FAQs
There are art schools all over the world that teach things like drawing and painting. What is different about this program that would be appealing to someone hoping to pursue an art career?
The purpose of the Grind Before Glory (GBG) art fundamental skill building program is to build a strong foundation for students hoping to pursue art as a career in the future. Whether a student wants to later attend an accredited Art School, take other specialized online art courses, or enter the entertainment design field, GBG will help student to build the foundational skills necessary to get the most out of the higher artistic education. GBG is also great for current professionals who want to revisit the fundamentals and improve their overall skill set.
Why is this “focus on fundamentals” approach good for students? And how is that different from other schools?
A house without a firm foundation cannot stand. It’s also been said that it is hard to paint walls that have been poorly built. When a student begins their education at an art school, they have a tendency to want to rush into concept art and other advanced art courses before they’re ready. In other words, “they don’t know what they don’t know”. Too many schools lightly regard the fundaments art courses that should be a critical part of any aspiring artist’s journey.
Why the name “Grind Before Glory”?
Simply put, you have to put in the work (grind) before you can get the fancy job and the credits (glory). Building the fundamentals by grinding it out will eventually allow you to achieve the glory success in the art world.
What happens if the student or the school does
not have a solid foundations program?
Sadly, students in this situation can end up feeling disappointment, anger, resentment and Frustration. The world is full of talented unsuccessful artists left with unfulfilled potential and broken dreams. Part of that may be the student’s fault, but part of that blame can be laid squarely at the feet of schools for not emphasizing the importance of solid foundations.
How is that different from what you plan to do with this new program?
This program is designed with the sole purpose of helping aspiring professional artist build the foundational skills needed to have a realistic chance at competing at a professional level.
Since this school is all about building fundamentals,
is there a portfolio requirement to get in?
The purpose of the school is to build an artist’s foundational skills from the ground up. For this reason, we can take students at any level. If they are hardworking and passionate about their craft they can and will improve dramatically by the completion of the program. We do however want to see artwork from all incoming students to be able to evaluate their current level and see how we can best support them in their artistic growth.
If you don’t have a portfolio requirement to enter the program, how do you know that the people coming into GBG actually have the potential to be professional artists?
The interesting thing about art is that it’s often referred to as a talent when that is a complete misnomer. Art is not a talent, it’s a skill, and anyone can learn a skill. What matters most is the level of passion that you have when pursing the craft. Do you have the drive, the dedication, and the determination to do whatever it takes to make it? Then you’ve got the most important part of what it takes to become a professional artist. Artistic success is 10% talent and 90% sweat. Even if somebody is at a much higher level than you are, you have to remember that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. A lot of People doubted Tom Brady’s ability to play professional football and all that he’s done is win 7 Superbowl’s and become arguably the greatest quarterback of all time.
What makes you uniquely qualified to teach people at this level?
Each of the instructors have three unique traits that qualify us to teach at this level:
1) We have the patience necessary to work with new artists.
2) We thrive on watching people grow artistically.
3) We used to suck.
Why is #3 important? Someone who was “always good” will have a difficult time understanding the struggles of someone at a beginner level. Having gone through the process of building professional level art skills from literally the ground up, we have the empathy and understanding necessary to encourage, guide, and build up artists just starting their journey.
How does the program work? Is it onsite or online?
Can you explain the program and how it works?
GBG is synchronous online learning. All course will be taught virtually and live. That means that you can have real time interaction with your instructors and classmates from literally anywhere in the world.
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The curriculum is broken down into (6) 10 week blocks (semesters). During each block, students attending the program will take 3 classes. For a more detailed breakdown of the program offerings; click [here.]
Describe what the classes will be like from a student perspective?
Classes will run for 4.5 hours each session. Students will show up, the topic will be introduced, and after reviewing assignments, the students will be given exercises relevant to the topic for the day. After a short break, the instructor will do a lecture/demo and students will work with instructor guidance for the remainder of class.
What can students expect for the workload and
the time investment outside of class?
Students should expect to work for anywhere from 24- 30 hours per week on class assignments. Students should also allocate time to skill development by attending drawing workshops whenever possible, and hanging out in the community on discord etc.
What does it cost?
You can see the cost on the Plans and Pricing Page. [Coming Soon!]
I like the program but I don't want to pay, do you offer scholarships?
Investing in the training mentorship and guidance needed to help you achieve your career goals is never a bad idea. For that reason: Any cost associated with this program should be looked at as an investment in your future.
We are offering two domestic and one international scholarship per cohort to give an opportunity for a low-income student to attend school. Each student requesting a scholarship will be required to submit an essay describing their personal passion for art, three references, as well as proof of low-income. Click [here] for more info.
What equipment/supplies are needed for classes?
Students will need both traditional and digital art tools. Traditional supplies such as pencils, paper, and clipboards will be needed for classes that emphasize traditional media. For digital art classes, student will need a computer that can run adobe photoshop, a drawing tablet such a Wacom Intuos or a Wacom Cintiq (or equivalent for options see out tech page- Link). Ipads can also be used, but painting in photoshop is preferable. Students will also need functioning internet to join the virtual classes.
