You are an Beginning artist:

Welcome! As a beginner, you’re in the perfect place to build a solid foundation. NMA has structured resources to help you start from scratch, covering essential skills and techniques step-by-step. Our Learning Tracks are designed to guide you through these foundational stages with support, so you’ll feel confident in your progress.

You are an Intermediate artist:

Great to have you on board! As someone with some experience, NMA can help you refine your foundational skills and start building more advanced techniques. You might benefit from a structured Learning Track to make steady progress while reinforcing your knowledge and filling any skill gaps.

You are an Advanced artist:

Welcome! Your advanced skill level makes you ready to focus on refining techniques and exploring specialization areas. A structured Learning Track can help you deepen your expertise in a focused area, while also providing the flexibility to explore other subjects on a self-study basis.

You are a Professional artist:

Thanks for joining NMA! As a professional, our curriculum is designed to offer the high-level skill refinement and specialization you’re looking for. You might prefer a self-study path, choosing from advanced individual courses, but structured Learning Tracks are also available if you want a guided approach to build further depth.

We recommend you start with the Drawing Foundations Module:

The Drawing Foundations module is the essential starting point for all certificate-seeking students, providing foundational skills in drawing techniques, perspective, and composition. Begin with Drawing Foundations I to establish the critical skills needed for further study. Self-study students can also start here to build a solid base for any artistic path.

We recommend you start with the Portrait Painting Track:

For those pursuing a certificate in portraiture, the path begins with the Drawing Foundations module. Once completed, continue with the Portrait Painting Track, beginning with Portrait Painting for Beginners in the Portrait Painting module. Self-study students interested in portraiture may start directly with Portrait Painting for Beginners to explore foundational portrait techniques.

We recommend you start with the Figure Painting Track:

For certificate-seeking students in figure painting, start with the Drawing Foundations module to build essential drawing skills. Upon completion, move to the Figure Painting Track, beginning with From Paper to Canvas in the Figure Painting module. Self-study learners can start immediately with From Paper to Canvas for an introduction to figure painting.

We recommend you start with the Sculpture Track:

Certificate students interested in sculpture should first complete the Drawing Foundations module to ensure they have a foundational understanding of form and perspective. Next, begin the Sculpture Track with A Beginner’s Guide to Modeling in Clay in the Sculpture module. Self-study students may jump directly into A Beginner’s Guide to Modeling in Clay to start exploring 3D techniques.

We recommend you start with the Carving Track:

Certificate-seeking students interested in carving should begin with the Drawing Foundations module, followed by Marble Sculpting in the Carving module. Self-study students may begin directly with Marble Sculpting to explore this detailed and historic art form.

We recommend you start with the Entertainment Design Track:

Certificate-seeking students in Entertainment Design should begin with the Drawing Foundations module to establish core skills. Then, proceed to the Entertainment Design Track with Visual Development: Dynamic Sketching in the Entertainment Design module. Self-study learners interested in visual development may start with Visual Development: Dynamic Sketching for an introduction to concept art techniques.

We recommend you start with the Landscape Painting Track:

For certificate paths in landscape painting, start with the Drawing Foundations module and then progress to the Landscape Painting Track, starting with Outdoor Landscape Painting Quickstart. Self-study students may begin directly with Outdoor Landscape Painting Quickstart to explore landscape techniques.

We recommend you start with the Illustration Track:

Certificate-seeking illustration students begin with the Drawing Foundations module, followed by the Illustration Track, starting with The Frank Reilly Illustration Drawing Method in the Illustration module. Self-study students can begin with The Frank Reilly Illustration Drawing Method for foundational illustration techniques.

We recommend you start with the 3D Character Art Track:

For the 3D Character Art certificate track, begin with the Drawing Foundations module and continue with A Beginner’s Guide to Modeling in Clay in the 3D Character Art module. Self-study students interested in character art may start directly with A Beginner’s Guide to Modeling in Clay to explore foundational sculpting techniques.

We recommend you start with the Comics Art Track:

For those interested in comics, certificate-seeking students begin with the Drawing Foundations module, then proceed to the Comics Art Track, starting with Comics I: Introduction to Sequential Art. Self-study students may start directly with Comics I to learn the fundamentals of sequential art.

We recommend you start with the Animation Track:

For the Animation certificate path, start with Drawing Foundations and continue with the Animation Track, beginning with The 12 Principles of Animation. Self-study students can start with The 12 Principles of Animation to dive into the essentials of movement and character creation.

1-2 hours per week:

With a limited weekly time commitment, a self-study approach may be most suitable. You can progress at your own pace, focusing on individual courses within your chosen track without feeling rushed. This option offers flexibility and ensures that art can fit comfortably into your schedule.

3-5 hours per week:

With a few hours each week, you could start with a self-study path, selecting courses that fit your availability, or you may wish to explore a structured Learning Track at a lighter pace. This choice allows for consistent progress while balancing other commitments.

5-10 hours per week:

This time commitment aligns well with a structured Learning Track, enabling you to make steady, guided progress. This approach provides both flexibility and a clear sequence to ensure you cover key skills methodically, building a strong foundation in your chosen area.

10+ hours per week:

With a significant weekly commitment, following a structured Learning Track will help you immerse yourself in the material and make substantial progress each week. This approach offers the rigor and support needed to advance efficiently and achieve mastery in your track.

Easy Pace:

This pace is perfect for those who value a relaxed learning environment with the flexibility to explore art at their own rhythm. Designed for a commitment of 1-2 hours per week, it allows you to gently integrate your studies into your existing routine without overwhelming your schedule. Ideal for those with limited time but a strong desire to learn, this pace provides the freedom to deepen your engagement incrementally, adapting as your time and interest allow. It’s structured to keep you moving forward comfortably, making your learning journey enjoyable and stress-free.

Moderate Pace:

This pace is ideal for those seeking a balance between structured learning and personal flexibility. It’s designed to support consistent artistic development by encouraging a commitment of 3-5 hours per week while accommodating your other life responsibilities. Perfect for those who need to manage studies alongside other priorities, this pace allows you to start with what’s manageable and scale up your engagement as your comfort and capacity grow. It provides enough structure to guide your progress and the flexibility to adjust your time commitment, ensuring your learning experience remains productive and adaptable.

Fast Track:

This pace is tailored for those ready to immerse themselves deeply and progress quickly in their artistic skills, with the ability to commit 5-10+ hours per week. It's ideal for students who can dedicate a substantial portion of their week to study, offering a structured and intensive path to rapidly build expertise in your interest. This pace suits those eager to advance swiftly and prepared to match their ambitions with significant time investment. As your abilities and time availability evolve, this track provides the intensity needed for rapid achievement while allowing room to adjust the commitment for sustained progress.