’ll be presented two different (fictional) game projects. Each project comes with its own style guide and character description lists to choose from then progress the concept a week at a time following the “client’s” requests with professional guidance. The class is full of example images, demonstrations, annotations, and chances to ask questions.
This class is streamlined to teach you how to design full-body character concepts for games and film as efficiently as possible while giving you a glimpse into the career of being a designer. You'll be taken through a professional workflow from sketching and gathering references to finishing the image and layout presentation.
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Build skills to create characters for games and film
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Learn industry-standard workflow for character concepts
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Improve faster with tailored feedback from a professional
Launching April 25th, 2024
Skill Level: Intermediate
Type: Recorded lessons for self-study
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Launching April 25th, 2024
ENVIRONMENT DIORAMA
Instructor: Diana Cearley | Duration: 8 lessons | Price: $195
Stop avoiding environments in your illustrations! Many artists are intimidated by environments and their visual complexity which is why we'll tackle how to paint the elements, such as rocks and trees, individually at first. We'll begin with doing studies from observation of each element then apply that knowledge to new fictional versions. You will then combine those skills into a diorama illustration utilizing all the elements.
Launching July, 2024
Skill Level: Intermediate
Type: Recorded lessons for self-study
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Launching July, 2024
MATERIAL RENDERING THROUGH PROPS
Instructor: Clint Cearley | Duration: 8 lessons | Price: $195
Each week we'll learn how to paint a common material; such as leather, brass, steel and gold. We'll breakdown the factors that make those materials have their unique look so you have a thorough understanding of the subject. The individual studies will culminate into illustrating multi-prop arrangement to add to your portfolio.
Launching April 25th, 2024
Skill Level: Intermediate
Type: Recorded weekly teaching with live feedback
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Launching April 25th, 2024
"Industry professionals who will meet you at eye level and will take the time to answer any question, provide their knowledge and an industry proven workflow which will give you any tools you need to complete the course with portfolio ready illustrations. What do you want more?!" -Student feedback
Advanced Classes
GROUP MENTORSHIP
Instructors: Clint & Diana Cearley | Duration: 8 weeks | Price: $425
Think of this class as a consult with pros on the image(s) of your choice every two weeks. There's no curriculum, and no planned lessons. Send in your art and get input on how to improve it, possible problems to avoid, and explanations on how to tackle difficult issues in the image. Drawovers and paintovers will be utilized as needed throughout the class. You'll have plenty of time to talk with the instructors and get your questions answered.
This is a more advanced class aimed at those who are building an illustration or concept art portfolio and already have strong digital painting skills.
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Want to work on personal pieces but with pro guidance
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Need targeted image-specific feedback, not structured lessons
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Limited to 8 students
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There are 5 sessions this term, unlike 4 from last term
Launching for the July summer classes
Skill Level: Advanced
Type: 5 live feedback sessions
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Launching July, 2024
FANTASY ILLUSTRATION
Instructors: Clint & Diana Cearley | Duration: 8 lessons | Price: $195
Want to create art for fantasy games and publishing? Join Magic: The Gathering artists Clint and Diana Cearley as they take you through the process and push you to achieve the best piece possible for your portfolio! Across the eight weeks you'll focus on completing one piece; each week you'll progress farther with instruction, demonstrations and feedback by your instructors. From rough sketches and reference gathering, to composition and value studies, we'll touch on it all. Students will also have opportunity to chat with the instructors and get your questions answered.
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Work from a provided brief to mimic the process of a real commission
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Create a fantasy card art style illustration
Note: This class is aimed for those who are preparing a portfolio to get professional work and those who are getting small gigs but want to level up their art. This class is not suitable for beginners and many intermediates.
Launching May, 2024
Skill Level: Advanced
Type: Recorded teaching with live feedback
Software: Photoshop (or similar)
Launching May, 2024
"Professional artists with a track record, quality instructors with a passion for teaching, concise curriculum at very affordable prices. Usually, you have to drop at least one of these when it comes to art education courses and it absolutely blew my mind that I did not only get all that, but also tailored feedback for my skill level, coupled with a healthy dose of challenge and encouragement."