Apprenticeships reinvented.
Professional-level art instruction without the art school price.
✏️ Real skills, real portfolios
Amazing things happen when you don't underestimate what students can do.
At their rate of growth, our 8–15 year-old students are on pace to have portfolios on par with — or above — college graduates.
They're having a blast learning very difficult skills while building a supportive community. If you've never seen a group of 10–12 year-old boys go from laughing to intense focus, or a group of girls encourage and push each other through difficult tasks, it is a sight to behold.
This is how learning should happen.
Their creativity blows us away. MentorWings students literally don't want to leave class.
MentorWings alumni are building real audiences.
Our former students didn't wait for a degree to start their creative careers. Today they're running channels and selling their art to fans around the world.
Stop-motion filmmaker · YouTube
Illustrator · TikTok & YouTube
Anyone can make amazing artwork, no matter their age.
All that's needed is the interest and the desire to learn.
Real secrets, not step-by-step
These aren't paint-by-numbers projects. Students learn the real skills professionals use to make original, impressive art.
Adults welcome too
Our adult students have surprised themselves with how much progress they've made in a short amount of time.
Bring your friends
Learn new skills together and build a community. Art is better when you grow alongside people who push you.
It's never too late to make something amazing.
Our adult students have surprised themselves with the amount of progress they've been able to make in a short amount of time.
Same professional techniques, same supportive community — no art school required.
Ask about adult classes
Gabriel Valles
The founder of MentorWings has spent the last 20+ years as an art director, animator, concept artist, character designer, and illustrator for feature films, video games, comic books, and toys.
He started MentorWings to help students get an early start on their art careers and eliminate the need for expensive art schools. Our goal is to reinvent the apprenticeship system.
Teaching experience: ACC, One Day Academy, and on-the-job art direction and training.
Learn from an artist who still does the work.
Every piece here was painted by Gabriel. These are the same techniques students learn in class. Tap any piece to see it full size.
Ready to spread your wings?
Tell us a little about who's interested and we'll send class times, locations, and details.
Thanks! We'll be in touch soon. ✦