Become a
Professional Artist
This Year

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The Perfect Art Program for You

Whether you want a full-time career or this is your part-time passion, The Mastery Program's flexible learning pace works for you.

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Your Instructors' Artwork

Social Learning

You Aren't Alone in This.

We've created the ultimate learning experience for our Mastery Program students. You can watch lessons and share your assignments with fellow students all over the world. When you sign up for the Mastery Program you get valuable support through our social learning platform created for artists and art collectors, Art Social.

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Our Proven Process

We’ve perfected our process with over 2,500 students worldwide. This program can turn anyone into a professional artist in just one year. You will become proficient in oil painting, drawing, and mixed media techniques through our immersive learning process combining old master’s methods and modern techniques.
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Develop Your Skills

Become proficient in Oil Painting, Drawing, and a variety of mixed media techniques so you can create whatever you want without limitations.

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Find Your Artistic Voice

We’ll show you how to find your unique story and share it through your art with visual excellence.

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Establish Your Style

Follow our proprietary framework and discover how to express your voice by combining your art process with your voice.

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Build Your Brand as an Artist

Uncover the secrets behind creating a long-term career as an artist from professionals

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Implement Your Marketing Strategy

Put the plans that we’ve developed through years of experience into motion for your art business and start reaping the rewards.

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Promote Your Artwork

Cut the fluff and learn exactly what you need to know to start getting your art in front of the eyes of collectors who want to buy your art. 

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Connect with Your Community

You’re not alone in this. Share this experience with over 2,500 artists who’ve gone through the program before you and can help guide you.

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1-Year Syllabus

Part 1 - Drawing & Oil Painting

Unleash Your Creativity

It all starts with developing your skill. 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 skills as an artist so quickly you’ll be blown away.

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

  10. Break

  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

  15. Break

  16. Break

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 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

29. Break

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Part 3 - Portfolio Creation & Branding

Create Your Portfolio of Impressive Art

You’ve dreamed for years of creating a cohesive portfolio of artwork and now is the time. Every fiber of your being will shout with joy after you’ve made your 30 pieces that truly encapsulate your unique story. The best part is that you won’t have toiled over them. Because you’ve already found your process that works for your temperament and is designed just for you, you’ll enjoy the entire process and have 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

36. Break

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

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

40. Break
 
 
 
Part 4 - Marketing, Galleries & Launching Your Career

Start Selling Your Art and 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 turn their passion for art into a professional. You’ll learn how to create an irresistible brand for collectors, build a high-converting website, amplify your message with social media and so much more. 

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

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 your 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

Reasons You NEED to take the Mastery Program:

  • I’m very passionate about art
  • I struggle with artist 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 amazing 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

Meet Your Instructors

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Elli Milan

Founding Owner, Instructor

Elli is the founding owner of Milan Art Institute. For the past 25 years, she has sold her artwork professionally and has sold over 10,000 pieces throughout her career. She has also transformed the lives of thousands of artists from all over the world by 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.
DJ Freezy J is an avid teacher and traveler, currently mentoring several local and non-local artists while still 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 world-wide. Dimitra is pioneering a new age of artist influencers on social media, spreading beauty across the entire planet. She is co-owner at Milan Art Institute and 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 had students who literally never picked up a brush before that have gone through the program and ended up creating 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 that you watch and assignment that you complete you’ll become more and more empowered to create art you never thought you were capable of creating before. As long as 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 that 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 that 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 and sadly you graduate 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. Not to mention they’re FUN! The skills you learn will compound and once you get to the mixed media section, it’s paramount that you’re on the same page because there will be new techniques that you learn in the mixed media section that are based on the oil and drawing foundations that we teach. 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 that we know you’ll experience the success that you’re looking for, whether that’s creating beautiful paintings that you, your family, your friends are proud of, or being able to quit your job and work at art full time because you’re selling your art consistently. The reason we can claim that confidently is because we’ve had over 2,500 students take this program before you with countless success stories. 

Second, we give you the best guarantees you’ve probably ever heard of. 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. But here’s where we want to show you how much we truly believe in the program: if you go through the Mastery Program, implement all of the techniques that we teach you, watch all of the lessons, complete all of the assignments and don’t sell enough art to cover the cost of tuition, and aren’t satisfied as a result, we’ll give you your money back. Here are the full terms. 

So you really 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 take the program 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 beautiful art that’s more beautiful than you’re even capable of dreaming of right now. Imagine that. Seriously. Picture how good it’ll feel to have that entire portfolio created. 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. In order for the program to work, though, 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 or experience level, we’re confident that the harmony of all sections of The Mastery Program will lead to the greatest possible success 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 being needed for the best possible results in your career simply cannot be overstated. 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 get so good at painting that people will be asking you 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 pressure or desire to sell your art, that’s great. During the Mastery Program your skills will skyrocket and 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 to get where they’re at. Each of those incredible artists that you follow most likely spent years trying to hone their process and eventually developed their style. You honestly can consider yourself blessed because your new instructors have already toiled and spent years figuring out the key to success for artists and now they’re sharing that with you. That means that you don’t have to spend nearly as long to get to where you want to be. Just imagine, a year from now you’ll have made an entire portfolio of 30 paintings that will 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. The same applies to you, we’ve just made it easier for you by providing you with step by step instructions. 

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).

Join the Waitlist

What Are Your Dreams Worth to You?

Estimated Content Value

Become Proficient at Oil Painting and Drawing = Value of $7,600+
  • Learn how to create portraits
  • Learn how to see like an artist
  • Learn how to overcome creative block
  • Learn how to create bold marks
  • Learn how to mix color
  • Learn how to create with the different perspectives
  • Learn how to shade
  • Learn how to create realistically
  • Learn how to use composition
  • Learn how to create landscapes
  • Learn how to utilize classical master techniques
  • Learn how to understand color theory and apply it to your art
  • Learn how to measure accurately
  • Learn how to use variety of line to create beautiful art
  • Learn how to activate your right brain
  • Learn how to create paintings in layers
  • Learn how to create radiant paintings
  • Learn how to create a subtractive painting
  • Learn how to create graphite drawings
  • Learn how to create charcoal drawings
  • Learn how to buy the right art supplies
  • Learn how to build a canvas
  • Learn how to utilize plane shifts
  • Learn how to mix flesh tones
  • Learn how to paint from life
  • Learn how to draw from life
  • Learn how to set up a still life scene
  • Learn how to gesture draw
  • Learn how to create expressive paintings
And so much more!
Discover Your Own Unique Style as an Artist = Value of $5,700+
  • Learn how to find your voice
  • Learn how to identify your personal aesthetic
  • Learn how to map out your own creative process
  • Learn how to critique your art honestly and fairly
  • Learn how to understand your time and place in art history
  • Learn how to understand the different movements throughout art history
  • Learn why right now is the best time to be an artist
  • Learn how to discover your own personal symbolism
  • Learn how to steal like an artist
  • Learn how to level up your artist taste
  • Learn how to know your archetype and use it in your art
  • Learn how to use the different phases of the creative process
  • Learn how to paint according to your personality and temperament
  • Learn how to create a theme from your aesthetic
  • And much more…
Acquire a Variety of Mixed Media Skills = Value of $4,300+
  • Learn how to create abstracts
  • Learn how to use gold leaf
  • Learn how to choose the right source to paint
  • Learn how to create a source digitally
  • Learn how to find source material to paint
  • Learn how to collage with ease
  • Learn how to paint with acrylics
  • Learn how to use different tools in your art
  • Learn how to use indoor spray paint
  • Learn how to use alcohol inks
  • Learn how to use high flow acrylics
  • Learn how to use mark making
  • Learn how to create with roller tools
  • Learn how to create an idea board
  • Learn how to create with dry pigments
  • And much more…
Create a Sellable Portfolio of Artwork and Become a Professional = Value of $8,100+
  • Learn how to build a cohesive body of artwork
  • Learn how to consistently find inspiration for art
  • Learn how to declutter your life
  • Learn how to create habits that will set you up for success as an artist
  • Learn how to overcome resistance in art
  • Learn how to find your super power for creating
  • Learn how to create a power statement for permanent change in your life
  • Learn how to set goals and achieve them
  • Learn how to produce art on a massive scale
  • Learn how to improve your emotional intelligence
  • Learn how to eliminate excuses from your everyday life
  • Learn how to work faster and smarter in your art
  • Learn how to develop a strong work ethic
  • Learn how to manage your time as an artist
  • Learn how to finish your paintings
  • Learn how to complete 100 paintings in 3 days
  • And much more…
Sell Your Art and Launch Your Career = Value of $10,900+
  • Learn what it means to create sellable art
  • Learn how to price your art
  • Learn everything you need to know about doing commissions
  • Learn about the different art markets and how to use them
  • Learn how to dropship products featuring your art
  • Learn how to scale your business with prints
  • Learn how to ship your art cost effectively and safely
  • Learn how to develop products for your art
  • Learn how to create a personal brand as an artist
  • Learn how to write an artist statement and bio
  • Learn how to create a memorable signature
  • Learn all of the marketing collateral you’ll need to succeed
  • Learn how to build a website for your art step by step
  • Learn how to write effective copy that’ll sell
  • Learn how to market your art with social media
  • Learn how to create an effective social media content plan
  • Learn how to run traditional promotion campaigns
  • Learn how to create and write effective ads
  • Learn how to hang your art like a pro
  • Learn how to sell your art in person
  • Learn how to build and manage a list of collectors
  • Learn how to do taxes as an artist
  • Learn how to host an art exhibition
  • Learn how to create an effective 1 year strategy
  • And much more…

Actual Investment

 All of these skills are priceless, but...

If we had to assign a value, they’d be worth at least $36,600

Our mission isn’t to make money from you, it’s to help you become a professional artist and make that knowledge accessible to anyone. 

So you won’t have to pay $36,600 for the Mastery Program.

In fact, you won’t even have to pay what one of the sections of the Mastery Program alone is worth. Not $10,900 for the Marketing and Sales information. Not $8,100 to learn how to create your own sellable portfolio of art. Not $7,600 to learn everything you need to know about oil painting and drawing to create realistically. Not $5,700 to discover how to create your own unique style of art. Not even $4,300 to gain an expansive understanding of mixed media painting techniques. Not even HALF of that to get access to EVERYTHING for life!

We’ve made the Mastery Program affordable for anyone. 

Access the Mastery Program for the lowest price it’ll ever be at for only $2040 or $200/mo 

Join over 2,500 students who’ve taken the Mastery Program before you and start your journey to become a professional artist.

Reviews

roberta foffo
"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
Mastery Program Graduate

becky hertz
"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
Mastery Program Graduate

bri-fitzpatrick
"The Mastery Program has been a LIFE-CHANGING experience.  I am beyond grateful to the whole Milan family and team for creating and running this remarkable, successful school!  This program has helped open many doors of opportunities in my life and I am eager for the journeys ahead.  Thank you Milan Art Institute!  I highly recommend this school to any aspiring artist and any professional artist. There is so much good info, content, lessons, and techniques in this program."

Briana Fitzpatrick
Mastery Program Graduate

bianca lever
"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
Mastery Student

sonja kresle
"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
Mastery Program Graduate

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"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
Mastery Program Graduate

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"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
Mastery Program Graduate

Lam Jasmine-1
"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...

...Best decision in my life!! I honestly thought I would burn out after 2 months but now at 18 months I am still painting every day and loving it! 

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." 

Lam Jasmine Bauman
Mastery Program Graduate

Nichola Ethelston
"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
Mastery Program Graduate

What's Included?

  • Learn how to have a prosperous career in art from a 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 master’s techniques
  • Curated exercises to help you discover your voice as an artist
  • Connect with a thriving community of artists that want to see you succeed
  • Lifetime access to all current and future content immediately
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
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12-Month Payment Plan

$200

Becomes available on March 1st 2023
Instant Full Access

$2,040

1 payment (save $360)

30 Day Money Back Guarantee

No questions, no hassle. We know you'll love the Program right from the get-go.

Join the Waitlist

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Personal Artist Mentors

Fast-track Your Success with a Personal Mentor

Learn More

Save time and errors

Our mentors have been where you are and where you want to be. Don’t waste unnecessary time making mistakes when you can learn from someone who’s already made them for you.

Get next-level accountability

You might already have an idea of where to go with your art—and if not, that’s okay, too—but you need the sort of accountability that you only get when you pay someone for it. With Art Club Pro, you’re tapping into a strong support system that will ensure you achieve your goals.

Fast-track your success

They say it’s all about whom you know, and while you certainly can achieve whatever you set your mind to, it helps to have some friends who’ve been there before. Start connecting with the right people.

Personalized critiques 

Don’t understand why you aren’t getting your proportions right? Having a hard time mixing colors? Want to know the best art supplies to buy? Want to know how to sell more art? Our mentors are there to help you with all these questions and more, with answers you can count on.

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.

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, and $300 for mixed media supplies. You can also buy supplies as you need them throughout the program. 

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 if I can't get a mentor right now?

You can sign up for a mentor at any time from the 5th to the end of each month. Mentors are assigned during the first 4 days of each month. Please be aware that you may be placed on our waiting list if there are no mentor spots available. However, we will make every effort to provide a mentor for you as soon as possible.

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?

The program offers lifetime access to all students once they have paid for the program in full (regardless of which payment option they’ve chosen). 

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

If you feel like quitting, you are probably feeling discouraged and should talk with your mentor about your feelings and what exactly is troubling you. Many people feel like quitting as they pursue their dreams, but only the people who persevere and refuse to quit actually attain their dreams.

Are there any age recommendations?

There are no age requirements or restrictions (if you are under the age of 18, you must have parental consent). However, we recommend that young students be able to focus and stay dedicated to their decision to be a professional artist. The youngest student we have taught with this program was 13 years old. She is now 18 years old and selling her work professionally. We also taught a student who was 82 years old. She sold her work successfully in a 3-month-long art show after completing the program. Passion for art and commitment to a dream knows no age!

How much studio space do I need?

You will need a little bit of table space, some space to store 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.

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?

For the 12-monthly payment option, you will be charged $200 for the first month when you register. For each of the following 11 months, you will be charged $200 on the same day of the month that you registered for the program. After you have paid the last payment, you will be granted lifetime access to the program

For the Pay in Full option, you will be charged $2,040 when you register. With this option, you receive a $360 discount and immediate lifetime access to the entire program.


We offer a money-back guarantee within 30 days after purchase. You may cancel your subscription at any time.

What if I stop paying and don't complete all 12 payments?

If you stop paying, you will lose access to the program. If you later decide to continue the program, you should contact customer service at info@milanartinstitute.com to start paying again and pick up where you left off. You can reactivate from where you left off only one time. However, we recommend you complete the entire program in a 12-month period to achieve the best results.

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. When the program begins, lessons will be sent to you based on the payment plan you chose.

Paid in Full — You’ll have access to the whole program right away.

12-month Plan — You will receive 1-3 hours of art lessons each week.

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. This program is designed for the convenience of your schedule during the day. However, if you have purchased a group zoom call, you will need to meet at the time specified for that call.

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?

Every month we have an enrollment window where artists who join the Mastery Program can take the program together so that they have a community to support each other. Whenever you sign up, you'll start on the 1st of the following month so that you have a tribe of artists taking this program with you. We've found the artists in our community are incredibly nourishing and kind and help each other grow. 

Even though lessons start on the first of the month, you can start watching your orientation lessons immediately and get your art supplies and studio set up.

NOTE: if you choose the Instant Full Access payment, you will have access to your lessons immediately, but will still be a part of the Mastery Program tribe that month.

MAI-studio and team
About Milan Art Institute

Shine Your Art. Change The World.

We are artists. We are professionals, beginners, and hobbyists. We believe that art has the power to change the world so we build tools that empower and bring artists together. Founded in 2008 as The Milan Art Institute, we are now a platform for artists to call home for community, inspiration, and education.

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