CLASSES | COACHING | CONSULTING
Affordable GAME and DIGITAL ART learning for all ages and skill levels. From an industry pro.
Game & Digital Art Classes
Whether you're looking for an after school outlet for your creativity or an adult looking to break into studio art, we have you covered!
Game Art Portfolio Coaching
Creating a viable portfolio and resume can be challenging. Let us help! Put our years of advice and experience to work for you today!
General Studio Art Consulting
Game development, digital art, art school, and art direction questions aren't "one-size." Our personalized consulting isn't either.
LIVE One on One Training.
Experience the difference of working with a live game industry veteran with a proven track record. Learn about game development, digital art, and illustration. Find out what it takes to become successful in a competitive art industry!
Our classes are simple enough for a middle school student but provide challenges for a wide age range- including seasoned professionals!
Find the Right Path for YOU.
Not all games are the same- and the paths to work on them as a studio artist aren't the same either! The journey toward becoming a studio artist can be unclear and expensive.
Let us help cut through the confusion and affordably advise you toward working toward your personal goals in a way that plays to your strengths.
Develop a GREAT Portfolio.
Whether you're a student or a seasoned working game art professional (2D or 3D art), we'll review your portfolio along with your resume / CV and give specific advice on how to rework things to your favor.
Attract the clients and attention you want! Don't wait to go to the next game convention; book a meeting with us today and put our years of experience and analysis to work for you!
Meet Andrew.
Andrew Johnson is a Chicago-based concept artist with 16+ years of continuous video game development and illustration experience. In that time, he has developed digital art for dozens of shipped game titles for a wide range of audiences on PC, console, mobile, VR and AR platforms.
Andrew also has a background of over 6 years of formal teaching as a college instructor. He loves teaching live concept art & video game development classes and is passionate about mentoring students of all ages find success in games and other creative industries!
Additionally, he's well-versed in reviewing game art portfolios for both beginners and seasoned veterans of the industry. Andrew has given detailed reviews for hundreds of artists from all over the world, and has even written on the subject in the past.
Put Andrew's energy and expertise in your corner by booking a meeting here on
ArtUP Workshop!
The ArtUP WORKSHOP
Difference:
We want to help everyone interested find a path to sustained success in an art career they will enjoy- whether that's in games, tech, illustration, or other media.
We provide live, in-depth, personalized guidance for digital art careers for a wide range of skill levels, from middle school students to seasoned professionals!
Our services are affordable and pay-as-you-go. We don't lock anyone into expensive long-term contracts and we won't share or sell your privacy.
What the PROS say:
Andrew is not only an exceptionally talented artist but also an incredible mentor with a true gift for teaching. Early in my career, he taught me how to advocate for myself in the art industry and gave me the confidence to navigate challenges as a rookie. His guidance and encouragement were instrumental in shaping the artist I am today.
Lindsey Kurkiewicz
Concept Artist, Treyarch Studios
Andrew possesses the rare ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity and passion. This talent extends beyond art, as he has a remarkable capacity to convey ideas and information effectively.
These qualities make him a natural teacher. Whether he was sharing his
knowledge with colleagues or providing constructive feedback on their work, Andrew has proven to be a patient, encouraging, and effective teacher.
Lisa Starc
Senior VFX Artist, Netflix
I wholeheartedly recommend Andrew Johnson. After spending 16 years in the games industry, I can attest to how critical it is that students have the benefit of an instructor and mentor like Andrew early on in their education & careers.
Amber Holkenbrink
Principal Experience Designer & Studio Leadership Team,
Respawn Entertainment
Andrew is not only a competent teacher but also highly effective at breaking down complex concepts into manageable, understandable pieces.
I highly recommend Andrew if you're looking for a tutor or professor to help you elevate your artistic skills to the next level.
Alex Damarjian
Technical Artist, Netflix
By far, one of Andrew's most standout qualities is his ability to convey his knowledge and expertise to others. In the art world, it is rare to be simultaneously exceptional in your field and a great educator, and I have always been impressed at how effortlessly and humbly he blends the two. He approaches this endeavor with a passion and enthusiasm that is infectious.
Matt Zeilinger
Lead Concept Artist, High Voltage Software
As a game developer myself, I have reviewed his coursework and have been really impressed to see how detailed and dedicated Andrew is to giving students realistic building blocks to become better artists, and most importantly, how to work as a professional in a constantly evolving industry. The passion Andrew has for art, games, and personal growth is perfectly demonstrated in his academic work.
Mike Sanchez
Art Director, Incredible Technologies
Andrew is nearing an impressive 20 years of experience. He's an encyclopedia of art among many other topics. He knows how to approach most kinds of visual problem solving while also being able to explain the "why" in detail before starting.
In a creative industry, this ability is invaluable. It can establish and set the tone for an entire project and it can put clients minds at ease when in planning. That's exactly the kind of person I'd want to learn from if I were a student.
Chad Thelen
Lead VFX & Technical Artist, High Voltage Software
Andrew is always eager to share his knowledge, helping develop the talents of everyone around him... I cannot recommend him highly enough!
Ben Menke
Lead Software Engineer, Respawn Entertainment