Simply put, you have to put in the fundamental work (grind) before you can get the fancy job and the credits (glory) in the art world.

The Grind Before Glory (GBG) program is designed to build a strong foundation for aspiring artists. Whether you’re aiming for art school, specialized online courses, a career in entertainment design, or simply want to sharpen your skills, GBG equips you with the core fundamentals needed to succeed in advanced artistic training.

Simply put, a house without a firm foundation cannot stand. When a student begins their education at an art school, they have a tendency to want to rush into advanced art courses before they’re ready and they end up struggling. Too many schools lightly regard the fundamental art courses that should be a critical part of a student's journey. 

The world is full of talented, unsuccessful artists left with unfulfilled potential and broken dreams that can lead to disappointment, anger, resentment, and frustration. Occasionally it's the student’s fault, but more often than not the blame can also be laid squarely at the feet of insufficient art institutions for not emphasizing the importance of solid foundations. 

This program is designed with the sole purpose of helping aspiring professional artists build the foundational skills needed to have a better chance at competing at a professional level. 

Our goal is to build an artist’s foundational skills from the ground up, so we welcome students at any level. With hard work and passion, dramatic improvement is possible by the end of the program. We do ask all incoming students to submit artwork so we can assess their current level and tailor our support to their needs.

Art isn’t a talent—it’s a skill, and anyone can learn a skill with enough passion and persistence. What truly matters is your drive and dedication. Success in art is 10% talent and 90% hard work. Even if others seem ahead, remember: hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard—just look at Tom Brady, once doubted, now a 7-time Super Bowl champion and hailed as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.

Each of us brings three key strengths to teaching:

1. Patience with beginners

2. A passion for seeing growth

3. We used to suck

That last point matters—because having started from scratch, we understand the challenges new artists face. Our journey gives us the empathy and insight needed to truly support and uplift those just starting out.

GBG offers live, online courses with real-time interaction between students and instructors—no matter where you are in the world.

The program is divided into six 10-week blocks. In each block, students take three classes. For a detailed overview, click [here].

Classes typically run about 3 hours. Each session begins with a topic overview and assignment review, followed by targeted exercises. After a short break, the instructor gives a lecture or demo, then students spend the rest of class working with guided support.

Students should expect to work anywhere from 24- 30 hours per week on class assignments. We also recommend that students allocate extra time to attend workshops, mentorships, and for hanging out in the community discord. 

Investing in mentorship and training to reach your career goals is always a smart move—consider any cost part of your future investment.

To support this, we offer two domestic and one international scholarship per cohort for low-income students. Applicants must submit an essay about their passion for art, three references, and proof of low income.

Learn more about our scholarship program.

Students will need both traditional and digital art supplies. For traditional classes, items like pencils, paper, and a clipboard are required. For digital classes, students need a computer capable of running Adobe Photoshop, a drawing tablet (like a Wacom Intuos or Cintiq), or an iPad (though Photoshop is preferred). A reliable internet connection is also essential for joining virtual classes.