“It’s about control.”
If there’s one phrase that sums up Scott Cameron’s “How to Make Great Images” Masterclass, it’s that. Control of focus, control of values, control of your viewer’s experience. Because, as Scott emphasized, if you know how to control your image, you can make anything read the way you want it to.

🎤 Scott’s Journey: From Student to Instructor

Scott’s story isn’t just about technique—it’s about learning, struggling, and sharing what he wished he’d known sooner.
When he attended the Ontario College of Art (OCA) in the 1980s, composition wasn’t part of the curriculum. Scott knew how to draw, but he didn’t know how to make his images work. Frustrated by his lack of control, he turned to books and old masters for answers. One of the most pivotal was Henry Pitz’s “Pictorial Composition”, a book filled with visual breakdowns of how images really work.

This self-taught knowledge took him from student to professional. He worked as a background painter for Disney during their brief Toronto run in the 1990s, and since 2008, he’s been an instructor at MTM College, sharing his hard-won insights with the next generation of artists.

Scott’s passion for teaching stems from knowing how transformative these lessons are. He often says, “This stuff has been around for hundreds of years. I’m just someone passing it on today.”

🎯 Core Values from the Workshop

Scott’s class was more than a technical deep dive; it was a mindset shift. Here are some core principles that go beyond the canvas and into the heart of what makes great art:

1. Clarity First, Detail Second
   Jumping straight to details is tempting, but without clear composition, even the best rendering can fall flat. Scott’s advice?
   👉 Start with tonal studies to plan your values and focus.

2. Dominance and Control
   Don’t let your image overwhelm your viewer. Designate one area of high contrast as the focal point and mute everything else. This ensures your story shines through.

3. Movement and Rhythm
   A good image takes the viewer on a journey. Whether it’s a circular path around Reuben’s lions or a dynamic flow in a concept piece, rhythm keeps your work alive and engaging.

4. Intentionality Over Accidents
   Nothing in a professional image is accidental. Every shadow, highlight, and placement serves a purpose. As Scott put it, “If you know what you’re doing and why, everything becomes an option.”

📚 Why This Matters for Your Art

Whether you’re illustrating a comic, designing concept art, or creating an animation frame, these principles are your toolkit for making powerful, professional images. Knowing how to control focus, values, and movement doesn’t stifle creativity—it unlocks it.

Scott’s workshop reminded us that the tools for great art are timeless. Gustave Doré, Rembrandt, Mobius, and modern film directors all rely on these same principles. And now, thanks to Scott’s generous teaching, you can too.

🎥 Catch the Recording and Take Control

If you missed the live session, don’t worry! Watch the full class now, and start mastering the art of image control. It’s packed with demos, student feedback, and Scott’s wealth of experience.

🚀 Upcoming Events – Join Us for More Free Learning!

🗓️ Tomorrow: Free Masterclass – “Storytelling for Comics”

Want to learn how to tell captivating stories through comics? Join us for a free online masterclass on Storytelling for Comics and discover how to craft compelling narratives, design engaging panels, and keep readers hooked.

📅 Date: Tomorrow
🕑 Time: 6 PM - 9 PM EST
📍 Location: Online (Google Meet)

🏫 This Weekend: Online Open House + Free Figure Drawing Workshop

Explore MTM College, meet our instructors and students, and join a free Figure Drawing Workshop with industry veteran Dave Ross!

📅 Date: This Saturday
🕙 Time: 10 AM - 2 PM EST
📍 Location: Online (Google Meets)

🖥️ December 19th: Free Masterclass – “Intro to 3D Art: Modeling in Blender”

Curious about 3D modeling? Join Sonia Gutierrez for a beginner-friendly introduction to 3D art and learn the basics of modeling in Blender. No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity and creativity!

📅 Date: December 19th
🕔 Time: 6 PM - 9 PM EST
📍 Location: Online (Google Meet)

Thank you to everyone who joined us live, shared their work, and asked questions. We can’t wait to see you at our next event! Remember: Control your values, control your image. And when you do, you control your story.

🖌️✨ Keep creating, keep learning, and keep making great images!

Questions?
Contact Amanda anytime at media@maxthemutt.com. I’m here to help!

Stay in Touch!