Make the Art You
Keep Meaning to Make
A community of people making art for the love of it! And holding each other steady when it gets hard.
Free to join. Monthly challenges, a sketchbook feed, and a room full of people doing the work.
Courses and live sessions, $67/month.
Let Me Tell You Something Nobody Tells You
I wanted to be an artist when I was young. Badly. But I was scared, and the people around me made it worse. My mother did not support it. Teachers who should have been mentors competed with me instead.
Nobody showed me how to do anything. I had to grind through library books and step-by-step graphics manuals on my own. I made slides of my student work and cold-called professional artists, just asking them to look at it because I was not getting the guidance I needed anywhere else.
The more I developed, the more resistance I met. Awards that should have meant something were dismissed. I was told not to get a big head. So I played my entire early career small. Underachieved. Held back.
And I still built a 25-year career as one of the highest-rated professors at the Academy of Art University.
“My Students went on to become art directors and production heads at Pixar, Disney, and across the industry.”
But here is what I never forgot. How it felt to be talented and alone. How much harder everything was because no one would just show me the framework and then get out of the way and let me make it my own.
That is why Nextgen Artists exists. Not to replace art school. Not to make you faster or cheaper. To give you what I never had. A studio where someone with real experience actually gives a damn whether you make it.
A place where you learn the frameworks and then bend them to your own will.
A community where the only person you are competing with is who you were yesterday.
Former students Art showcase
WHO THIS IS FOR
This Is For You If:
You have the talent but not the direction. You are putting in the work, but doing it alone. You have people in your life who do not understand why you keep pursuing this. You have been told to be realistic so many times that you have started to believe it yourself. You are not looking for someone to hand you anything.
You are looking for someone to show you the framework and trust you to run with it. You are tired of hiding your work. You are ready to be held accountable. You are ready to stop talking about making art and start actually making it.
You are not looking for a school. You are looking for a studio.
“Most of the stuff I know about digital painting, I learned from Robert Revels. More than any other teacher at the Academy, Robert was able to help me translate my understanding of painting to the digital realm in a way that was simple and efficient. I highly recommend artists of all skill levels check out his new course.”
“Robert Revels was one of my favorite instructors in college, so much so that I and several other classmates took his class multiple times. His critiques are always insightful and make a visible improvement towards the final, whether it be design sense, composition, or color. I learned a ton from Mr. Revels’ class and came out with a much stronger portfolio.”
“During my time at college, I was fortunate enough to take a painting class with Robert. He is a wonderful and dedicated instructor who guides his students with passion and patience. He would find every students strengths and weakness to help shape them in preparation for their future career endeavors. Not only is he a fantastic educator, but also a very friendly and humble person. I’ve learned so much from him, and I have so much to thank him for being where I am now in my career.”
Testimonials
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![Bethany Lynne Moy]()
Bethany Lynne Moy
"Before learning from Robert Revels, I didn't know anything about painting in Photoshop. I was apprehensive, and the whole idea was truly daunting. However; from the first lesson, my confidence began to rise because his easy-to-follow teaching style never made learning frustrating! His instruction was always very clear, and made learning super exciting. Mr. Revels is always willing to take extra time to help every student by giving in-depth reviews of assignments, and by answering any question. Through every step, Mr. Revels' encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to grow as an artist; and without his amazing teaching, I never would have achieved the goal of actually becoming a painter!"
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![Helen Chen]()
Helen Chen
“During my time at the Academy of Art University, Robert was one of my very favorite instructors. Not only was he a great resource for his students, but he was super attentive and approachable. I felt like the 2 semesters I had with him was where I found the most growth in terms of my digital painting skills. His feedback was always tuned to each student and their skill level, and never felt abstract or out of reach.“
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![Julia Blattman]()
Julia Blattman
“Robert taught one of my favorite classes while I was a student at AAU. With great enthusiasm he shared with us his deep knowledge of digital illustration. I particularly loved the assignments he gave- the class was unique because you could focus your work around a story and develop it. The feedback Robert gave was always extremely helpful, I truly learned a lot in his class and developed my skills significantly! I miss going into that class and sharing laughs, group constructive critiques and seeing his sincere interest in each students progression.”
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![Linda Chen]()
Linda Chen
“Robert Revels was one of my favorite instructors in college, so much so that I and several other classmates took his class multiple times. His critiques are always insightful and make a visible improvement towards the final, whether it be design sense, composition, or color. I learned a ton from Mr. Revels’ class and came out with a much stronger portfolio.”
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![Olivia Katherine Moy]()
Olivia Katherine Moy
“Before I started Robert Revels’ digital painting classes, I had very little working knowledge on how to paint digitally, and avoided it over working traditionally. I was intimidated at first, but excited! Mr. Revels not only encouraged my excitement but catered the assignments around my interests and skills to make the learning that much more fun, which helped me get more out of his classes. Mr. Revels encourages proper technique, but in doing so never discourages personal style. He made transitioning from traditional media to digital media simple and understandable. He helps you use your traditional skills to implement into the digital painting world. In spite of all the skill and guided experience I gained in his classes, the most important lesson I learned from him was to step back, examine myself, and make sure I’m taking care of myself emotionally, physically, and spiritually. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t create the art that you love! Mr. Revels taught me many things, but that stays with me the most.”
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![Ian Jun Wei Chiew]()
Ian Jun Wei Chiew
"During my time at college, I was fortunate enough to take a painting class with Robert. He is a wonderful and dedicated instructor that guides his students with passion and patience. He would find every students strengths and weakness to help shape them in preparation for their future career endeavors. Not only is he a fantastic educator, but also a very friendly and humble person. I've learned so much from him, and I have so much to thank him for being where I am now in my career."
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![Dylan Vermeul]()
Dylan Vermeul
“Most of the stuff I know about digital painting, I learned from Robert Revels. More than any other teacher at the Academy, Robert was able to help me translate my understanding of painting to the digital realm in a way that was simple and efficient. I highly recommend artists of all skill levels check out his new course.”
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![Erwin Madrid]()
Erwin Madrid
“Robert Revels is by far the best teacher teaching digital painting at the Academy of Art University. His methods of instruction was able to produce results for me fast that I desperately needed to completely change my portfolio so it was relatable to a very fast changing concept design industry.”
Concept Artist [Animation] | Childrens Book Illustrator
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erwinmadrid -
![Angela Roussel]()
Angela Roussel
"I’ve had the pleasure of taking 3 of Robert Revels classes during my time at AAU. He is easily one of my favorite instructors because is he passionate about his craft and helping his students. Beginner or pro, you will definitely learn something from his classes."
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![Angela Vanden Tak]()
Angela Vanden Tak
“Robert Revels is the rare combination of a talented artist and a genuinely dedicated teacher. It was a privilege to learn from him. He is incredibly capable, teaching a vast number of techniques and important skills. He is also one of the most encouraging teachers I have known, willing to advise and steer his students toward their strengths and desired goals. He was the first to encourage me into the field of game art which has led to a successful, decade long career. To this day I remember and utilize many of the lessons he taught me. I would jump at the chance to learn from him again, as I am sure he still has plenty more to teach.”
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![Anne Faith Nichols]()
Anne Faith Nichols
“Robert Revels graphic design and computer instruction was grounded in composition fundamentals that continue to inform my practice as a professional artist today, both on the computer and on the easel. Through layering techniques, Mr. Revels taught me how to design conscientiously, as an artist first, and showed me how to use the computer as a tool to interpret my style from paper to digital formats. His patience, and helpful, memorable computer shortcuts and techniques helped me build my skills and confidence as an artist in the digital age. “
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![Leo Aquino]()
Leo Aquino
“I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from Robert. I not only learned artistic techniques, both traditional and digital skills, but he also taught me how to carry myself as a professional artist in the industry. I would not be the artist I am today without his teachings and mentorship. I utilized much of the techniques he taught me during my time as a Concept Artist at Disney Interactive and when I was a Lead Artist at Jam City working on mobile games. Robert always made sure that his classes were fun for us students and kept the critiques constructive and useful. His cool, calm, and confident teaching approach really gave us students something to look up to and aspire to. Robert is full of knowledge, artistic passion, and years of experience. Any student would be lucky to learn from him. I highly recommend training with Robert if you’re an artist who is serious about improving your work. “
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![Apple Qingyang Zhang]()
Apple Qingyang Zhang
“During my senior year back at the Academy, which was a crucial time period to establish my distinctive personal style and make everything I learned in school count, I had the pleasure of having Robert as my portfolio development teacher. Fully devoted to an art educational career, Robert not only fulfilled his duty as a tutor who has helped every single one of his students to level up as artists but also furthered his passion for being an inspirer, an influencer who's willing to pass on his knowledge of everything he knows about the industry according to his experience so that we could be more prepared and confident in this competitive society. I am sure that Robert is the right master to teach the trade, while our apprentice's skills are self-made.”
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![Ben Jelter]()
Ben Jelter
“I had the good fortune of having Robert Revels as an instructor twice while I was in school. He always gave really great feedback. My favorite part of the class was the lessons. No other teacher explored concepts like composition so thoroughly. I felt a real sense of confidence when creating illustrations after taking Robert's class.
Robert strikes a really great balance between being an expert on the material and being a very kind and caring teacher. I haven't seen many teachers that can manage both so well!”
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![Carlos Machuca]()
Carlos Machuca
“Robert Revels art instruction was instrumental in my path as a Concept Artist in the video game industry. His emphasis on the fundamentals of art is truly helpful and significant, a must for any artist to succeed. His clear instruction helped me clear those tough artistic road bumps. Without a doubt, Roberts teaching is valuable resource to anyone looking to purse or just polish up there artistic skill.”
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![Carolina Tello Zeleski]()
Carolina Tello Zeleski
“Robert is a fantastic teacher. He is a wealth of knowledge and he knows exactly how to present the material so it is easy to follow and implement as you learn. He was instrumental in getting me started on digital painting and it is now what I love and do for a living.”
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![Christine Knopp]()
Christine Knopp
"Robert Revels is more than just a talented digital Illustrator, but is also an amazing and dedicated instructor. I took multiple classes with Robert during my time at Academy of Art University and he was one of the professors who stood out due to both the versatility he had in mediums and style as well as his individual based teaching, which focused on pushing an individual artist's growth, vs forcing them to fit into a one size fits all model. I feel most of my strongest University work both technically and conceptually was due to Robert pushing me to not only be myself, but to PUSH myself farther with each additional illustration, especially when it came to digital painting. Robert has continued to be a valued contact and mentor beyond my University years and into my professional years and I am very excited for his new lessons."
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![Erika Flak]()
Erika Flak
"Robert in an excellent teacher! He helped me have a stronger understanding of digital mediums, pushing the quality of my work to the next level. Thanks Robert!"
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![Frank T lin]()
Frank T lin
“Robert is dedicated to what he does. Whether it is image creating or teaching, he communicates in a clear and direct manner. During my time as his student, he would spend his time after class to guide me towards a better illustration.”
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![Pierre Roussel]()
Pierre Roussel
"Robert is a great artist and wonderful teacher; I had the opportunity to take a few of his classes and learned a lot. Robert not only knows artistic sensibilities, but has a deep understanding of many digital painting tools and techniques. I found Robert to be a patient, insightful, and very knowledgeable instructor and I have fond memories of his classes."
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![Ryan Winch]()
Ryan Winch
“Robert Revels has impressed me with his near encyclopedic knowledge with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Often with any problem I had in these programs he was able to explain multiple solutions, leaving me to decide the best route on my own. His approach addresses the practical and technical aspects of digital art, ensuring he is unbiased when it comes to an individual’s style. My only regret with him is not taking his more advanced courses as the introductory course did not take full advantage of his experience. His instruction is patient, thorough and comes with my highest recommendation.”
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![Yanare Ku]()
Yanare Ku
"Being a student of Robert's was an opportunity I am extremely thankful to have had. He is one of the few mentors I've ever known who was able to truly, objectively look at a group of students with vastly different styles and offer honest feedback, critique, and instruction specifically tailored to each one. He always found ways to push everyone to the next level, regardless of their unique tastes and approaches. His insight was always valuable."
WHAT IS INSIDE
Inside The Studio
Monthly Live Workshop with Robert: Once a month, we go deep on a specific skill or topic. Live, focused, recorded. Real teaching, not a webinar.
Quarterly Workshop Curriculum: Four levels from foundation through professional storytelling. Active skill sessions, not passive content.
Monthly Art Challenge: Three paths. Figure Drawing, Costume and Character Design, Storytelling.
The Studio Community: Work in progress, wins, honest feedback. Courage over perfection. Action over talking.
The Path Forward: When you are ready to build original IP you own, IP Forge is waiting.
PRICING
Start free. Upgrade when you want the classes.
Courses and live sessions, $67/month.
A Note Before You JoinThis studio is being built in real time.
What you will find inside Nextgen Artists right now is the foundation. The community, the monthly live sessions, the challenges, the resources, and the path forward. It is real, it is active, and it is growing every month.
“What it is not is finished. And I want to be honest with you about that before you join.”
Founding members are not buying a completed product. They are joining a studio that is being built with intention, month by month, around the artists who are inside it. The curriculum grows. The resource library expands. The community gets deeper. Every month you are here, it becomes more valuable than it was the month before.
“That is not a disclaimer. That is the offer.”
You are not getting the finished version at the founding price. You are getting in at the beginning, when your presence actually shapes what this becomes, and you are locking that price for life while the studio grows around you.
If you need everything to be perfect before you commit, wait. The price will be higher when we get there.
If you are willing to build alongside us, the door is open now.
One Last Thing
I spent too many years playing small because someone I loved kept moving the goalposts. The only thing that counts, I eventually learned, is whether you respect your own work enough to keep doing it.
I cannot give you that belief. That one is yours to build. But I can give you a place to build it.
The artist you want to become is not waiting on more talent. They are waiting on you to decide to show up.
Nextgen Artists is where that starts.
Ten years ago I was a sleep-deprived art student, dragging my portfolio around comic book conventions without showing it to anyone, dreading the possibility that I’d still be working nights as a security guard in another ten years. As an artist, I was good, but there was something holding me back. It was around that time that I received the same powerful message from two sources that I couldn’t possibly ignore. That message changed everything for me, and, I think, unlocked my creative potential.
I was due for my “midpoint review” at the Academy, which was a sort of check-in for advanced students. A senior instructor would take a look at your portfolio and give you some big-picture advice to help you prepare and improve your body of work with an eye toward your career post-college. For me, I was lucky enough that this review was given to me by Robert Revels, one of the most skilled and thoughtful illustrators I’ve ever met, and an ever-present influence on my artistic process.
I had also recently met my future wife, Shannon. Falling madly in love with her was an awakening for me on such a deep level that it made me reconsider all of my priorities in life and art. She believed in me so fiercely - when I felt barely confident enough to show someone my portfolio. It was a breathtaking moment in my life.
Within what seems in my memory a remarkably short period of time, both Robert and Shannon told me the exact same thing, almost to the word:
“You’re good, but you need to find your passion.”
What they meant was that I was technically proficient, I had the all the chops - anatomy, perspective, composition, etc. But my art was lacking the emotion, the personal connection, the energy - the fire - that it takes to make something real.
From that moment, I started to fight for it. I started to reach for the emotions inside of me that I had been suppressing for years to cope with grief and pain and to finally express them through my pencils and inks, instead of just drawing muscles and bones. I’m still fighting for it, but I’ve made some things that I’m proud of. And it all started because I listened.
So, thanks Shannon and Robert. This one’s for you.
— Rahsan Ekedal
