fall 2025
interactive small classes once a week for 14 Weeks
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You can audit this course as an observer for $495. Click Here for more info.
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*The mentorship runs for 14 sessions. SmArt School teachers sometimes have to travel for professional reasons. If they must miss a class they will notify all students with as much lead time as possible and add a session to the end of the calendar. Some weeks off are also scheduled into the calendar, see the 'Courses' main page for details. ALL CLASSES MEET LIVE and are not recorded due to proprietary content. Teaching will not happen via email, only during class time.
Visual Storytelling Now
- picture books
- graphic novels
- book covers
- storyboards
- keyframes for video games
- gaming illustration
- character design
- concept art
- worldbuilding
All forms of illustration and pop culture have to do with a subtle, nuanced aspect of visual storytelling: context. The need for character continuity and a compelling way of moving from frame to frame or page to page, and an understanding of the job that the image needs to fulfill. In this idea of visual storytelling, each composition is a part of the larger artistic rhythm of a work. The parameters for success are decided by what role the individual illustration or design plays in the whole - whether it is a single panel or shot within a scene, an illustration or character design in an established IP universe, a cover image that sums up the emotional experience of the whole story, or a spread in a picture book. This understanding of the goals for an image or project, of context, is what will allow you to wow your clients, and elevate your work beyond the capabilities of AI.
Winona Nelson has done 150+ illustrations for Magic: the Gathering, but she has also gone on to develop an incredible list of clients and artwork (see Winona's bio below) that incorporates these ideas of image flow and purpose within a larger context.
In Winona's mentorship you can develop your work in gaming illustration, character design, storyboard illustration, concept art, children's books or graphic novels. Because of the small class size the teaching can be tailored to your needs. You can get assignments and feedback specific to the industry connections and artistic path that you most want to develop. And you can compare and learn the similarities and differences between fields to increase your versatility in a changing market.
Winona can advise you on either digital or traditional technique. Combine media, push your skills in your most familiar materials, or try something new. Think and work like a multidisciplinary expert!
Towards the end of the semester a special industry guest will review student work.
After taking this class students will also receive the option of a free profile on the Alumni Portfolios page. Visit the Alumni Portfolios page and type a teacher's name into the search bar to see some of the artists who studied with that teacher.
what students are saying about studying with Winona
"The last 3 months were so important for my growth as anartist. I met incredible and beautiful fellow artists who inspired me and will continue to inspire as we all move forward in our own careers. We were so lucky to have an incredible, kind and fun teacher like Nonie. Who shared with us not only professional experiences but also personal stories. I already miss our Wednesdays and can't wait to see what's coming next!"
Marcos V. Monken
@marcosvmonken
"I'm so glad to have taken part in that mentorship, Nonie is an amazing teacher who addressed every conceivable aspect of being an artist including basics and advanced techniques, software tricks, motivation and health, business and negotiation. It was an infinitely rewarding experience and gave me a lot of confidence, not to mention new friends."
Daniela Ivanova
@danielaivanova
Marcos V. Monken
@marcosvmonken
"I'm so glad to have taken part in that mentorship, Nonie is an amazing teacher who addressed every conceivable aspect of being an artist including basics and advanced techniques, software tricks, motivation and health, business and negotiation. It was an infinitely rewarding experience and gave me a lot of confidence, not to mention new friends."
Daniela Ivanova
@danielaivanova
About Winona Nelson
Winona has created over 145 cards and tokens for Magic: the Gathering. She worked as a concept artist on the Marvel Studios' Netflix series Echo and on The Last of Us: Part II video game for Naughty Dog. Her other concept art and illustration clients include: Warhammer, Fantasy Flight, Games Workshop, Flagship Studios, Planet Moon Studios, Kabam, Final Form Games, Aftershock, and Scholastic Books. Winona believes the key to a long-lived career in gaming is not only fulfilling a client's prompts, but by digging more deeply into your individuality to include your own voice. The goal is to go beyond delivering professional level illustrations, to create something your client and your audience cannot get from any other artist.
Winona Nelson's Website: http://www.winonanelsonart.com/