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Turn your art dream into an
Art Career

We offer online art mentorships & workshops to help artists thrive.

Illustration

Gallery Art

Skill Development

Career Development

Art school — but with rocket fuel

We give artists a competitive edge through hands-on training from working pros at the top of their fields.

Live
Classes
Personal
Feedback
Professional
Mentoring
Portfolio
Development
guest speaker events with comic book artist, Afua Richardsons

Courses Now Enrolling

Learn from artists shaping the industry

When your instructors work with the biggest names in the industry, you can trust that your class is loaded with golden wisdom and deep insights, giving you a competitive edge.

Join a community and grow as an artist

With weekly live classes, group critiques, and a private community platform, you’ll have access to the resources and support system you need to thrive.

Connect with industry leading guest artists

Ask questions, join the discussion, and gain industry knowledge from the best in the game. Next semester features these rockstar artists. Illustration & Fine Arts Students can access all guest artists.

Student Success

Ferdinand McAvoy
Nate Sweitzer
Illustration Student — Editorial & Publishing

Nate Sweitzer attended the Illustration Program at VAP. During his enrollment, Nate identified The Folio Society as his dream client. His instructors helped him prepare a portfolio and shortly after he was hired for their recently published edition of To Kill a Mockingbird. His illustrations were exhibited by the Society of Illustrators in 2025. He was also recently featured in Communication Arts', "Fresh Artists".

"There’s a desire to bridge the gap between historical and contemporary modes of imagemaking" - Nate, featured in Communication Arts

Recognized by

Lara Madrigal
Erin Ruffino
Illustration & Gallery Arts Student

Shortly after attending our Fine Arts & Gallery program, Erin found representation with RJD Gallery. Erin has been featured in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine (Jan/Feb 2023 issue), Artist Network Magazine, The Best of Drawing.

“Visual Passage is the best investment I’ve made for my career.” — Erin Ruffino

Recognized by

Lara Madrigal
Peter Cassell
Illustration Student

Peter's work has been featured in top exhibitions like the LA and NY Society of Illustrators, 3x3, and American Illustration. His talent earned him a full-page commission from The LA Times for a Grammys feature on Adele and Beyoncé—an opportunity that followed a leap in skill after studying with Visual Arts Passage.

“I didn't have experience with art directors, and I was wary of a contract. My instructor had experience working with that specific magazine and offered clear advice.” — Peter Cassell

Recognized by

Lara Madrigal
Zack Rock
Illustration Student

Zack's work has won the Folio Book Illustration Award, the Gold Award from the Society of Illustrators, has been featured in Communication Arts, 3x3, Spectrum, American Illustration, ImagineFX, the Society of Illustrators, the Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustrator's Gallery, and is part of Les Maîtres de l’Imaginaire (“the Masters of the Imagination”) collection.

“Literally all of the illustrations I completed while studying at Visual Arts Passage have gone on to be selected for competitions or annuals.” — Zack Rock

Recognized by

Deborah Barbosa
Jeff Arsenault
Illustrator & Gallery Artist

Jeff was selected as the featured exhibitor at The Mezzanine Gallery. He also received recognition from the state of Delaware for his work, showcasing it on the state's website.

"They helped me discover and define my voice as an artist, encouraging me to narrow in on what I truly want to say and do through my work."
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Student Testimonials

Visual Arts Passage offers a program that gives you a real tangible sense on how to move forward as an artist and develop a career as an artist or illustrator. It’s left me feeling optimistic and with a clear path forward!
Marcus Solomon

The whole of the VAP experience thus far has been extraordinary. I couldn’t have asked for a better class! It allows you to fully immerse yourself in visual arts, and is a treasure trove of information regarding illustration, ideation, and the industry!

Jack McCartyIllustration Student

At Visual Arts Passage, this course maximizes your efforts by not only guiding the development of your artistic voice but also clarifying your desired direction in the industry. Because of tremendous support and guidance from the mentors, I had an artwork accepted into the 64th Society Of Illustrators annual and started receiving paying job opportunities from real-world clients.

Erin Ruffino

Visual Arts Passage isn’t just a top pick for online illustration classes, it is my top pick for illustration curriculum period.   The combination of inside information, individual mentoring and a small, committed cohort of fellow students is eye-opening and motivating. From day one, the instructors worked to really understand and meet me where I am, and the sequence of classes has propelled me down the path of becoming an illustrator in today’s marketplace.  Most importantly perhaps, I’ve seen my confidence grow — helping me to build skills and a sustained creative practice.  I’m interested and excited to do this every day.

Caroline Clarke

They meet students where they are at but manage to elicit high-quality results regardless of an artist’s background. Mentors genuinely care about their students’ success and want to help them find where they fit into the Industry. Good people with great insights.

Addie Green

Taking the portfolio development class with Visual Arts Passage was exactly what I was looking for to support my growing art career. I met so many talented individuals during the class that I continue to share my art with. Dale Stephanos and John English gave me the clarity I needed in moving forward in illustration.

Sydney Kysar

This was a deep dive that really helped me push boundaries.  I was encouraged to experiment with mediums and styles, developing habits and finding alternative approaches to composing professional art.

Rick Striek

I can not recommend them enough. What I have learned with them is all of the things I wish I had gotten in college and have searched for all my life.

Julia Lynn Powell

There is so much to say l would most likely still not do this organization justice—a fantastic place just to absorb knowledge and compassion towards art creation.

Simbisai Kahari

The program has been a tremendous help for me. Getting personal support and lots of in-depth discussions of one’s own work with some of the world’s leading professionals in the field is a true eye opener and a magical experience.

Paul Scherubel
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Featured By

"The Best Online Art Schools"
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Featured By

"The Best Online Art Classes"
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Featured By

"The Virtual Illustration Academy"
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Want to Learn More?

We can help you with any questions related to enrollment, portfolio development, and the student experience.