When I think back to my time at MTM College, a lot of things come to mind: late nights in the studio with my classmates, the ridiculous amount of coffee we consumed, and how we somehow managed to make even the most stressful projects fun just by going through it together. We’d stay up late grinding through homework, hopping on Discord to send each other sketches, giving feedback, and cheering each other on.

The community at MTM was something special. It wasn’t just about learning; it was about growing together. We’d go on gallery trips, get lost in hours-long video game sessions, and somehow, even between all that, push each other to keep improving as artists. The school itself had this welcoming energy, where the instructors knew us by name and genuinely cared about what we wanted to do with our art.

One of the biggest highlights of my time studying Concept Art at MTM was the traditional oil painting classes. I’d been painting for years before I started the program, but I’d never worked with oils before, and finding a school that still teaches that craft is incredibly rare. That class was phenomenal - it gave me a whole new way to think about light, colour, and form, and those skills translated directly into my digital work. It’s something I still use, and I’m beyond grateful I got the chance to learn it in such a hands-on, mentorship-driven environment.

Some of my classmates went on to work at big-name studios, others are thriving as freelance artists, and a few of us are still figuring things out (because let’s be real, that’s part of being an artist). But what we all had in common was that MTM gave us a space to learn, grow, and make a ton of mistakes along the way - and somehow, we came out the other side as better artists and better people.

What Makes MTM College’s Concept Art Program Special?

The world of concept art is fast-moving and ever-growing. Video games, animation, movies, comics, tabletop games, and even VR experiences all start with visual development. Our goal is to prepare students to thrive in this industry with a deep, well-rounded education.

One of the things that sets MTM’s Concept Art Program apart is our one-of-a-kind traditional oil painting classes - something most digital art programs overlook.

Why do we emphasize traditional painting?

Because understanding light, form, and colour in real media gives you an invaluable skillset that makes your digital work richer and more nuanced. Many of the greatest artists in the industry - those working at Ubisoft, Blizzard, Pixar, and Marvel - started by learning how to paint traditionally.

This is just one of the many ways we go beyond software tutorials to teach real artistic craftsmanship - skills that translate directly into creating high-quality concept art.

On top of that, our small class sizes ensure that you get individualized mentorship from working industry professionals - instructors who have spent years in games, animation, and comics, and who are dedicated to helping you push your skills beyond what you thought possible.

Life at MTM College: More Than Just Classes

One of my favorite things about MTM is the tight-knit community. Every week, students are sharing feedback on each other’s work, collaborating on projects, and learning not just from our instructors but from one another.

We’ve had impromptu drawing jams in the studio, guest lectures from industry legends, and moments where students land their first gigs while still in school. It’s inspiring to see graduates like Zabi Hassan go from sketching ideas in class to working full-time in the video game industry, designing characters and worlds that players will interact with for years to come.

We’ve built something special here - a place where artists grow, learn, and connect with the industry in real ways.

If you’re curious about what it’s like to study at MTM, we’d love for you to visit us.

Upcoming Free Events – Meet Us in Person!

🖌️ MTM Open House – Saturday, February 22nd (In-Person)
Want to explore our campus, meet our instructors, and see the beautiful artwork created by our students? Join us for an afternoon of creativity and inspiration.

Plus, we’re giving away two signed copies of FREEHAND FIGURE DRAWING FOR ILLUSTRATORS by Marvel & DC artist Dave Ross!

🎨 Portfolio Review Fair – Friday, March 1st (In-Person)
Are you working on a portfolio for art school or the industry? This is your chance to get feedback from industry professionals—completely free.

This event is open to all artists, whether you’re applying to MTM or not. If you want to know where you stand and how to make your work stronger, this is your opportunity.

✏️ FREE Application Week – March 3-7th (New Dates)
For one week only, you can apply to MTM College for FREE. If you’re serious about building a career in concept art, animation, or illustration, this is the perfect chance to take the first step—without worrying about the application fee.

Last Chance to Join Our Blender Workshop!

Before I go, I want to mention that registration is closing soon for our upcoming Blender Workshop with Sonia Gutierrez. This is an amazing opportunity to dive into 3D modeling, whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your skills.

Sonia’s last masterclass was a huge success, with attendees saying they gained more confidence in Blender in just a few hours than in weeks of trying to learn alone.

If you’re interested in learning Blender from an industry pro, now’s the time to sign up before it’s too late.

We’re so excited for what’s coming up and hope to see you soon, whether at the Open House, the Portfolio Review Fair, or inside one of our classes.

Questions? Email me (Amanda) at [email protected] anytime!

Stay in Touch!