Foundation Workshops
Personalized 1:1 digital art mentorship for neurodivergent participants in three creative paths: Illustration & Design, 3D Modeling, or Animation & Media.
Ages 8+ | Online or In-Person | Beginner and Intermediate | $492 per Workshop
New to Islands of Brilliance? First time signing up for a workshop?
We’d love to help. Connect with Us before registering!
Find connection, build skills and confidence through creativity
The Foundation Program is often a participant’s first step into digital art at Islands of Brilliance. Each workshop provides 1:1 mentorship from creative mentors who bring real-world experience in illustration, animation, and design. These sessions are supported and facilitated by special educators who focus on creating structure, accessibility, and an age-agnostic learning environment where participants feel confident and understood. This is a space where everyone is allowed to be their authentic selves.
Participants select one of three creative tracks during registration: Illustration & Design, 3D Modeling, or Animation & Media. With guidance from mentors and educators, they work toward a final piece that reflects their interests and developing skills.
What Participants Will Learn
Creative and Technical Skills
Participants select one of three learning paths. Each path offers its own set of creative tools and hands-on techniques.
Illustration & Design:
Introduction to and building skills in Procreate, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, or similar tools
Digital drawing tools and techniques
Character, world, and prop design
Typography, layout, color, and composition
3D Modeling:
Intro to and building 3D modeling skills in Blender
Building simple objects and characters
Lighting, rendering, and camera basics
Understanding the 3D workflow from start to finish
Animation and Media:
Introduction to or building skills in Procreate, Adobe Express, or similar tools
Basics of frame-by-frame animation or stop motion animation
Storyboarding and simple visual storytelling
Timing, motion, and expressive movement
Participants produce a simple animated sequence using frame-by-frame or stop motion techniques.
Personal Development and Growth
Across all Foundation workshops, participants practice skills that support communication, confidence, and connection. These skills grow naturally through hands-on creative work and supportive relationships.
Participants build skills by:
Sharing ideas and engaging in conversations with mentors and peers
Developing comfort talking with adults outside of the home
Practicing conversations and problem-solving with supportive adults
Trying new techniques and learning through experimentation
Working through challenges during the creative process
Building pride by completing a project from start to finish
Strengthening presentation and communication skills
Program Completion
Participants finish the workshop with a completed digital artwork, 3D model, or short animated piece that reflects what they learned and created during the session.
Illustration & Design participants will receive a printed, 18x24-inch poster of their selected artwork.
This Program Is a Good Fit For
Participants who love characters, digital art, animation, world-building, or creative storytelling
Beginners who want an encouraging place to learn digital tools
Returning participants who wish to deepen their skills
Participants who benefit from consistent structure, predictable routines, and personalized support
Anyone who enjoys expressing themselves creatively
Program Details
Format: Online or In-Person
Location (In-Person): IOB Studio at the Eagleknit: 507 S. 2nd St., Suite 305, Milwaukee, WI
Time: Varies by workshop. Note: All times listed are Central Time (CT).
Sessions: Four, 90-minute sessions –or– Two, 4-hour sessions (see schedule below)
Tuition: $492 per workshop
Ages: 8+
Questions or New to Islands of Brilliance? First time signing up for a workshop?
We’d love to help. Connect with Us before registering!
Register for Upcoming Workshops
Workshops fill quickly! Early registration is encouraged.
How Track Selection Works
Participants choose Illustration and Design, 3D Modeling, or Animation and Media during registration. If you are unsure which is the best fit, our team is happy to help you decide.
In-Person Workshops
at IOB’s Studio at The Eagleknit 507 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI
2-Day! Monday–Tuesday, August 3–4 / 10:30 am–2:30 pm CST | REGISTER
2-Day! Wednesday–Thursday, August 5–6 / 10:30 am–2:30 pm CST | REGISTER
Monday–Thursday, August 10–13 / 12:00–1:30 pm CST | REGISTER
2-Day! Monday–Tuesday, August 17–18 / 10:30 am–2:30 pm CST | REGISTER
Saturday, September 19–October 10 / 10:30 am–12:00 pm CST | REGISTER
Saturday, September 19–October 10 / 12:45–2:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Saturday, September 19–October 10 / 2:45–4:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Saturday, October 24–November 14 / 10:30 am–12:00 pm CST | REGISTER
Saturday, October 24–November 14 / 12:45–2:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Saturday, October 24–November 14 / 2:45–4:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Online Workshops
Online via Zoom
Monday–Thursday, August 10–13 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Wednesdays, September 16–October 7 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Thursdays, September 17–October 8 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Wednesdays, October 21–November 11 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Thursdays, October 22–November 12 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Our Brilliant Participants’ Brilliant Work
FAQs
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What experience is required?
No previous experience is needed. Just a reliable method of communication and the fine motor skills to use a mouse or Apple Pencil.
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What level of support is offered?
Every session includes 1:1 mentorship from creative professionals, with special educators providing structure and support throughout the workshop.
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How do participants select their track?
Choose Illustration & Design, 3D Modeling, or Animation & Media during registration. We will then match you with a mentor knowledgeable in that area.
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Do participants need their own equipment?
Online participants need a computer or iPad that can run the workshop software. We help families prepare before class begins.
In-person participants have all the equipment and software provided. They are welcome to bring their own device(s) if desired.
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What if my participants misses a session?
Because our mentors are volunteers, we are unable to offer make-up sessions. Our staff and mentors will do everything possible to help participants catch up during the following sessions.
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Is financial aid available?
Islands of Brilliance is an approved vendor for CLTS/Waiver and IRIS in Wisconsin. If you do not qualify for Medicaid funding, there are occasionally limited scholarships available through our Brilliant Fund. Contact us to discuss.