ConceptDesignAcademy

Take your draftmenship to the next level in our ONLINE "Vis Com 2: Vehicle Sketching Techniques" with John Frye (@fryewerk ) this summer! Spots are limited to go to the link below and register today! conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Elevate your draftsmanship through this specialized study of industrial and transportation design. By tracing the evolution of automotive and aeronautic forms, students learn how technology and function dictate a vehicle's proportions, shape, and form styling. To complement this study, John and Ed also emphasize advanced sketching and material rendering techniques, honing the visual communication skills students need to achieve clear material indications in their designs and illustrations. John is presently the Digital Modeling Group lead and Studio Illustrator at Honda R&D, bringing his expertise from roles at renowned companies like Boeing, Activision, and Hasbro. His background spans commercial vehicle and entertainment design, influencing both his creative work and his approach to teaching the new generation of entertainment artists. #Vehicledesign #mechdesign #artfundamentals #industrialdesign #viscom #penandink #digitaldrawing #CDA #conceptdesignacademy PY

Join us Monday Evenings for a night of learning with your favorite class! Intro to Animation Storyboard ONLINE with Sam Szymanski (@samskidraws ) conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Learn to create clear, cinematic sequences for animation, from shot fundamentals to dynamic pacing and visual storytelling. Analytical Figure Drawing ONLINE with Kevin Che conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… Master the essential figure drawing and invention skills needed for animation, storyboarding, and illustration. Composition & Layout Design ONLINE with Mike Hernandez (@squatchgouache ) conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… Develop the building blocks of painting—light, color, and observation—to create narrative-forward environments. While an online class, traditional outdoor study is strongly encouraged. Character Design for Game Production ONLINE with Alex Chen (@alexkineticflow ) conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Learn the nuances of character design for games by leveraging archetypes, creating visual effects, and adapting to gameplay needs. . . . . . . . #conceptart #storyboarding #composition #artfundamentals #characterdesign #kevinchen #figuredrawing #conceptdesignacademy #cda PY

Sam Szymanski’s “Intro to Animation Storyboard” class starts on Monday, June 8th, 2026 (8 weeks online course). Classes meet on Monday and Tuesday from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (PDT). Designed for aspiring board artists, this course explores how to craft clear, cinematic sequences for animation—starting with shot fundamentals and building toward dynamic pacing, rhythm, and visual storytelling. Spots are limited. Copy/paste the link below and register today! conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Sam Szymanski is a seasoned story artist with a diverse portfolio, including popular shows like "She-Ra: Princesses of Power," "Big Hero 6," and "Kung Fu Panda 4" Known for his dynamic visual storytelling, Sam has contributed to some of the most beloved animated series in recent years. #animation #storyboard #storytelling#conceptdesignacademy MB

Edward Chang’s “Intro to Figure Drawing” class starts on Sunday, June 7th, 2026 (6 weeks online course). Classes meet from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (PDT). Take the next step in your figure drawing journey. Designed for students who’ve completed “Vis Com 1: Dynamic Sketching”, this class focuses on building strong, clear figures using a manikin system—laying the foundation for more intermediate level, Analytical Figure Drawing course. Spots are limited. Copy/paste the link below and register today! conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… As a seasoned fine arts painter and longtime assistant instructor at CDA, Edward is an expert in preparing students for Kevin's more advanced classes, such as the popular "Analytical Figure Drawing" class. Edward's focused, supportive teaching style makes him a favorite among beginners and returning students alike. #figuredrawing #gesturedrawing #artfundamental#conceptdesignacademy MB

Ready to level up your skills this summer? Join us on Sundays for the following classes! Copy/Paste the link of the class you're interested in and register today! Vis Dev for Animation & Games HYBRID with Ed Li (edlisketch on IG ) Register In-Person: buff.ly/wHqvUMN Register Online: buff.ly/xy1pDKc Bring environments to life with lessons in composition, visual language, style development, and narrative art direction. Intro to Figure Drawing ONLINE with Edward Chang (edward027433 on IG) buff.ly/JBrrYHi Build on Vis Com 1 fundamentals and improve your understanding of proportion, form, gesture, and overlap. This class is designed to prepare students for Analytical Figure Drawing. Vis Com 1: Dynamic Sketching ONLINE with Andrew Cano (grey_dragon on IG) buff.ly/NS4N0PN Learn to break down complex objects into simple shapes and forms, and start sketching anything from memory with Andrew’s expert guidance. This class lays the groundwork for all other courses at CDA, ensuring students are well-prepared for more advanced topics ZBrush Creature Design ONLINE with Kyle Kane (art_by_kylekane on IG) buff.ly/plMpJzh Advance your creature design workflow in ZBrush with Kyle Kane, turning 2D concepts into realistic 3D sculpts. #backgrounddesign #visualdevelopment #figuredrawing #viscom #dynamicsketching #zbrush #conceptart #conceptdesignacademy #cda PY

Check out this exciting Narrative Gesture Demo by Adam Dix (adamdix), our instructor for the Costumed Gesture Drawing class from a previous term (formerly called Gesture Drawing for Animation). During an in-class drawing session, Adam created a series of quick gesture sketches to illustrate a battle between Athena and Calypso. He referenced a series of short, timed figure poses while creating these sketches and adapted them to fit his narrative. If you're interested in this class, you can sign up for our Summer 2026 term today! Copy and paste the link below: conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… Join Adam in his ONLINE "Costumed Gesture Drawing " class and enhance your gesture and character acting skills this summer! Adam will cover topics such as quick sketching, detail organization, handling animal characters, and drawing dynamic poses. Ideal for anyone interested in character design, animation, storyboarding, and more! With credits at WB Animation, Netflix, Disney, DreamWorks, and more, Adam shares what it takes to design characters that stand out. His industry experience and sharp design sense make his class essential for anyone aiming for a career in animation. #drawingfoundations #portraitdrawing #gesturedrawing #quicksketch #conceptdesignacademy jc

Ready to level up your skills this summer? Join us on Saturdays for the following classes! Go to link of the class you're interested in and register today! Sketching for Environment HYBRID with Ed Li (@edlisketch ) Register In-Person: buff.ly/J6cGM1g Register Online: buff.ly/PluwzvH Learn to build environments with Ed Li as he covers shot composition, mood-setting, and location design. Use his insights from Disney and DreamWorks to build the skills needed to design locations for any production. Storyboard for TV Animation ONLINE with Monica Davila (@monicacdavila ) buff.ly/Hn8BEhi Join award-winning director and storyboard artist Monica Davila to study TV animation storyboarding. Learn shot composition, sequencing, and pacing, with potential bonus topics like character acting and choreography. Intro to Perspective ONLINE with Polina Hristova (@eatingpixels ) buff.ly/Xv1llYh Learn perspective from environment designer Polina Hristova. Develop your skills in camera angles, scale, and storytelling to build spaces for the entertainment industry. Vis Com 2: Vehicle Sketching Techniques ONLINE with John Frye (@fryewerk ) buff.ly/CEQIEVz Elevate your draftsmanship through the study of industrial and transportation design with John Frye. Learn how technology and function dictate a vehicle's proportions, while practicing sketching and rendering techniques for clear material indications. #backgrounddesign #environmentsketching #storyboard #monicadavila #perspective #viscom #conceptart #conceptdesignacademy #cda PY

Check out some beautiful concept art of the Forbidden Temple, created by Ed Li (edlisketch) for the animated series IYANU. This series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment and is available on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. The temple is featured in Season 2, Episode 3, titled "The Offer." Ed will be teaching our “Vis Dev for Animation & Games" hybrid course for the Summer 2026 term. If you're interested in this class, you can sign up for our Summer 2026 term today! Copy and paste the links below: In-Person Format conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Online Format conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Ed is an accomplished Art Director in the animation industry, with extensive experience in layout and painting. His work on productions like "Princess and the Frog," "Planes: Fire & Rescue," and "Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse" showcases his ability to create visually stunning worlds that support storytelling in animation. Ed’s mastery of layout design and painting has played a crucial role in crafting the visual narratives of numerous animation titles. #visualdevelopment #digitalpainting #backgroundpainting #backgrounddesign #conceptdesignacademy jc

Check out some incredible concept art created by Ed Li (edlisketch) for Walmart’s UNLIMITED, a playable mini-series developed in partnership with Spatial.io and Unity. The project was developed by PIGIAMA KASAMA and animated by Martian Blueberry. Ed will be teaching our “Vis Dev for Animation & Games" hybrid course for the Summer 2026 term. If you're interested in this class, you can sign up for our Summer 2026 term today! Copy and paste the links below: In-Person Format conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Online Format conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Ed is an accomplished Art Director in the animation industry, with extensive experience in layout and painting. His work on productions like "Princess and the Frog," "Planes: Fire & Rescue," and "Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse" showcases his ability to create visually stunning worlds that support storytelling in animation. Ed’s mastery of layout design and painting has played a crucial role in crafting the visual narratives of numerous animation titles. #visualdevelopment #digitalpainting #backgroundpainting #backgrounddesign #conceptdesignacademy jc

Here is a full body drawing demo by Kevin Chen for his "Head & Figure Drawing (Long Pose)" online course at CDA!! . conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… . This long pose course continues where the Analytical Figure Drawing class left off. It focuses on creating a complete image capturing the personality of the model with the composition of the page with lighting. The topics of value, lighting, edge, composition, detail breakdown of the facial likeness and planes of the body will be discussed throughout the demos. . A great class for character designers and for artists making the transition from drawing into painting. Pose length ranges from 20 min - 3 hours each. Analytical Figure Drawing experience recommended.   . Space is limited, sign up soon and come level up with us this Summer!! . . . . . #headandfiguredrawing #kevinchen #CDA #figureconstruction #drawinglessons KC

Here is a step by step full body drawing demo by Kevin Chen for his "Head & Figure Drawing (Long Pose)" online course at CDA!! . conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… . This long pose course continues where the Analytical Figure Drawing class left off. It focuses on creating a complete image capturing the personality of the model with the composition of the page with lighting. The topics of value, lighting, edge, composition, detail breakdown of the facial likeness and planes of the body will be discussed throughout the demos. . A great class for character designers and for artists making the transition from drawing into painting. Pose length ranges from 20 min - 3 hours each. Analytical Figure Drawing experience recommended.   . Space is limited, sign up soon and come level up with us this Summer!! . . . . . #headandfiguredrawing #kevinchen #CDA #figureconstruction #drawinglessons KC

Here is a step by step head drawing demo by Kevin Chen for his "Head & Figure Drawing (Long Pose)" online course at CDA!! . conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… . This long pose course continues where the Analytical Figure Drawing class left off. It focuses on creating a complete image capturing the personality of the model with the composition of the page with lighting. The topics of value, lighting, edge, composition, detail breakdown of the facial likeness and planes of the body will be discussed throughout the demos. . A great class for character designers and for artists making the transition from drawing into painting. Pose length ranges from 20 min - 3 hours each. Analytical Figure Drawing experience recommended.   . Space is limited, sign up soon and come level up with us this Summer!! . . . . . #headandfiguredrawing #kevinchen #CDA #figureconstruction #drawinglessons KC

Here is a step by step head drawing demo by Kevin Chen for his "Head & Figure Drawing (Long Pose)" online course at CDA!! . conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… . This long pose course continues where the Analytical Figure Drawing class left off. It focuses on creating a complete image capturing the personality of the model with the composition of the page with lighting. The topics of value, lighting, edge, composition, detail breakdown of the facial likeness and planes of the body will be discussed throughout the demos. . A great class for character designers and for artists making the transition from drawing into painting. Pose length ranges from 20 min - 3 hours each. Analytical Figure Drawing experience recommended.   . Space is limited, sign up soon and come level up with us this Summer!! . . . . . #headandfiguredrawing #kevinchen #CDA #figureconstruction #drawinglessons KC

We're honored to introduce a new instructor, Robert St. Pierre (robertstpierre_art @ IG), who will be teaching our ONLINE "Background Design for Animation" class this summer! Robert St. Pierre is a Production Designer and Visual Development Artist recognized for his stylistic versatility and his ability to design sets with rigorous technical perspective. His extensive career includes major projects such as "Space Jam," "The Princess and the Frog," and "Star Trek: Prodigy." Register today at the link below! buff.ly/yyZowG7 Develop essential background design skills for animation production with Robert St. Pierre! This introductory class explores the visual development process of designing sets and props for animation production. Weekly lectures and assignments cover essential topics such as research, style exploration, and the creation of comprehensive style guides. This is a must-take class to learn the key skills needed for a professional animation background design position. . . . . #backgrounddesign #environmentdesign #setdesign #productiondesign #visualdevelopment #CDA #conceptdesignacademy PY

Andrew Cano (@grey_dragon) is back teaching our “Vis Com 1: Dynamic Sketching” online course & will guide students through the process of deconstructing complex objects into simple shapes and forms. Students will learn how to break down any object and learn to quickly draw them from imagination. Class lecture topics range from organic forms such as plants, insects, animals to main-made objects such as cars, tanks and airplanes. This course is one of the key foundations for our courses at @conceptdesignacad. All subsequent classes are designed to build on top of the drawing and observational skills learn from this course. Class starts Sunday, June 7th. Copy/Paste the link below to enroll ~ conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/fo… #dynamicsketching #viscom1 #artfoundations #CDA #andrewcano MB

Check out this amazing Corsair Mandalorian character design demo created by Alex Chen (@alexkineticflow) who is our instructor for our online " Character Design for Game Production" course. In this demo, Alex envisions a Mandalorian as a corsair within the Star Wars universe, incorporating various pirate motifs into the design. If you're interested in this class, you can sign up for our Summer 2026 term today! Copy and paste the link below: conceptdesignacadstore.com/collections/in… Take your game character designs to new heights! Alex will guide you through the process of creating designs that fit within the game world while teaching you how gameplay, visual effects, and the development pipeline influence every decision. With experience working on Marvel’s "What If…?" as well as popular games like "Vainglory" and "Gallant," Alex brings hands-on knowledge and industry-tested techniques to every lesson. Join his class to gain real-world insight into creating bold and memorable characters for animation and games. #characterdesign #fantasy #visualdevelopment #conceptdesignacademy #starwars jc