Testimonials
“BAI has opened my eyes to a new world. Coming from a fine arts background, the challenges of an illustrator were foreign to me. Under the tutelage of Alex Fine and Greg Houston, I have begun to understand the methods and skills needed to convey a message clearly and concisely to the public at large.” – Dave DeVoll, Fundamental Illustration
“Greg Houston is amazing and his class is amazing… I owe so much to him. I just feel like I did so much good work in his class. I’m SUPER GRATEFUL to the Conversation/Workshop class I took at BAI; I feel like I got more out of just one of those classes than I did all semester at my college.” – Jess Connell, Conversation and Workshop
“In my experience as a teacher’s assistant, I have never seen a group of students grow so fast and end the semester with a huge BANG as they did in Greg Houston’s Illustration: Professional Practices class! Greg and I were able to develop close working relationships with all the students. We care about each one as a person and illustrator. I look forward to TAing next semester and meeting a new bunch of talented and hardworking students!!” – Erica Ostrowski, TA, Illustration: Professional Practices
“I loved the opportunity to get one-on-one personal feedback about my assignments from professional, working illustrators and instructors who are honest, insightful, and aim to help me improve my work. They are building a strong community of illustrators at BAI, which will be a force to be reckoned with — it’s thrilling to be a part of it!” – Nick Prevas, Fundamental Illustration
“This was my first illustration class — ever — and it was a lot of fun and definitely a challenge. Greg Houston was an entertaining teacher and his in-class critiques were a perfect mix of honesty, humor, and instruction.” – Kirk Roush, Fundamental Illustration
“I really loved taking Editorial Illustration with Alex Fine. He gives great, practical feedback on homework assignments to help his students build a strong, professional portfolio. He puts his students in direct contact with art directors and other working illustrators.” – Jimmy Malone, Editorial Illustration,
“As someone who was looking to get back to my love of art, but didn’t have the time/money/inclination to commit to a traditional art school, the Baltimore Academy of Illustration was exactly what I was looking for. The two online courses I’ve taken have been fantastic at giving me insight into the practicalities of being a working illustrator. The assignments are perfect for building a portfolio and the feedback from instructors and classmates is invaluable. My instructors have all been engaged, responsive and supportive- which has truly validated my decision to give art another go. I cannot recommend the courses here highly enough!”- Elizabeth Allin, Intro to Illustration: Online and Digital Illustration:Online
“I attended BAI and took the fundamentals of illustration course. It was a good introduction to the world of illustration and thinking about my art in a different way. I liked the fact that the instructor (Greg Houston) took our time seriously and was always available for questions. Classes (and the discussions during) were often fun and engaging. I hope to take another class soon to build up my portfolio and put my work out there for potential clients.”- Amelia Carroll, Fundamental Illustration
“For people with an interest in Illustration, BAI offers an opportunity that cannot be found anywhere else. World-class instructors with real world experience providing insight and guidance of a quality that is equaled only by their passion for the subject at hand. BAI is an invaluable asset to this city.” – Thom B. Winters, Watercolor Painting Techniques for Illustrators
“The education I receive taking classes at BAI is a much needed bridge to a new career that previously seemed out of reach. I am an adult student without much formal training as an artist and am primarily self taught. Thanks to the thoughtful instruction of the teachers at BAI, I am able to enjoy the opportunity to make my love for illustrating into a possible profession.” – Travis Keller, Illustration: Professional Practices
“Baltimore Academy of Illustration is my second home. The classes are full of wonderful people and fantastic teachers whom I like to call my family. Everyone supports and inspires one another’s individuality and style. I am so thankful to have found this amazing school and be part of its community.”- Bethany Ackerman, Fundamental Illustration, Continuing Illustration
“It has been such a great course! Greg as a teacher and mentor has really made me develop my skills as a creative artist and illustrator. The crit and feedback has been fantastic in so many ways. I would recommend this course to anyone who wishes to learn more about the art of visual storytelling. I’m proud of the portfolio I have created during this course and very happy with the Facebook group where we who participated have really supported one another. I have learned a lot by seeing how the others have solved the assignments and had fun both receiving and giving feedback 🙂 Thanks again for a great course!”-Camilla Ericson, Intro to Illustration:Online, Digital Illustration:Online
“My involvement at Baltimore Academy of Illustration has been the most fulfilling experience to
my artistic ability and knowledge, than any of my previous art class engagements. I’ve had the
pleasure of being instructed by one of the most passionate, knowledgeable,
and kind-hearted illustrators I’ve ever met. Baltimore Academy of Illustration will not only test
and challenge your skills, but will do so for a very reasonable price!”-Kaleb Whiteford, Fundamental Illustration, Continuing Illustration, Creating Characters
“Tracy’s class encouraged me to delve further in the practice of drawing for illustration; it freed me from the intimidation I had previously felt while drawing.
Her gentle and knowledgeable approach to exploration, observation, and the practice of the fundamental elements of drawing has allowed me to pursue illustration with a keener eye and sharper skills. Thank you Tracy!”–Patricia Bacca, Drawing for Illustration
“I could not recommend this course more highly for aspiring illustrators. The project prompts are loads of fun and truly inspiring. Greg is a fantastic mentor who takes the time to give you thorough feedback for each piece. With the exciting assignments and consistent feedback, I saw my illustrations become more developed than they have ever been before. I am a full time teacher and the course (and Greg!) is flexible enough that I could easily manage the work! I looked forward to each week’s assignment. Take this class!”- Brooke Leahy, Creating Characters:Online