What will Smart school do for me as an artist?
Proof of the value of a school can be seen in the success of its alumni. You can see some alumni work on the Alumni Portfolios page. Here you can read what students have said about what SmArt School did for them:
“I have been working as a professional artist for 11 years and the biggest struggle is to keep evolving and growing. I am thankful to SmArt School as it gives me the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the best of the best, try out new techniques and experiment with unfamiliar art media. My past semester with the great Martin Wittfooth has been very fruitful, and I plan on returning for more classes to enrich my creative arsenal!”
Victo Ngai @victongai
"Thank you so much! I’ve made great professional contacts, started getting into competition journals, and just sold my first piece! No joke…I would not have done it without you and Smart School. I’m convinced that mentorships with Smart School are the best way to supercharge your growth and move forward towards your goals!"
Christine Rhee @christine.rhee
"Originally I enrolled right after school in the hopes of learning professional practices, and Smart School blew my expectations out of the water."
Ryan Pearse @ryanpearseart
"SAS has given me the opportunity to learn from the best in the field. Rebecca is very supportive and she always pushed me to do better works than the last, giving inputs on how to elevate the works beyond just good."
Daria Theodora @xintheodora
"If you’re a visual artist, I can’t recommend it enough for the wonderful mentors and embracing community of artists."
Nicole Pisniello @nicolepisaniello
"The mentorship provides focus, technical knowledge, constant inspiration, special guests, advice from Art Directors, problem-solving tools, secret tricks of the trade, insights into getting jobs, and a steady stream of fun and frustration, laughs and tears, and many challenges to overcome, just like life, but more so."
Mark Ward @markwardart
"--a community I will always cherish and recommend."
Anastasia Eve @anastasiaeve.art
“I have been working as a professional artist for 11 years and the biggest struggle is to keep evolving and growing. I am thankful to SmArt School as it gives me the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the best of the best, try out new techniques and experiment with unfamiliar art media. My past semester with the great Martin Wittfooth has been very fruitful, and I plan on returning for more classes to enrich my creative arsenal!”
Victo Ngai @victongai
"Thank you so much! I’ve made great professional contacts, started getting into competition journals, and just sold my first piece! No joke…I would not have done it without you and Smart School. I’m convinced that mentorships with Smart School are the best way to supercharge your growth and move forward towards your goals!"
Christine Rhee @christine.rhee
"Originally I enrolled right after school in the hopes of learning professional practices, and Smart School blew my expectations out of the water."
Ryan Pearse @ryanpearseart
"SAS has given me the opportunity to learn from the best in the field. Rebecca is very supportive and she always pushed me to do better works than the last, giving inputs on how to elevate the works beyond just good."
Daria Theodora @xintheodora
"If you’re a visual artist, I can’t recommend it enough for the wonderful mentors and embracing community of artists."
Nicole Pisniello @nicolepisaniello
"The mentorship provides focus, technical knowledge, constant inspiration, special guests, advice from Art Directors, problem-solving tools, secret tricks of the trade, insights into getting jobs, and a steady stream of fun and frustration, laughs and tears, and many challenges to overcome, just like life, but more so."
Mark Ward @markwardart
"--a community I will always cherish and recommend."
Anastasia Eve @anastasiaeve.art
Technical
What are the classes like?
Watch part of Rebecca Leveille Guay's class here:
Are the classes taught on something like skype?
GoToMeeting is the software we use. We have been teaching online since 2011 and find it to be the best interface. Our students can connect easily and our teachers can share desktops, do draw-over critiques in Photoshop, run slide shows, and livestream painting demonstrations.
Are the classes recorded?
No. All classes are conducted live online. Our programs are designed to be highly interactive small group environments. This is the best way to learn.
In addition, the classes cannot be recorded because our teachers often work with proprietary information.
In addition, the classes cannot be recorded because our teachers often work with proprietary information.
what are the Computer System Requirements?
Operating System: Windows 7 or higher. Mac OS X 10.9 or higher
Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or faster. Broadband/hardline connection recommended for the best class experience.
Software: GoToMeeting desktop app, JavaScript enabled\
Memory: 2GB or more of RAM
Hardware: microphone and speakers or a USB headset (recommended!) and a Webcam
Some students have been able to connect via web browser on their phone while traveling, but this is not the ideal interface.
Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or faster. Broadband/hardline connection recommended for the best class experience.
Software: GoToMeeting desktop app, JavaScript enabled\
Memory: 2GB or more of RAM
Hardware: microphone and speakers or a USB headset (recommended!) and a Webcam
Some students have been able to connect via web browser on their phone while traveling, but this is not the ideal interface.
I'm not good with technology, will there be help?
Absolutely! Online classes are new to many of our students. We have a Teacher's Assistant available to help with technical issues.
enrollment
How do I enroll in a class?
Go to the "Courses" page for the upcoming semester and click on the image of the mentorship you want to take. This will bring you to the class page. On the class page you will see a button that says "Click Here to Enroll". That button will become live a day or two prior to enrollment. Clicking it will take you to the booking page, where you can sign up for class starting on enrollment day. For Spring 2023 enrollment opens on Sunday, December 4, at 12pm noon US Eastern Time.
do i have to submit a portfolio to enroll?
No. Registration in class is first come first served. You do not need to submit a portfolio or fill out an application. However we are happy to review your portfolio before you enroll if you would like help deciding whether you are ready for SmArt School or if you have questions about the best course of study for you. Email Matt at smarterartschool@gmail.com include some artwork or links to your portfolio and say a little bit about what direction you want to go as an artist. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the mentorships.
Payment
How is Payment made when enrolling?
Paypal is our payment system. You can pay for class with any payment method that PayPal accepts. This includes most major credit cards and debit cards with a major credit card logo on them. It is also possible to set up direct transfers from your bank account. Bank transfer capability must be set up with PayPal ahead of time.
Is payment due in full when enrolling?
Yes. Payment is due in full at enrollment.
Do you offer payment plans?
The payment plan we offer is PayPal Credit. It is available in the United States and has been a great solution for many students who need to pay in installments. You must sign up for PayPal Credit several days before using it. Unfortunately we do not have any payment plans that work outside of the US. If you need credit you may have to rely on a traditional credit card or bank loan.
Is tuition refundable?
Tuition is not refundable. Please email Matt at smarterartschool@gmail.com if you have any questions about this. The classes are small the teachers depend on the tuition of each student to commit to running the class. When you sign up, you are also reserving a place in a class that others cannot sign up for. So please make sure that you will be able to attend the mentorship when you sign up.
Sometimes students are relying on grants to be able to attend class and don't know if the grant will come through prior to enrollment. Please email Matt at smarterartschool@gmail.com to discuss any situation like this prior to enrollment and we will help you navigate the situation.
Sometimes students are relying on grants to be able to attend class and don't know if the grant will come through prior to enrollment. Please email Matt at smarterartschool@gmail.com to discuss any situation like this prior to enrollment and we will help you navigate the situation.
Why isn't paypal Credit showing up as an option at check out?
If the PayPal Credit option is not showing up at check out email Matt at smarterartschool@gmail.com We will send you an invoice that will allow you to pay using PayPal Credit. You must already set up a PayPal Credit account. Emailing back and forth can take time. We will try to answer all requests as quickly as possible. We will hold your spot in class when we receive your email request.
PayPal Credit not showing up at check out is a common problem. It is wise to be prepared for it to not appear at check out. Be prepared to email us so we can send you an invoice. PayPal Credit is a great thing from the financial side, but can require extra steps in its functionality.
PayPal Credit not showing up at check out is a common problem. It is wise to be prepared for it to not appear at check out. Be prepared to email us so we can send you an invoice. PayPal Credit is a great thing from the financial side, but can require extra steps in its functionality.
about the program
What's an 'Audit'?
Click here for all the information about auditing a course.
is this program right for beginners?
Absolutely! We work with people who are early on in their artistic journey all the time. We recommend that beginners take one of our beginner classes before enrolling in a mentorship. Beginner classes are:
Beginning Figure Drawing with Marc Scheff
Beginning Illustration with Marc Scheff
We also have some methods classes that are wonderful for a variety of skill levels if you want to get into a new medium:
Ray Bonilla's class is excellent for learning oil painting whether you've never done it before or you want to raise your abilities to achieve luminous effects
Martin Wittfooth teaches a course on the 3D modeling software 'Blender' oriented towards painters who may be picking it this kind of thing for the first time (or for digital artists who want to think more like painters).
Beginning Figure Drawing with Marc Scheff
Beginning Illustration with Marc Scheff
We also have some methods classes that are wonderful for a variety of skill levels if you want to get into a new medium:
Ray Bonilla's class is excellent for learning oil painting whether you've never done it before or you want to raise your abilities to achieve luminous effects
Martin Wittfooth teaches a course on the 3D modeling software 'Blender' oriented towards painters who may be picking it this kind of thing for the first time (or for digital artists who want to think more like painters).
Is this program right for art school students?
Since 2011 many students from bricks-and-mortar art schools have come to us. Students come to us to work with specific members of our faculty, to learn what it's like to work on real world assignments with industry professionals, and because our programs are a fraction of the cost of a traditional art school.
We are a private mentorship program NOT affiliated with any college-we are taught and run by artists THIS is why we can do things differently and get you the best industry teachers at a fraction of the cost.
We are a private mentorship program NOT affiliated with any college-we are taught and run by artists THIS is why we can do things differently and get you the best industry teachers at a fraction of the cost.
Is This program right for a professional who wants to sharpen their skills?
Yes. Many professionals have taken part in the mentorships. Sometimes it's nice to return to an educational environment. Experienced artists use the mentorships to push themselves further, expand into new fields, and strengthen their professional community.
Do you offer a diploma?
We are a professional mentorship program - taught and run by successful artists.
We are based upon building professional relationships between working artists outside of academia. We are not affiliated with a large college infrastructure.
This allows us the freedom to work with the kinds of teachers we want to bring in and the kinds of professional guests we want to bring without the unnecessary
bureaucratic hurdles that larger mainstream institutions have- nor the corresponding excessive costs of those places.
We will give you great teaching with excellent teachers ...and help you with the professional questions and portfolio development you need... but we don’t do diplomas.
We help you make good art.
We are based upon building professional relationships between working artists outside of academia. We are not affiliated with a large college infrastructure.
This allows us the freedom to work with the kinds of teachers we want to bring in and the kinds of professional guests we want to bring without the unnecessary
bureaucratic hurdles that larger mainstream institutions have- nor the corresponding excessive costs of those places.
We will give you great teaching with excellent teachers ...and help you with the professional questions and portfolio development you need... but we don’t do diplomas.
We help you make good art.
How Much does it cost?
- $495 to audit a mentorship--this is and observation only class. For more information about course audits click here.
- $1975 Beginning Illustration with Eric Wilkerson, full mentorship
- $2500 All other full mentorships
Is it a lot of work?
Yes. Dedicating time to these classes is necessary in order to make the most of them. We recommend that you set aside four to six hours each week to work on assignments in addition to the three hours of class time. You will only get the full benefits of the mentorship if you do all of the assignments.
Specifically What kind of results can I expect?
In a word: Progress. Everyone is different. If you are a true beginner in Beginning Figure Drawing you may find you're ready to tackle a beginning course in illustration. If you came to the school to sharpen up a portfolio you may find yourself fully prepared for professional work after a couple semesters. If you are an experienced professional already and you came to further your craft, you will.
You can expect to produce two to four finished artworks by the end of a semester.
You can expect to produce two to four finished artworks by the end of a semester.
Can I work with traditional art materials?
Absolutely. All of our teachers are experts in traditional media.
Can I work with digital tools?
Absolutely. We do not hold Photoshop classes. Our classes are geared towards portfolio development. But you may choose to work digitally in most classes.
Can you give me a quick overview of what will be taught each week?
Each teacher works differently and responds to the varying skill levels and interests of their students. That's why the classes are small.
How should I decide which instructor to work with?
Choose the one that works closest to the style and area of art that you're interested in. With enrollment in the class you will also receive a free survey (observe only) position in an additional mentorship of your choice.
You can also email us a sample of your work and we can help place you in a course.
You can also email us a sample of your work and we can help place you in a course.
Alumni portfolios
Also known as 'smarter art market'
It is a free network and portfolio site for all alumni of Smart School and the IMC. It's made to steer art directors, buyers, and interested people to the websites and projects of everyone who has studied with us. We want everyone to succeed. We want everyone to see how awesome our alumni are.
Who can show in the alumni portfolios?
The Alumni Portfolios art open to everyone who has finished a complete mentorship, beyond beginner classes, or attended an IMC.
I attended Smart school and/or the IMC. How do I get a page on Alumni portfolios?
how do i update my portfolio/bio on alumni portfolios?
Updating your portfolio is key. We accept (and encourage) updates twice a year. Email images of your best new work:
- From July1 -- July 21st
- From January1--January 21st