Digital art school firm foundation
Online platform Foundation Group focuses on often-overlooked fundamental art skills
“Let’s face it. Foundation has never been the most appealing subject to students, especially those who didn’t receive a formal education in art,” says Matthew Zikry, one of the founders of the digital education service Foundation Group. “Subjects such as perspective, basic drawing and design theory cannot compete with tutorials floating around on speed-painting and photobashing when it comes to appeal.”
Feeling that students were being cheated out of crucial parts of their education, Matthew, John Park and Daniel Jin Park set up just over a year ago on Patreon. “The curriculum [aims at] artists looking to enter the entertainment industry, but can be widely applied to artists of all fields,” he says.
Students and artists are free to join just tutorial sessions alone, or pledge, as part of the feedback group, to submit monthly assignments for individual critique from instructors. “We find this aspect very important – these professionals can advise students on real-world work situations and help guide their skill set towards those used in the industry today,” Matthew explains. “The curriculum is also unique in that it allows students to select and cater their education based on their needs.”
With hundreds of students already signed up, Matthew suggests that Foundation Group plans to develop the curriculum and expand the number of instructors. “There are a few potential workshop instructors who can offer input based on their experiences in animation, film, games, as well as theme park design,” he hints.
Explore Foundation Group’s curriculum and become a patron by visiting their site: www.patreon.com/foundation.