Instructed by Nate Sweitzer
Live Class Meetings
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm PT
Course Length
10 weeks (23 Live Classes)
Mediums
Digital or Traditional
Personalized Mentorship
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Guest Speakers:
Saturday & Sunday Zoom Meeting
Students meet both Saturday and Sunday for two separate Guest Artist events. Guest artists will present work, share process, and technique via demonstration and on occasion will provide group critiques to select students.
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Guest Speakers:
Saturday & Sunday Zoom Meeting
Students meet both Saturday and Sunday for two separate Guest Artist events. Guest artists will present work, share process, and technique via demonstration and on occasion will provide group critiques to select students.
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Guest Speakers:
Saturday & Sunday Zoom Meeting
Students meet both Saturday and Sunday for two separate Guest Artist events. Guest artists will present work, share process, and technique via demonstration and on occasion will provide group critiques to select students.
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)\
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
Homeroom:
Saturday Zoom Meeting (3 hours)
Study Hall:
Wednesday Zoom Meeting (1-2 hours)
Topics: Study Hall is an optional weekly resource. Group critique, assistance on homework and general support by VAP mentors from each program.
Discord:
Post progress, ask questions, connect and network with fellow classmates, while gaining insights from VAP mentors throughout the week.
World-renowned artists and directors visit this class every semester. Gain access to their craft, process, and industry wisdom. Upcoming artists include:
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750
visualarts
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visualarts2026-01-19 18:34:312026-01-19 18:34:34Katherine Lam | Illustrator & Painter
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768
visualarts
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visualarts2025-12-28 18:58:162025-12-29 14:46:49Carlotta Notaro | Illustrator + Animator
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1080
1920
visualarts
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visualarts2025-12-04 21:33:382025-12-08 20:28:37Lisk Feng | Illustrator + Children’s Book Author
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1080
1920
visualarts
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visualarts2025-12-04 21:20:492025-12-08 20:36:17Matt Rota | Editorial + Publishing Illustrator
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1080
1920
visualarts
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visualarts2024-07-22 20:51:282025-12-08 20:36:12Tony Rodriguez | Illustrator + Filmmaker
Classes are live & fully interactive with lectures, demos, and guest artists.
Join a private community—share your work, get pro feedback, and connect with artists like you.
Drop into live critique sessions for direct feedback from professional artists.
Live demos and candid talks with legendary, working pros at the top of their game.
Students create and refine finished work worthy of a career-ready portfolio. Jumpstart your process and fast-track the your skills.
View options at checkout
Ideation & Visual Storytelling is the second course in the Illustration Program. This course is the perfect 10-week long bootcamp for artists who already have a foundation of skills, but are working to develop their abilities with visual narrative and personal voice.
It's the best course for students who have already attended Process: Skill & Craft or relatively advanced illustration students. We do not recommend beginner artists start with Ideation & Visual Storytelling.
In most instances, we recommend starting with the first course in the program. If you are an experienced artist, with substantial training or skills, you do have the option to test into more advanced courses. If you need help determining if you should skip the first course in the program, please send a link to you work to hello@visualartspassage.com and explain which advanced course you hope to attend.
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.
We encourage students to attend the livestream whenever their schedule permits, however, this is not required nor is it essential to fully benefit from the personalized coaching and mentoring offered by this course. Every class we host is recorded and available on-demand after the broadcast. You will still receive personalized feedback on work submitted before the livestream.
Yes! This course is designed truly as a mentorship course. Your mentor will review work you submit for the course and provide feedback during or after class to help you progress, improve and develop your skills and portfolio.
Yes, all classes are available for download during your enrollment as a mentorship program student.
We recommend students enroll in only one mentorship course per semester. We highly recommend taking mini-courses, such as Color Theory or Figure Drawing in addition to Mentorship courses.
We can help you with any questions related to enrollment, portfolio development, and the student experience.
