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12 Month Boot Camp

A Curriculum Designed for Real-World Success

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One of the most overlooked factors when choosing an art school is the quality of its curriculum. A poorly structured program can leave students feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unprepared. At Grind Before Glory, we take pride in offering a world-class curriculum that eliminates confusion and fosters true growth.

Our program was designed by Michael Buffington—a veteran educator with over 20 years of university-level teaching experience and a celebrated career in the video game, animation, and film industries. Michael is a master curriculum designer who understands how to build a learning experience that truly prepares students for creative careers.
 

Every course in the program is carefully sequenced to build on the last, gradually expanding your drawing and painting foundations step by step. This 12 month journey is rigorous, intentional, and career-focused—ideal for both beginners and experienced artists looking to strengthen their core skills.

The curriculum is organized into five learning “blocks,” each lasting 8 weeks and featuring three targeted classes. These blocks function like school quarters, guiding you through a structured and progressive pathway to artistic mastery.

KEY

= Traditional           = Digital

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BLOCK 1

CLASS 1

Drawing 1: Line, Shape, and Form

CLASS 2

Human Figure 1: Intro to Figure Drawing Concepts

CLASS 3

Digital Painting 1: Intro to Digital Painting

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BLOCK 2

CLASS 4

Drawing 2: Rendering Light, Shadow, and Reflection​

CLASS 5

Human Figure 2: Drawing the Human Head

CLASS 6

Human Figure 3: Arms and Hands

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BLOCK 3

CLASS 7

Human Figure 4: Drawing the Figure in Action - Gesture Drawing, Quick Studies, and Anatomy

CLASS 8

Digital Painting 2: Surfaces and Materials

CLASS 9

Human Figure 5: Legs and Feet

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BLOCK 4

CLASS 10

Digital Painting 3: Digital Still Life Painting

CLASS 11

Human Figure 6: The Foreshortened Figure

CLASS 12

Drawing 3: Sketching Architecture and Environments

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BLOCK 5

CLASS 13

Digital Painting 4: Digital Portrait & Figure Painting

CLASS 14

Human Figure 7: Drawing Clothing and Costumes 1

CLASS 15

Animal Drawing 1: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & More

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Looking for shorter training? Try our workshops!

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Need financial help? Apply for a scholarship

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Find a mentor and kickstart your training!

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Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on our programs!

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