Pursue Your Passion For Creating Art

Proven online program to become a successful artist in just one year—at any skill level.

Launch Your Art Career with The Mastery Program

Master painting and drawing techniques, discover your artistic voice, and launch a thriving art business, at your own pace, in this flexible online art program.

Here's How We'll Help You Become a Master

We've perfected our curriculum with over 5,000 students worldwide. This program transforms anyone into a professional artist in just one year—even if you have never painted before. You will become proficient in oil painting, drawing, and mixed media techniques through our immersive learning process, which combines Old Masters' methods and modern techniques.

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Develop Your Skills

Become a master of Oil Painting, Drawing, and various Mixed Media techniques by practicing modern and traditional skills to create whatever you want without limitations.

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Find Your Artistic Voice

Learn step-by-step how to uncover your unique story and share it through your art with visual excellence, so you can set your artwork apart.

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Establish Your Style

Follow our time-tested, proprietary framework and discover how to express your voice by combining your artistic process with your personal aesthetic.

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Build Your Brand as an Artist

Get proven advice for creating a long-term art career, from seasoned art professionals. See what you actually need to do to succeed as an artist—that nobody is telling you.

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Implement Your Marketing Strategy

Don’t fatigue yourself trying to succeed by chance. Put our artists’ years of experience into motion for your art business and reap the rewards (quicker).

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Promote Your Artwork

Cut the fluff and learn the exact steps you must take to start getting your art in front of the eyes of collectors who are ready to buy from you.

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Connect with Your Community

You're not alone in this. Share your experiences with over 5,000 artists who've gone through the program before you and can help guide you.

Your Instructors' Artwork

Become a Waitlist Member

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Waitlist members get access to the exclusive Mastery Program Prep Course, where they'll learn how to build an easel, set up their studio, develop their creativity, discover what art supplies they should use, and more. While on the Waitlist, you'll also receive inspiration and information to help you start your art career.

Join the Waitlist Now

This program provided the best value I’ve ever received for my money. I’ve sold over $10,000 worth of art since I started the program, and I haven’t even been focused on promotion for all of that time. Thanks for giving me the confidence to call myself a professional artist!

Autumn Hunter

Student | The Mastery Program

Deciding to enroll in the art mastery program was literally the best decision of my life. Not only myself but everyone around me has noticed an enormous improvement in my art. I finally have my own style and voice which has revealed even more creation in me. I haven’t even started the business/portfolio half of the program and I already feel like I have benefited so much.

Christina Cowan

Student | The Mastery Program

This is a brilliant class on a huge variety of styles of drawing and painting. It has stretched my world of what's familiar in the art world and I'm delighted with some of the pieces I've done! I'm also excited to go over some of the classes again to see where I can improve yet again and become even more comfortable with the techniques. And, yes, I'm drawing and painting things that I never would have thought possible before I started the class. And, my pieces are getting attention from people who are wanting to buy them. And, I only started recently! I'm very excited to get through the program. The possibilities seem infinite!

Michelle Nedelec

Student | The Mastery Program

I’m only in week 3 of the program and it has already changed my life! ❤️ I’ve learned so much already, my skills are flying through the roof and I am constantly surprised about what comes out of my hands. I’m even in love with my art now, I used to always see imperfections and not like it. On top of that, the lessons give me daily focus and a goal every week. Way less doom scrolling and online shopping for me, unless it is for art supplies 😁 LOVE IT 😍

Caro Eikelenboom - Heineken

Student | The Mastery Program

I'm thrilled to finally be a part of this course. I watched and waited for almost a year, scouring YouTube for the free workshops and carefully paying attention to the community. Initially I didn't think I had the skills or confidence to be a part of the program but eventually I realized I really do want to take my art seriously and this was the best match for me to do it. Skills to voice and finally tackling the business were the puzzle pieces I discovered on my own but I needed help putting them together. I've set mini goals monthly to pay for the program with my art and I'm so pleased what I've learned already. Thank you for believing in me even before you knew me!

Kirsten K

Student | The Mastery Program

Autumn Hunter
Christina Cowan
Michelle Nedelec
Caro Eikelenboom - Heineken
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Learn at Your Own Pace

Designed to be completed in 1 year, but flexible to fit your schedule
Part 1 - Drawing & Oil Painting

Unleash Your Creativity

It all starts with developing your skills. You’ll learn everything you need to know to master realism by developing your oil painting and drawing skills first. In fact, during the very first week of the program, you’ll create a painting you never thought you’d be able to create. And it only gets better from there. The lessons are strategically designed to compound your artistic skills, so you’ll be blown away by your progress.

Part 1 - Weekly Syllabus
  1. Contour Drawing & Subtractive Glaze Painting

  2. Value, Scale & Indirect Painting

  3. Proportion, Planes & 8 Brush Stroke Portrait

  4. Still Life Drawing in Graphite & Alla Prima Still Life

  5. Break

  6. Gesture Drawing & Fat Over Lean

  7. Perspective & Subtractive City - Learn the Secrets of the Renaissance

  8. Portrait Proportions & Alla Prima Life Painting

  9. Small Scale Realism - Learn to See like an Artist

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  11. Mark Making & Directional Marks - Experience the Freedom of Expression

  12. Foreshortening & Alla Prima from Source

  13. Self Portrait - Learn the Psychology of Seeing Your True Self

  14. Expressive Drawing & Summary Final Assignment

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Part 2 - Weekly Syllabus
17. Acrylic Painting & Art History - Discover Your Place Among the Greats

18. Ink & Identifying Your Personal Aesthetic

19. Mark Making & Archetypes - Create Themes and Motifs in Your Work

20. Spray Paint & Your Process - Learn the Process Authentic to You

21. Collage & How to Synthesize - Learn the 4 Phases of the Creative Cycle

22. Break

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24. Painting an Abstract & Critique - Discover Dimensions Previously Unknown

25. Rollers & Source Material

26. Gold Leaf & Choosing a Source

27. Elli's Mixed Media Process & Creating Sources

28. Dimitra's Mixed Media Process & Integrating Source Material into Your Voice

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Part 2 - Mixed Media, Personal Aesthetic & Voice

Discover Your Unique Voice

Now that you’ve developed the necessary skills to create realistically, it’s time to learn how to express yourself with your art. You’ll develop an artistic vocabulary that utilizes a wide variety of mixed media techniques, many only found in the Mastery Program. This part of the program is where you get to know yourself better than ever before. If they haven’t already, your friends and family will start to notice the shift in you and compliment you. Your confidence will start to shine as your voice becomes more refined.


Part 3 - Portfolio Creation & Branding

Create Your Portfolio of 30 Paintings

You’ve dreamed of creating a cohesive portfolio of artwork for years, and now is the time to do it. Every fiber of your being will shout for joy after making your 30 pieces that encapsulate your unique story. The best part is that you’ll have already found an approach that works for your temperament and is designed just for you. The entire process will be FUN!

Part 3 - Weekly Syllabus
31. Studio Habits & How to Build a Portfolio

32. Artist Habits - How to be Productive in Your Workspace

33. Setting Goals & Assessing Your Portfolio - How to Build a Business Strategy

34. Emotional Intelligence & Final Touches - Become More Self-Aware and Succeed

35. Motivation & Prepare for Your Production Period - Become a Prolific Painter

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37. Through to week 42 - Independent Production & Developing Your Portfolio

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39. Through to week 42 - Independent Production & Developing Your Portfolio

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Part 4 - Weekly Syllabus
44. Start Selling Your Art

45. Getting Your Product Ready

46. Building Your Brand

47. Creating Marketing Collateral

48. Creating Your Website

49. Social Media Marketing

50. Promoting Your Product

51. Sales and Promotion

52. Launching Your Career
Part 4 - Marketing, Galleries & Launching Your Career

Sell Your Art & Become a Professional

Your art is amazing, and it’s time for the world to see it, love it, and buy it. We’re about to teach you the industry secrets that have allowed countless artists to turn their passion for art into a profession. You’ll learn how to create an irresistible brand for collectors, build a high-converting website, amplify your message with social media, and more.

Is the Mastery Program Right for You?

Reasons You Should NOT take the Mastery Program:

  • I don’t really love to create art
  • I don’t want to sell my art
  • I’d rather work a job for the rest of my life
  • I’m not willing to put in work to improve
  • I give up easily
  • I’m not really passionate about art
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Reasons You NEED to take the Mastery Program:

  • I'm passionate about art

  • I struggle with artist's block and not knowing what to paint

  • I have a difficult time selling my art

  • I've failed in the past with my art, but I'm open to trying a proven system for success

  • I have grit, and my adversities have made me better

  • I love to paint, even if it isn't always easy

  • I feel like I have art inside my head, and once I gain the right skills, I'll be able to put it onto the canvas

  • I'm a beginner and feel like I don't know how to become successful as an artist

  • I have some experience with art, but I'm looking for something to speed up the learning process

  • I went to art school and was hoping they'd teach me how to make a living with my art, but they didn't

  • I’m tired of trial and error, and I want hands-on support from professionals who are already making a living from art

You Can Achieve This in the Program Too...

Hear how Sarah achieved her dream of becoming a professional artist…

They've taught me so much. They prepared me for the real world. And I've learned about myself and found my voice while taking the classes here. So it's not just painting classes, it's also business classes, it's also voice, branding, and marketing. It's everything you need to become an artist."

Listen to Michael’s story as a new artist in the program…

"The one thing this program has that no other program in the world has, it was able to take me who's never done art in their life and turn them into some kind artist who knows how to paint, draw, just have my own style. Just that one thing pushed this program ahead of anything else out there" 

Shikhambri earned back her tuition fees while in the program…

"In about 6 months, I sold 2-3 paintings which I painted in Mastery Program, and when I was in 10th month, I did a solo art show in an art café in osaka, and I told about 9-10 paintings, and I was so happy about it, I even started getting commissions, so practically I am still pursing Mastery Program and I have recovered my tuition fees"

Meet Your Instructors

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Elli Milan

Founding Owner, Instructor

As the founding owner of Milan Art Institute, Elli has been a professional artist for three decades. Elli sold more than 10,000 pieces of art throughout her thriving career. She has transformed the lives of thousands of artists from around the world—helping them find their voice and turn their passion for art into a profession. With her online drawing and painting classes, Elli is a leading voice of the current Art Renaissance.
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John Milan

Co-founder, Instructor

Co-founder of Milan Art Institute, John is possibly one of the most interesting artists alive. He will share the insights he has gleaned from his 25+ years as a professional artist with you in an entertaining, yet inspiring way. He has developed many styles of art and brings them to life with vibrant color and surreal figures in his mixed media oil paintings. John is an avid teacher and traveler, currently mentoring several local and non-local artists while traveling to various countries throughout the year.
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Dimitra Milan

Co-owner, Director & Instructor

Dimitra generated over a million dollars of artwork sales by the age of 15. Her success is a result of learning at Milan Art Institute and her paintings are collected worldwide. Dimitra has expertise in digital marketing as an influencer with over 400,000 followers on social media platforms. Dimitra is pioneering a new age of artist influencers on social media, spreading beauty across the entire planet. She is passionate about equipping artists to change the world with their art.
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Jake Dunn

Co-owner, Director & Instructor

With expertise in modern marketing and unique artistic skills, Jake is passionate about helping artists reach their true potential. After attending USC, he decided to become an artist and has been a professional since graduating from Milan Art Institute’s Mastery Program. He gathers inspiration from anywhere he can find and shares his insights with precision. He is a Renaissance artist, practicing multiple forms of art, including painting, music and writing.

You're Probably Wondering...

I’m just a beginner, is this too advanced for me?

We’ve seen students who have literally never picked up a brush before go through the program and create masterpieces by the end. So YES, this program is made for you too.

Every section of the Mastery Program starts with understanding the fundamentals. With each lesson and assignment you complete, you’ll become more empowered to create art you never thought you were capable of creating before.

If you follow the order of the lessons and complete the assignments, you’ll become a Master by the end. Your family and friends will tell you, “I never knew that you were so talented,” and hopefully you’ll share the secret of how you realized it.

I already went to art school, why do I need to take this program?

The sad reality is most art schools are run by professional academia, not professional artists. That’s why you spent an entire semester on anatomy, when the useful information you actually needed for your art could’ve been taught in ONE lecture.

Professors spend their lives studying the nuances and hyper specialize over one aspect of art. You graduate school without learning what you actually set out to learn: how to become a professional artist.

Our instructors are obsessed with making a living with art. And they share with you exactly how they’ve been able to do it for themselves in this one year program. The reason we recommend you complete every lesson, even if it’s a reminder for you, is because they’re a great refresher for what you might’ve forgotten, could’ve missed, or not been taught in school.

The skills you learn will compound, so once you reach the mixed media section, it’s crucial that you’ve practiced our oil and drawing foundations.

In summary, if you already went to an art school, this program is perfect for you.

I’ve tried other online art classes and didn’t get what I was hoping for, how do I know this won’t be the same?

We can confidently say we know you’ll experience the success you’re looking for—whether that’s creating beautiful paintings that you, your family, and friends are proud of, or quitting your job to work at art full-time because you’re selling your pieces consistently. We can claim this because we’ve had thousands of students take this program with countless success stories.

If for any reason you don’t love the Mastery Program wholeheartedly with every fiber of your being, you can get a full refund within 30 days of purchasing the program, no questions asked.

So you have nothing to lose at all!

What if I’m not ready to commit to a whole year?

The beauty of the Mastery Program is that you can learn at whatever pace you want to set. At the end of the day, this is your program, so if you want to take the program over the course of two years, you’re welcome to. Likewise, if you want to finish it in just 4 months, you rock!

The program is designed to be completed over the course of a year, so if you follow the curriculum, by this time next year you’ll have an entire portfolio of art that’s more beautiful than you’re even capable of dreaming of right now. Imagine that. Seriously. Plus, several of your pieces will already have sold.

It’s an incredible feeling and we can’t wait for you to experience it!

How do I know I'll sell my art?

We have a proven process that’s worked for countless artists that have taken the program before you. Even if you can’t draw a stick figure and don’t know how to sell anything, we’ll teach you from start to finish everything you need to know. However, for the program to work, you have to work, too.

What if I only need to learn part of the program (i.e. marketing)

The Mastery Program was carefully and meticulously designed to optimize an artist’s success. Skipping to the end might be tempting, especially if you’ve been an artist for a while and have even been selling your work, but marketing alone is not enough for achieving long-term success.

Regardless of your skill level, we’re confident that the harmony of all sections of The Mastery Program will lead to the greatest possible results for you in your art career. Don’t short-change yourself! While our Marketing section is invaluable, it is not the most valuable in considering the whole of your dream to become a professional artist.

The entirety of the Mastery Program is needed for the best possible results in your career. This is truly the investment of a lifetime.

What if I don’t want to become a professional, I just want to get good at painting?

Lucky for you, you’re about to become so skilled at painting that people will be asking how to buy your art. And you won’t really have a choice but to sell it to them because it’s going to mean so much to them—and could even change their life.

If you’re sitting on a pile of money already and don’t have the desire to sell your art, that’s great. During the Mastery Program your skills will skyrocket. You’ll be able to paint anything that you want, so this really is a no-brainer.

I wasn’t born with talent, how can I be successful when I know so many talented artists and am following so many on social media?

The problem with social media today is that it glorifies success without showing you the hard work that people put in. Each of those incredible artists you follow most likely spent years trying to hone their process and develop their style.

You can consider yourself blessed because your new instructors have already toiled and spent years figuring out the key to success for artists. Now, they’re sharing that with you.

That means that you don’t have to spend nearly as long to get where you want to be. Just imagine, a year from now you’ll have an entire portfolio of 30 paintings to impress your friends, family, and entire network.

The secret that most artists don’t want you to know is that talent doesn’t matter. Sure, some people are born with a greater aptitude than others, but every single person has to put in their time and energy to become a great artist.

Our Student's Work - The Results Say It All

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Our Commitment to You

We help you every step of the way until you become a professional artist (and after, too).

Student Success Stories

Joining the program was the best decision I’ve ever made! They are a professional team and all you will learn will bring you a new mindset with all the tools to become a professional artist and start making a living with your passion! Highly recommended! I would do it again and again!!

Roberta Foffo

Graduate | The Mastery Program

Elli and Dimitra, you and your ways have completely changed my way of thinking. Not just in the art world but in life too. I know I'm always thanking you, but I really am wholeheartedly grateful. I know there is so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes at the school and all evolved do an amazing job. Thank you to you all and I really hope to meet you in person someday!

 

Nichola Ethelston

Graduate | The Mastery Program

Taking the online mastery program was a truly amazing and very unique experience. The opportunity to learn tips and tricks from two of my favorite artists was a dream come true! They taught us all about how to get our foot in the door of the art world. Also, by joining the program, I made a lot of artist friends from all over the world and our mutual support is priceless!

Becky Hertz

Graduate | The Mastery Program

A big thank you to the collectors of my art!!! Since I started the incredible Mastery Program at Milan Art Institute last January I already sold 15 paintings and I can't express how happy that makes me. My paintings found homes in Italy, Spain, Germany, Denmark, and The Netherlands. Being able to add beauty to other people's lives through my paintings is amazing. It truly fills me with joy and gratitude. I am so fortunate!

Bianca Lever

Graduate | The Mastery Program

My artistic journey has taken on a whole new wonderful exciting direction. I feel like I am just starting and there is so much to discover but I have found so much more joy in painting and my creative process, have become so much more free and confident, and have come more fully into who I am as a person. Thank you Elli and Dimitra, and all the other coaches and the team for all your input, hard work, love, and effort. I will continue on the journey with you in the Art Club and other avenues and hopefully, I will also be able to visit sometime in person.

Sonja Kreisel

Graduate | The Mastery Program

I wanted to thank the Milan's for an amazing program! Not only did this program elevate my art skills 110%, but I myself have made a complete 180 for the better in my life. I'm confident, I know who I am and what I want out of life, and what I want my art to say. But most of all I believe in myself and I'm showing my kids they can follow their dreams no matter what they are! Ending my time here, I have sold enough paintings to not only pay for the whole program but all my art supplies, an iPad, and more. but that only just came in recent months. Don't say no to any opportunity that comes your way! Even if you feel like you aren't ready for this opportunity, don't let it pass you by!

Brittnee Sylvester

Graduate | The Mastery Program

Looking back on March 2020 ... I was out of a job and completely lost. I saw an Instagram ad for the Online Mastery Program and instantly felt the calling. I didn't know how to pay for it. And I had never picked up a paintbrush before. At 48 it certainly seemed I couldn't learn to be an artist that quickly...

Thank you for being here so I never felt alone. This program has exceeded all my expectations. It brought me up from a complete beginner to now being able to produce professional art. It helped me develop the work ethic and confidence to face a long-term career. It also gave us knowledge of the art business. But most importantly, it nurtured our vision and spirits as artists.

Lam Jasmine

Graduate | The Mastery Program

Thank you for making it possible for me to do the Mastery Program. In December 2019 as we celebrated the new year, I was standing on the beach singing Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness… not knowing that I would be doing an online art program and that God would indeed make a way for me to do this! I didn’t even know about you then.

What a journey it has been. I am excited for the future! When I stand in front of an easel I come alive and I know exactly where I am supposed to be. Thank you John, my coach for all your help and input. Thank you Jake for doing what you are called to do… you are all so inspiring! Keep doing what you are doing. You are making a huge impact on the world.

Antoinette Holtzhausen

Graduate | The Mastery Program

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What's Included?

  • Learn how to have a prosperous career in art from our revolutionary art curriculum
  • Over 100 hours of no-fluff, straightforward learning

  • Professional techniques for growing a social media presence

  • Become proficient and confident in a variety of mixed-media techniques

  • Learn classical oil painting and drawing techniques

  • Curated exercises to help you discover your voice as an artist

  • Group Coaching in our Mastery Program Community. All of our coaches are professional artists who are dedicated to helping you succeed.
  • Accountability and artwork critiques throughout the program

  • Gain lifelong friendships with artists in our Milan Art community
  • Lifetime access to all current and future content immediately

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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Tuition Options

Monthly Installments or Pay in Full for a Discount

 

  • Installment Plans
  • Pay In Full
The Essentials

$330/mo

Mastery Program
with Group Coaching

12-monthly installments

  • Lifetime access to the Mastery Program video lessons
  • 2-years access to our coaching groups where you’ll receive feedback on every assignment throughout the program
  • Weekly Zoom check-in calls with our dedicated coaching team
  • BONUS content: 'The Beginner Art Program' valued at $300
  • PLUS 'Pro Library' content from Milan Art Institute valued at $1,200
Join the Waitlist
The Accelerator

$500/mo

Mastery Program
with Personal Mentoring

12-monthly installments

  • Everything in 'The Essentials' plus 1-year of personal mentoring
  • Message personally anytime, get answers within 24 hours
  • Monthly call to dive deeper into your goals, have more accountability and get that extra support you need
Join the Waitlist
The Pioneers

$1,200/mo

Mastery Program
with Milan Mentoring

12-monthly installments

  • Everything in 'The Essentials' plus 1-year of personal mentoring with Elli or Dimitra Milan
  • Message personally anytime, get answers within 24 hours
  • Weekly 30-minute call to stay ahead of your art goals, get the highest level of accountability and support
  • Perfect for: overachievers who want to achieve the highest level of success in their art career and have 20-40 hours a week to dedicate to their career
Join the Waitlist
The Essentials

$3,600

Mastery Program
with Group Coaching

SAVE $360

  • Lifetime access to the Mastery Program video lessons
  • 2 years access to our coaching groups where you’ll receive feedback on every assignment throughout the program
  • Weekly Zoom check-in calls with our dedicated coaching team
  • BONUS content: 'The Beginner Art Program' valued at $300
  • PLUS 'Pro Library' content from Milan Art Institute valued at $1,200
Join the Waitlist
The Accelerator

$5,600

Mastery Program
with Personal Mentoring

SAVE $400

  • Everything in 'The Essentials' plus 1-year of personal mentoring
  • Message personally anytime, get answers within 24 hours
  • Monthly call to dive deeper into your goals, have more accountability and get that extra support you need
Join the Waitlist
The Pioneers

$13,600

Mastery Program with Milan Mentoring

SOLD OUT (Get the Accelerator)

  • Everything in 'The Essentials' plus 1-year of personal mentoring with Elli or Dimitra Milan
  • Message personally anytime, get answers within 24 hours
  • Weekly 30-minute call to stay ahead of your art goals, get the highest level of accountability and support
  • Perfect for: overachievers who want to achieve the highest level of success in their art career and have 20-40 hours a week to dedicate to their career
Join the Waitlist

MORE Mastery Student Perks You’ll Get Instantly:

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  • Access to monthly competitions with cash prizes and art supplies (up to $10,000 per month!) plus 1st place graduate winners can promote their masterpiece in our Milan Art Gallery in Sarasota, Florida

  • Free BONUS library of 150+ professional video lessons with the latest advanced art techniques to add an exciting edge to skills you learn in the Mastery Program

  • Watch all future Masterclasses for FREE on topics such as How to Create Sellable Art, Paint Floral Abstracts, Master Your Composition, and more (3 hours of high-quality teaching per class, new ones added every month valued at up to $47 per class)

  • Plus, you can join exclusive LIVE events for Mastery Program Students and Graduates

Social Learning

You Aren't Alone in This.

In The Mastery Program, you'll enjoy group coaching sessions and connect with fellow students globally through our social learning platform, Milan Art (formerly Art Social). This exclusive space fosters collaboration, allowing you to share insights and support each other throughout your artistic journey. Discover artists NEAR you and all over the world to form valuable professional connections. Join the waitlist and become part of a vibrant community committed to artistic growth and collaboration!

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Mastery Student Mentoring

Fast-track Your Success with a Personal Mentor

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Save Time & Avoid Errors

Our mentors were once where you are and now know the right steps to take to succeed in their art careers. Don’t waste years on avoidable mistakes. Learn from an artist who can show you the fastest path to thrive.

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Next-Level Accountability

Even if you don’t know what your dream is, you must invest in your accountability to get there. With Mastery Mentoring, you tap into a strong support system to always motivate you.

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Fast-Track Your Success

World-class professionals trained our mentors, and this works like compounding interest in your artistic journey. Connect with the right people at the right time to rapidly reach your goals.

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Feedback & Support

Frustrated because your proportions are off? Struggle to mix colors? As artists, we can feel lost during the creative process. Mentors take away the guesswork and give solutions on the spot.

Join the Waitlist

Waitlist members get access to an exclusive Mastery Program Prep Course that teaches you how to build an easel (for professionals), how to set up your studio, what art supplies you should use, how to develop your creativity and more. You'll also receive valuable emails that will help you start your art career.

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Your Straightforward Plan

The Mastery Program is incredibly straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s a cakewalk. Yes, you will save years of toiling your life trying to figure out on your own what we teach in this program, but even when you take the Mastery Program, you still have to put in the work.
 
Just as a reminder, here’s our proven process, again: 

 
Develop Your Skills
 Find Your Artistic Voice
 Establish Your Style
 Build Your Brand as an Artist
 Implement Your Marketing Strategy
 Promote Your Artwork
→ Connect with Your Community

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect after sign up?

Immediately following registration, you will receive a welcome email with important information, including the following: a video lesson explaining the art supplies you’ll need for the program, a video lesson explaining how to prepare your studio, a syllabus for the entire year, and a written list of all the art supplies you’ll need. 

These orientation videos will help prepare you for the lessons you’ll receive each week starting 7 days after you register. Each week you’ll learn specific techniques with exercises to help you develop your art skills. Mark this date on your calendar as it’s the start of an amazing journey to becoming the artist you’ve always dreamed of.

In addition, you'll be offered an orientation call with one of our mentors so you can get your questions answered personally.

What art supplies do I need and how much will it cost?

You will need drawing, oil painting, and mixed media supplies to learn and start your new career. You can supply lists for each part of the program here.

This list shares both the required and optional supplies you’ll need for the program. The minimum cost for the whole year will be around $75 for drawing supplies, $400 for oil supplies, $300 for mixed media supplies and $400 for paper and canvases. You can buy supplies as you need them throughout the program or purchase one of our kits to save you time and money. Once you join the Waitlist, we'll send you a 10% discount on the Mastery Program Kit.

You will need drawing and oil supplies for the first 4 months of the program. Mixed media supplies will be needed after that and for the remainder of the year. These supplies will last you throughout the whole program and into the start of your career.

Why should I have a personal mentor?

A personal mentor is an amazing resource of support and guidance throughout the program. While your family members may be supportive and encouraging about your artwork, you need constructive criticism to evolve as an artist—to be pushed beyond your current boundaries. Our mentors have years of experience as professional artists and know how to guide you towards success.

What qualifications or experience is required?

We only require hard work, commitment, and passion.

We do not require any previous experience or skill. We also do not require a portfolio submission. We know that we can take you from a beginner level to creating a sellable portfolio of your own, creating your brand, and launching your art career within one year.

Can I choose a personal mentor?

You have the option to request a specific mentor if they still have available spots. However, we will typically assign a mentor to you based on your needs. All mentors on the team are professional artists who currently sell their work and have all completed the Mastery Program. They are all very dedicated and experienced. Our mentors have been hand-picked by Elli and Dimitra Milan.

How long do I have to access the video lessons?

You'll have lifetime access to all lessons once you've paid for the program in full (regardless of which payment option you've chosen). 

What if I feel like quitting at some point in the program?

There is no contract or commitment when you sign up for the Mastery Program and you are under no obligation to continue. We also offer a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee if you sign up and decide to change your mind for any reason.

How much studio space do I need?

At a minimum, you will need table space (6-8 sq. ft. minimum), a dresser or cabinet for art supplies, and an empty wall to lean your easel against, or floor space for your painting easel. Once you start your art business, you may want to designate more space for your production area. 

In the Mastery Program (and in the Waitlist), you'll learn how to set up your studio for success as a professional artist. This alone is so valuable because having the right studio set up can be the different between painting 1 painting a month and 8 paintings a month. 

Do you offer a certificate upon graduation?

Yes! We offer a certificate. You will have the opportunity to receive a Certificate of Mastery personally signed by both Elli and Dimitra Milan.

You can apply for your certificate by submitting your completed website which should display a minimum of 25 pieces (including sold pieces) from your portfolio, representing a cohesive body of work in your style. This certificate is a symbol of your high achievement and perseverance throughout the Mastery Program and signifies you are now a professional artist.

Are all artists who graduate successful?

Many of the graduates from this program are experiencing great success and selling their work consistently. We have found that all the graduates who continue to paint consistently (40 hours per week) and are dedicated to promoting their branded, sellable work are having success. The students who graduate and have not applied what they have learned towards a career are not experiencing the success that they have the potential for. This program is incredible and will prepare you for a lucrative career, but only if you work hard and follow through.

What happens when registration closes?

When registration closes, you can join the waitlist and sign up during the next period of registration. 

Pricing & Payment

How does Payment work?

Our payment system for The Mastery Program, our comprehensive 12-month course, is designed to offer flexibility and accessibility to our content. We provide various payment options through trusted platforms such as SamCart, which include installment plans through Affirm* and Afterpay, starting as low as $100 per month**. If you choose to use a payment plan, it will be managed by the third party provider that you select, so we won't have any involvement with it. Of course, if you have any issues we'll be happy to do our best to support. 

Regardless of the plan you choose,  you will gain immediate access to the complete program, and also receive an exclusive benefit of lifetime access to all course materials. This means that even after the recommended 12-month period, you'll retain access to the content for continued learning at your own pace.

Furthermore, we stand behind the value of our program. That's why we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find that The Mastery Program doesn't meet your expectations within the first 30 days, we'll gladly refund your investment.

We believe in providing accessible payment solutions while ensuring uninterrupted access to our valuable content and guaranteeing your satisfaction. If you have any further inquiries about payment options, membership details, or our money-back guarantee, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated support team.


* Rates from 0% or 10-36% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available in all states, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license.

** For instance, a $3600 purchase could be split into 12 monthly payments of $324.93 at 15% APR, or 4 interest-free payments of $900 every 2 weeks.

Sessions

What is the pace of the program?

The Mastery Program is designed to take one year (52 weeks of content and 1 week for orientation in the beginning). Orientation begins 1 week before lessons begin allowing you time to buy art supplies and prepare your workspace.

While we encourage you to follow the program as set out in the content, taking the allocated breaks and continuing at the 52 week pace, you can spread it our and take the time you need to complete the program.

Group coaching will be accessible for 2 years.

How much time per week is required to take the Mastery Program?

We recommend that you set aside 20 hours each week dedicated to learning and painting. Each week there will be 1-3 hours of video content to review and 15-20 hours of assignments and exercises. There are periodic breaks strategically built into the program to help you keep on target with your work.

From our experience, this is what it takes to become a professional artist.

What if I don't paint 20 hours per week?

We understand that sometimes circumstances can prevent you from consistently painting 20 hours a week. This is why we offer lifetime access to the content for FREE. It allows you to truly learn at your own pace. However, a successful art career will only happen with hard work. 

Once you have launched your business, you will need to paint 40 hours per week on a regular basis. It’s a full-time commitment. The program requires 20 hours while you are learning and working toward starting your business.

Are there designated class times?

There are no designated class times for the video lessons. This program is designed for the convenience of your schedule during the day. 

Although this program is created for you to follow at your own pace, we recommend that you not skip ahead of the lessons. Each week you will receive 1-3 hours of new content and these are meant to be learned in order. 

Can I take just part of the program? (Eg. Marketing Section)

We do not offer only marketing or any other part by itself. We designed the entire program to give every artist exactly what they need to become a professional artist. Our marketing course can only really be understood and implemented if you have gone through our voice section of the program. Our voice section can only be accomplished if you have learned mixed media and have been exposed to a variety of different techniques and you can only learn to truly express yourself with contemporary techniques if you have a foundation in classical training. You will get all of this in our one-year program

What can I expect once I complete the program?

You will have the opportunity to receive a Certificate of Mastery personally signed by both Elli and Dimitra Milan. You can apply for your certificate by submitting your completed website which should display a minimum of 25 pieces (including sold pieces).

If you apply all of the knowledge you learn throughout the program and paint consistently 40 hours a week, you can expect a successful career in art and the financial rewards that follow. If you have a passion for what you have experienced in the Mastery Program and have received your Certificate of Mastery, you can apply for a mentoring position by emailing us at info@milanartinstitute.com.

When do classes start?

With the new Mastery Program changes in 2024, you will now have immediate access to the full program once you have registered. 

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About Milan Art Institute

Shine Your Art.
Change The World.

Founded in 2008, the Milan Art Institute is the hub of a growing art revolution. Our Institute provides community, inspiration, and education to students all over the world. Our Mastery Program has taught and helped over 5,000 students launch thriving art careers. The Milan Art Institute teaches oil painting, drawing, and mixed media techniques through our immersive learning process. From novice to professional, we help artists pursue their passion and turn it into a profitable career.