About the program
These 4 progressively challenging courses place you on a custom-tailored track towards professional development in one of the most exciting and fast-growing industries. Starting with the first course, you will progress through the curriculum until all four courses are completed and you have developed a polished portfolio for a career in character design. You can sign up for each course individually as you make your way through the classes.
Enrollment Closes
Oct. 6
 |
Course 1.
Fundamentals of Character Design
Mentor: Jon Neimeister
Making great art is a talent and skill, selling it comes with experience—this course teaches all of the above and more.
Course 2.
Advanced Concept Design
Mentor: Viviane Kosty
This course focuses on developing design problem solving skills as well as their application while working with a client.
Course 3.
Character Design Portfolio
Mentor: Lake Hurwitz
If character design is your language, this course is your dictionary. Character Design Portfolio unlocks the tools you need to develop profound ideas and execute on them to spec, to build a head-turning portfolio.
This course focuses on developing design problem solving skills as well as their application while working with a client brief.
Course 4.
Character Design with Career Development
Mentor: Lake Hurwitz
During this course, students continue to hone skills, enhance their portfolio, and outline career strategies. Every step of this process is guided by an illustration mentor, a highly vetted professional in the illustration industry.
This course focuses on developing design problem solving skills as well as their application while working with a client brief.
Industry Leaders as Mentors
Jon Neimeister
Fundamentals of Character Design
Taylor Fischer
Advanced Concept Design
Viviane Kosty
Advanced Concept Design
Lake Hurwitz
Character Design Portfolio
Award-winning Guest Speakers
Every semester, Visual Arts Passage invites 6 guest speakers to connect and share wisdom with all students. These industry leaders answer student questions, complete in-depth demonstrations, review work, and more.
Featured this semester
How do you build a show-stopping portfolio?
Jon Neimeister (Hi-Rez Studios), Viviane Kosty (Blizzard Entertainment), and Lake Hurwitz (Wizards of the Coast) unpack every essential detail that goes into making a great portfolio that will get you work.
Book a Free Consultation
Need help determining if this is the right path for your professional and artistic development? Book a free Zoom call with our Program Director to discuss your goals and the resources offered at Visual Arts Passage.
Enrollment Closes
Oct. 6
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to commit to attending all 4 courses included this program?
No. Students only commit to one mentorship course per semester. Once you complete a course, you can register for the next course, to continue your progress in the mentorship program.
How long does it take to complete the entire Mentorship Program (all 4 courses)?
The Mentorship Program can be complete within a 12 month period. It is not unusual for students to repeat the final course in the program, Career Development, if they choose to have continued coaching from Visual Arts Passage mentors.
What is the time commitment?
The Mentorship program is a "get out of it, what you put in" experience. That being said, our courses are structured to accommodate individuals with a busy schedule. We recommend setting aside a minimum of 3 hours for your live course and 2 hours to complete assignments and course work. We highly encourage students to commit more time if their schedule allows.
What is the enrollment schedule for the Mentorship Program?
Mentorship courses enroll 4 times per year, during the winter, spring, summer, and fall semester. You can view the program calendar here.
What course should I start with in this program?
We recommend that most students start with the first course in the Concept Art Program, Intro. to Concept Design. Highly experienced students may qualify to attend the second course in the program, Advanced Concept Design. If you are not sure, feel free to send your work to hello@visualartspassage.com and a team member will get back to you with a recommendation shortly.
“The Best Concept Art Schools, 2021”
Need Some Guidance?
We can help you with any questions related to enrollment, portfolio development, and the student experience.