The Oatley Academy
This is another cracking online school with an artistfounder bringing a highly personal feel to things.
Founded by Disney artist Chris Oatley, the school has a slightly different feel to the others in that its approach deals as much with the psychology and thought process behind becoming a professional artist, as it does with the actual lesson structure.
“We believe that education should mean transformation,” says Chris. “There are many places where you can pay for information, but not many places that actually offer a true, transformative art education. We say that if we’re not changing lives, we’re not doing our job.”
Community involvement plays a large part in this experience, with the site placing a heavy emphasis on engaging with fellow students and learning to critique each other’s work in order to grow as artists. Courses fall under two categories: Mentored or Self-Guided. The mentors include Chris Oatley, visual development artist Brett Bean, Nickelodeon visual development artist Sarah Marino and Marvel Studios storyboard artist Justin Copeland. These real-time courses are priced between $650 and $850 (£460 and £601). For $7-$19 per month (£5-£13), The Oatley Academy offers self-guided classes on digital painting, storytelling and forging a successful career.