Illustration Courses & Mentorship Program

Q: 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.

Start your art journey, develop practical skills, and build a head-turning portfolio from start-to-finish in as little as 12 months.

10 Week Illustration Courses · Fully Personalized Mentorship-style instruction

Audrey Benjaminsen, Guest Artist

Process: Skill & Craft

Instructor: Adam Gustavson

Illustration

Mentorship

Beginner

Establish fundamental skills for advanced drawing and painting techniques for various visual arts industries.

Length: 10 weeks

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Illustration Courses Led By Working Illustrators

As you progress through the illustration course track, these world-class artists act as your professional mentors and confidants, helping you develop your skills, techniques, and ideas by drawing inspiration from daily life, and guiding your career pursuits.

A close-up of a man wearing a wool cap, outdoors in a natural setting, showcasing human expression and detail in portrait photography.

Adam Gustavson

Process: Skill & Craft

Elegant woman with long brown hair and dark lipstick, outdoors surrounded by greenery.

Ashly Lovett

Ideation & Visual Storytelling

Man in casual clothing with arts and gallery decor in background at Visual Arts Passage exhibition.

Dale Stephanos

Portfolio & Career Development

A professional portrait of a smiling man in a black Columbia jacket against a dark background.

John English

Portfolio & Career Development

Guest Artists Visiting The Illustration Program

Each semester features guest artists at the top of their industry, giving you access to their craft, process, and industry wisdom. Ask questions, join the discussion, and gain industry knowledge from the best.

Colorful cityscape featuring residential buildings with distinctive window designs and warm lighting, highlighting urban architecture and artistic shadow play. Guest artist feature at Visual Arts Passage showcases creative community engagement in contemporary art.

Caren Wynne-Burke | Gallery Painter

Vibrant, colorful mural artwork by guest artist featuring playful caricature with bold lines and engaging street art style at Visual Arts Passage.

Jorge Gutiérrez | Artist, Animator, & Director

Greeting card art featuring a humorous, close-up portrait of Santa Claus with a playful expression and detailed facial features, highlighting festive holiday artwork for visual arts exhibitions.

C. F. Payne | Illustrator & Painter

Vibrant digital portrait of a woman with purple hair surrounded by colorful flowers, highlighting the diverse artwork featured by Visual Arts Passage.

Rachelle Baker | Screen Printing, Illustration, Comic Artist

Vibrant watercolor artwork by guest artist at Visual Arts Passage featuring abstract figures and nature-inspired scenery in warm pink and green tones.

Kyle T. Webster: Illustrator, Designer, & Entrepreneur

Vivid green ivy-covered mural featuring a mysterious face peering through leaves, showcasing talented guest artist work at Visual Arts Passage.

Iris Compiet, Fantasy Artist & Illustrator

Book a Free Illustration Course Consultation

Need help determining if this is the right path for your artistic development and building new illustration skills? Book a free Zoom call with our Program Director to discuss your goals and the unique style and resources offered at Visual Arts Passage

Schedule a Consultation

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 Illustration Program, Process: Skill & Craft. Highly experienced students may qualify to attend the second course in the program, Ideation & Visual Storytelling. 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.