+ What is Visual Arts Passage?

Visual Arts Passage offers online art courses for students interested in illustration and concept art. We place a huge emphasis on industry learning, so all of our instructors are working professionals. The classes are delivered live, in real-time, and there are never more than 5-11 students in our Foundations and Program classes.

+ How does this work exactly?

Beginner students are encouraged to attend our Foundations Course. Experienced students or individuals who have completed the Foundations Course enroll in one of our two programs: Illustration or Concept Art. Both programs are made up of 4 linear courses, each building upon the lessons taught in the previous. Each course consists of 11, 3 hour long classes.

+ How much of the Passage is online?

Visual Arts Passage is 100% online. All of the sessions are delivered live, but can also be watched on-demand as recordings. This is a completely interactive and immersive learning experience. We do work closely with the on-ground, in-person organization, The Illustration Academy. We join them every summer in Kansas City and encourage Visual Arts Passage students to visit their amazing program.

+ How much of the Passage is recorded?

Our sessions are delivered 100% live. We do not currently have any sessions that contain pre-recorded content. Your educational experience at the Passage will be completely personalized to your unique goals. Live sessions allow for networking and community building that is essential to portfolio development. In special instances, instructors will provide Passage Artists with recorded demonstrations or content in addition to scheduled live sessions. Recorded content is never used to replace live learning during sessions.

+ How long is your Foundations course?

Our Foundations course precedes our advanced courses and is required for beginner and intermediate artists. It is a 5 week-long course and is priced accordingly ($499). Our advanced courses are 11 weeks-long.

+ What do I need to attend Visual Arts Passage?

You need an ambitious, won't give up attitude, and a computer with access to wifi. Here are the system requirements for using Zoom video conferencing.

+ Do I have to pay for and commit to all five installments all at once or can I pay as I go?

You do not have to pay for all five installments at once. You only have to pay for the installment you are currently attending. If you finish that course and decide that you would not like to continue with Visual Arts Passage, there are no obligations or hurt feelings. You can also come back whenever you want and pick up right where you left off. It's totally flexible and customizable.

+ Can I pick my Mentor?

Mentors are assigned to instruct specific courses. Students are then paired with the best Mentor for their personal growth. Special requests are not always possible and is not always advisable depending on the student's skill level or professional interest.

+ What software is used for the online Sessions?

We currently host all of our classes in Zoom. Students do not have to purchase this software.

+ What is the time commitment?

Each course consists of 11 classes that are hosted every Saturday and last 3 hours. Students are provided with a great deal of resources and homework to advance their skills. Students can expect to commit 2 - 5 hours per week on their assignment. In this learning environment, you get out what you put in.

+ I'm just starting out as an artist, Is Visual Arts Passage right for me?

Yes, the Foundations Course is perfect for beginners. Visual Arts Passage levels the playing field for artists. We go back to the basics and help you rethink the way you create visual narratives. This information is applicable to all artists, regardless of experience level.

+ I have a full time job or I'm Just a really busy person. Is this for me?

YES! This is designed for busy people - that's why all of our classes are available on-demand and are hosted on Saturdays.

+ I am in High School - Can I apply?

Yes! Our Foundations Course, which precedes our Illustration and Concept Art Programs, is perfect for high school-aged artists. The Foundations Course will also prepare you to join our Illustration and Concept Art Programs. You must be 18 years or older or provide permission from your parent or legal guardian to apply or attend any of Visual Arts Passage's classes.

+ What is your refund policy?

You can learn more about our refund policy here.

+ Do I receive Lifetime Access to the Class Recordings?

You will not have lifetime access to the streamed recordings. You will have access to stream the recordings up to 30 days after the end of the course you attend. If you proceed to the following course, your access to the previous course will be extended for the duration of the course you are currently enrolled in at Visual Arts Passage. Our on-demand workshops (not our online mentorships) allow for one year access.

+ I'm a professional artist. Am I too advanced for Visual Arts Passage?

Visual Arts Passage is the perfect place to sharpen your skills. Passage levels the playing field for artists. Our organization consists of advanced and amateur artists. Artists who are exceptionally advanced are allowed to test out of our first installment. This is not encouraged, but allowed on a case-by-case basis.

+ How many guest speakers are there and how does that work?

Each advanced course includes presentations by two guest speakers. The guest speakers will instruct during two classes in place of your mentor. The guest speakers are extremely successful artists. Many of these artists are on year-round contracts with some of today's most iconic studios and brands. The presentations often consist of lectures, demos, critiques, or Q&A. The Foundations Course does not feature guest speakers.

+ Can I skip courses in the program?

Yes. It is possible to test out of any course at Visual Arts Passage. To do so, students must apply to the program and schedule a portfolio review with John English to determine this. All applicants are prompted to book a portfolio review. You can also submit your portfolio to hello@visualartspassage.com

+ On-demand recordings

Our on-demand recordings are only available for streaming and can be viewed for up to 1 year after purchase. On demand recordings do not come with critiques or one-on-one sessions. This does not apply to our Mentorship courses. On-demand recordings related to our Mentorship Course are available for up to 45 days after each course.

+ Is Visual Arts Passage accredited?

No. Visual Arts Passage is not accredited. Unlike higher education, this is an industry-focused organization that will help you improve and advance your skills as an artist and introduces you to professional, working artists. This program is not built on theory, it is built on the industry.