Draw Juice
About
You can find me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/drawjuice/ for samples of my work. I teach artists important foundational drawing and painting skills, visual problem solving, identifying obstacles and strategies for breaking through them, time management and professional business practices. I have been drawing for 40 years and a working professional artist for 25 years in animation, games, TV, film and education.
I get a thrill out of helping others to dream and move beyond what they thought they could achieve as artists by sharing my personal life experience and professional best practices I have learned along the way as an animator and concept artist in the field.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typically I do an intake and find out what the customer's needs are– what they most want to learn. I will have them do a drawing for me, usually in pencil of a human face or something they have interest in, for approximately an hour so I can find out where they currently stand with their drawing skill set. This step is really important as it helps me target and focus a curriculum that is best suited for the individual.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received my Bachelors degree in Illustration from San Jose State University. I have worked in animation and games since 1993 as an animator, director, storyboard artist and concept artist. I have taught and lectured on drawing, figure drawing, portraiture and concept art both here in the States and abroad in China.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I usually have a written agreement in place before we start the lessons so that both parties are clear what to expect. My price structure is based on packages that start at 10 lessons, 20 lessons and beyond if the student wants to study longer. The more courses purchased the price goes down.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching concept artists in China at a game company I worked at for a number of years. After that I can back to the USA and began teaching figure drawing, portraiture and concpet art at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and and San Jose State University in California.
What types of students have you worked with?
Recently I have taught art for the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Academy of Art University and San Jose State University in the Bay Area. Before that I worked in China as a concept artist for games on projects for Star Wars Galaxies, Star Trek Online, World of Warcraft, Activision, Facebook and many others.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Living in China. It was a challenge and it opend me up to many new people, traditions and life conditions. I am grateful for having had the opportunity.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be clear about what you want to learn and havae a goal in mind. Make sure the teacher you are talking to is tracking with you by asking them questions. What they say back to you is key with respect to their understanding of what you are looking for.