Exploring the Creative World: Hands-On Art & Design
This class is a journey through the many ways art can become a career. Each day, students will explore a new creative process, from sculpture to digital painting to branding, while hearing from industry professionals who have turned their passion into thriving businesses.
Every morning, guest speakers—including potters, leatherworkers, carpenters, brand strategists, and freelance designers—will share their career journeys, offering insight into self-employment, freelancing, and working for creative companies. Students will learn about different creative paths and real-world applications of their artistic skills.
After the talks, students will dive into hands-on projects inspired by each career path. They might create a prototype of a product, design a logo, sculpt a character, or build a storytelling illustration. These projects mimic real-world scenarios, helping students develop problem-solving skills while experiencing the creative process firsthand.
By the end of the class, students will have explored multiple career possibilities, built a portfolio of unique projects, and gained the confidence to take their first steps into the creative industry.
Daily Breakdown: Explore, Create, and Apply
Day 1: Exploring Creative Fields
Morning: Guest Speakers (45 minutes)
Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from animation, design, and fine art share their career paths.
Discussion on the challenges and successes of working in creative industries.
Afternoon: Hands-On Activity
Group Activity:
Students brainstorm and share ideas about the creative fields they are most interested in exploring.
Digital Painting for Entertainment:
Introduction to matte painting and digital techniques used in movies, games, and animation.
Use Procreate to create simple, atmospheric environments.
Outcome: Students identify potential interests and experience a key skill used in the entertainment industry.
Day 2: Hands-On Sculpt
Morning: Guest Speakers (45 minutes)
Artisans and craft-based business owners discuss careers in handmade goods.
Topics: Wholesale, craft fairs, pricing, and branding handmade products.
Afternoon: Hands-On Activity
Sculpture
Clay Sculpture – Create a small figure, decorative piece, or character prototype.
Outcome: Students gain an appreciation for hands-on creative processes and explore ways to turn craft skills into careers.
Group Activity:
Discussion on how craftsmanship can transition into a career.
Day 3: Hands-On Paint
Morning: Guest Speakers (45 minutes)
Artisans and craft-based business owners discuss careers in handmade goods.
Topics: Wholesale, craft fairs, pricing, and branding handmade products.
Afternoon: Hands-On Activity
Painting:
Finish Clay Sculpture – Paint your small figure, decorative piece, or character prototype.
OR
Start a Little Wooden People Painting – Develop mini painted figures to tell a story.
Outcome: Students gain an appreciation for hands-on creative processes and explore ways to turn craft skills into careers.
Day 4: Storytelling & Graphic Novels
Morning: Guest Speakers
Graphic novel artists and illustrators discuss visual storytelling and publishing.
Topics: Storyboarding, illustration techniques, and self-publishing.
Group Activity:
Explore what makes a story visually compelling and how illustrations help tell a narrative.
Afternoon: Hands-On Activity
Graphic Novel Panel Creation:
Sketch and ink a short visual story using graphic novel techniques.
Learn about composition, paneling, and expressive line work.
Outcome: Students develop a storytelling piece that could evolve into a longer project.
Day 5: Personal and Product Branding
Morning: Guest Speakers
Brand strategists discuss how to build a personal or product brand.
Topics: Logos, messaging, and online presence for artists and small businesses.
Group Activity:
Students brainstorm ideas for their own brand and message.
Afternoon: Hands-On Activity
Sticker Creation:
Create something for your art like Custom Stickers – Create art stickers or something else! By using digital or hand-built techniques.
Outcome: Students create a unique logo or product design and gain insight into branding and self-promotion.