Digital Academy: SideQuest
Short, focused learning experiences for participants who want to build skills and explore new creative tools.
Ages 14+ | Online or In-Person | Intermediate to Advanced | $615 per 3-Week Track
Because Digital Academy has prerequisites for participation, please email our education team to discuss your student and their interest prior to registering them for their first class.
What is SideQuest?
SideQuest offers targeted learning blocks designed to help students grow specific skills without committing to a long-term project.
Each SideQuest focuses on a defined creative topic and gives students hands-on time to learn, practice, and experiment in a supportive group setting.
Participants choose which SideQuests to join based on interest.
What Participants Will Learn
Creative and Technical Skills
Targeted tool and skill development
Fundamentals within chosen tracks
Applying new skills through mini-projects
Exploring new creative mediums
Personal Development and Growth
Confidence through achievable challenges
Curiosity and experimentation
Comfort starting something new
Focused engagement in group learning
SideQuest Is a Good Fit For
Participants who enjoy short commitments
Learners building specific skills
Creators exploring new interests
Participants wanting flexibility
Program Details
Format: Online or In-Person
Time: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 4:00–6:00 pm Note: All times listed are Central Time (CT).
Sessions: Six, two-hour sessions, meeting twice weekly every three weeks (See dates below for each track)
Tuition: $615 per 3-Week Track
Ages: 14+
Illustration & Design
Step into the world of Illustration and Digital Painting and bring your creative visions to life. Each week introduces a unique creative challenge. This track calls to those ready to push their digital-painting boundaries and learn new techniques.
Summer Dates: July 8–23
Fall Dates: September 16–October 1
Technology Requirements:
Hardware: A computer that can run Aseprite; an iPad + Apple Pencil that can run Procreate or Adobe Fresco
Software: iOS Adobe Fresco -OR-iOS Procreate,Aseprite
3D Modeling
Discover the art of 3D creation through a series of focused, hands-on challenges. Each week offers a new skill to explore, from shaping forms to adding detail and texture. Participants experiment, play, and learn the building blocks of expressive, original 3D work.
Summer Dates: July 29–August 13
Fall Dates: October 7–22
Technology Requirements:
Hardware: A computer that can run Blender and a 3-button mouse
Software: Blender version 4.3+
Media & Animation
Step into the fundamentals of animation with weekly mini challenges that spark curiosity and creativity. Participants explore movement, timing, and simple storytelling techniques, gaining confidence as they test new ideas and bring characters and concepts to life.
Summer Dates: August 19–September 3
Fall Dates: October 28–November 12
Technology Requirements:
Hardware: An iPad with an Apple Pencil
Software: iOS Procreate,iOS Procreate Dreams
Because Digital Academy has prerequisites for participation, please email our education team to discuss your student and their interest prior to registering them for their first class.
New to Islands of Brilliance?
We’d love to help. Connect with Us before registering!
What have our SideQuest students created?
FAQs
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Do participants choose a track in SideQuest?
Yes. Participants select from Illustration & Design, 3D Modeling, or Animation & Media when registering for each SideQuest block.
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Can participants participate in more than one SideQuest?
Absolutely. Participants may sign up for one, multiple, or all available SideQuest blocks based on interest.
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How long is each SideQuest?
SideQuest is offered in short, focused 2-hour learning blocks that meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays every third week. Each block is designed to be a complete experience on its own.
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Is SideQuest less advanced than Quest?
No. SideQuest is different, not easier. It focuses on targeted skill-building rather than long-term project ownership.
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Is SideQuest a good entry point to Digital Academy?
Yes. SideQuest works well for participants who want to explore Digital Academy without committing to a longer project.
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Not sure which SideQuest to choose?
We’re happy to help you decide. Connect with us before registering.
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