Parents Workshop Testimonials

[Layil]

Hello everyone!

As always right before i workshop, i get a slew of emails and posts about kids whose parents are concerned about them attending a workshop on thier own, or just wanting to know more about the workshops in general from a parents perspective.

We have a large percentage of highschoolers on the boards, and alot of them want to come to the workshops. Their parents often have understandable aprehension about letting them come, as the atmosphere might look intimidating.

Those of you who have kids, or who are kids, or who have had kids come to the workshops, I'd appreciate you taking the time (or dragging your parents over to the computer for a sec) to write up a short post about your experience at the workshop, or the effect it had on you or your children afterwords.... In fact, testimonials are good in general, but id like to focus especially on calming the worries of the parents involved, and showing them what a positive growth experience these events can be for everyone involved.

I appreciate your taking the time to do this, as we love having the younger forum members attend the workshops!

thanks everyone.

[Jason Manley]

sometimes parents come with the younger students to the workshops...so yeah, mom and dad are welcome to attend and learn with us too. If you want to light a fire of inspiration under your overly creative teenager, there is no better way to do it. I can say that had I been exposed to that much positive and constructive learning early, I would have been a lot farther along in life right now. Plus, it will give yall an idea of what your teens are getting into.

[Layil]

so, that said, heres my two cents....

In my experience at the workshops, both as an attendee and as an organizer, they are very positive experiences for everyone. let me address what i imagine are some common questions:

1) Will my child be left alone to fend for himself?

Starting in Prague, we changed from having the attendees rent their own hotels and accommodation to reserving a block of rooms at a nice hostal near the event venue. We figured, everyone is on a budget, and the communal environment of the hostals was more comfortable for the guys who end up stuffed into little hotel rooms all night as they draw and socialize. This meant that once someone arrived at the hostal, there would probably already be workshop kids (yall r all kids as far as im concerned. ) there and the odds of being left alone from that point on are slim to none. Right before the workshop, thread are opened for everything from meeting at the airport to where to eat, so theres constant communication amongst everyone at the event and on the forums. They sleep together (if they sleep at all), eat together, wander around together and of course attend the workshop together.... friends are made for life, and everybody watches each others back. In fact, i dont think ive ever come across a more supportive family like environment anywhere else at a public event.

2) Whats all this about partying and staying up all night?

Well, we are artists after all, and these events are each extraordinary and unique, who'd want to miss even a second? the workshops are high energy events... the days are spent in deep concentration and brain overload at all the amazing images and info the instructors dish out... it's only natural that everyone goes off to blow some steam afterwords... We encourage a fun atmosphere, and sometimes the adults will drink and party, but everyone is very respectful and keeps an eye our for one another, and we dont ever encourage anyone to do things they're not comfortable with or legally allowed to do. The workshop party requires ID to buy alcohol (the san francisco event had a seperate space for those 21 and over), as do whatever venues we end up going to over the course of the weekend. With everyone so charged up, its not surprising that sleeping is the last thing on everyones mind. Nights are spent hanging out and drawing and making life long friends with other artists from all over the world. They can sleep once the workshop is over! In prague, the attendees even sectioned out their apartment into "sleeping rooms" and "drawing rooms" so anyone who wanted to could get some rest without being bothered. Most attendees end up gathered together to make art, to trade art, to share ideas, and to create, even late into the night.

3) English is not my first language, will i be able to communicate?

Our french brothers are some of the most beloved instructors on the workshop list, and theyll be there in full effect this time around, especially in a bilingual city as montreal... weve had workshops in four cities in Europe and had people attend from all over the world. Many of our instructors speak more than one language and there is usually someone around who can speak to you if youre lost or cant understand something. Also, alot of the workshop revolves around visual communication (we are visual artists after all) and some instructors (Nox and HPX come to mind) do a whole lot of talking without ever saying a word....

4) Am I too young/old/female to go?

Nonsense!!
the majority of the workshop attendees are male, as were focussed on concepting for videogames, but we have been pleased to notice that there is a stronger female presence at each workshop as the girls come out of the woodwork to show the boys a thing or two.... Feeling like your outnumbered shouldnt ever be a worry, as, if anything, the girls get treated extra special cause theres so few of them in comparison, and who doesnt like a talented girl who draws monsters for fun?
Agewise, weve had 14 year olds, and 60 year olds, parents, kids and everything in between.... were all here to create and that's all that matters. If your passionate about learning art, we want you to come!


please bring up any other concern you may have about the workshops and ill do my best to answer them.

see you in montreal!
xox
Layil

[Pixeldragoon]

THanks Layil, I just printed it out to give to my mom

I hope this works. I appreciate all of this very much!

EDIT: >=[


My mom still won't change her mind about it. Hopefully one of the parents can talk with her on IM sometime, I think that might help.

She is just saying "I don't want you to go out of the country alone to a workshop with all these people you don't know."

As you might have guessed, I'm just a little bit angry.

[glikster]

Ok, I was gonna PM this to Pixeldragoon, but then I thought maybe someone will read this and can help him out...

Pixeldragoon...
You don't know me from anything, but I was reading about your mom's response. Do you think you can talk to a professional who is on the boards who your mother might be more apt to listen to?
I'm young enough to know how pissed off I'd be in your shoes (24), but I also just had a kid, so I can kind of understand her point of view... If someone who she is actually willing to listen to can explain how momentous this can be. Maybe an academic figure of authority, like a teacher of someone who went to one in the past, can send an email or call her...

Just my thoughts... Good luck!

[Dished]

The workshop is probably the best thing you could ever do to help your child's creative/artistic progress. The main thing parents should worry about is what i'd like to call "Post-Workshop Syndrome" Aka "Never shutting up about the workshop especially on the drive home."

Social

The younger workshop attendees will greatly benefit from the workshop. The age difference and level differences may seem intimidating and could make the young attendee feel out of place,but in fact it is rather the opposite. During the workshop, practically everyone was friendly, despite the age, or level. Everyone was willing to help each other and in the end, we made friends for life. As cheesy or corny as that sounds, its the reality of the workshop. Socially, the workshop benefits the young attendee. The workshop is the best exposure you could give your child to the real art world,creatively, and socially. The skills it takes to interact and chat with other artists, being able to ask questions and participate is essential to the art industry. Workshops like these will help develop social skills,and may even raise the confidence of your child.

[Layil]

Just so ya'll know, Dished was 14 when she came to the SF workshop alone last January..... and pretty damn eloquent, if i do say so myself. She was rocking the house, approaching anyone and everyone about her drawings and never batting an eyelash at a crit. I hope we get a whole lot more people like her!!!



Pixel, heres an idea: are there any other forum members around your area you could possibly meet up with? Maybe if your mom could meet some of the people off the boards in person, or even know that you were going with someone from your area who'd keep an eye on you, but not be your "parent." Btw, how old are you?

[PaulGanguly]

I think maybe one of the best ways to sell the idea to your parents is to suggest this as a networking tool as much as a learning tool. Inform then that you will be hearing lectures from individuals working in the field that you ultimately want to work in. You will get to meet them, and recieve feedback as to how best pursue the career that you are going after.

As much as you may hate the idea, encourage one or both of your parents to come to the workshop. They would be more receptive if they understood the benefits of this event. And I'm not talking about learning more about art, because to your parents that can be a very abstract term. I'm talking about setting up potential internship contacts for those of you not yet in college.

It gives the entire event a more academic, professional tone, rather than telling them that you want to go meet a bunch of people that you met online. There are obvious connotations that have to do with people meeting online, that overly cautious parents are afraid of.

Mind you, I have not been to a workshop, and I can only say that this is how I would sell it to my parents, were I in that position. It may be I think MOST helpful, for someone from CA to set up a brochure-like page dedicated exclusively to this event, including a statement by someone from MB. So parents can see a concrete itinerary, and see where their children will be staying, and what they will be doing.

Remind them also that Canada has laws too, and as much as they may think this is a debaucherous orgy of drunken violence, sex, foul-language, and whatever else they want to think it is, remind them that the legal drinking age in canada is 19, which odds are you're even younger than that if this is an issue between you and your parents.

I do think though that the best bet to make this event a success with parents would be to tout the academic aspects of it, and put up a dedicated page detailing the success of past events, and laying out a concrete itinerary that parents can feel comfortable with.

[Jason Manley]

Evil went to the Amsterdam workshop. By himself. When the Prague workshop came around his Mom tagged along. She told me that she had seen her son change overnight for the better and this time she wanted to see the same thing happen to herself. It really is one of the most inspiring and influential art events in the world. There is more art created and demonstrated in those four days than I saw during my entire 120,000.00 college education.

Bring the parents! They will trust your path if you do.


JM

[Layil]

PaulGanguly...

all that info will be posted as soon as we finish setting up the workshop...

thanks everyone!

[Pixeldragoon]

My mom said she won't let me go at all. The only way she would reconsider is if We got to know FOUR people down here who were going up. Not just like "Hi how are you? Let's go!" But like, seriously cool people who she could get to know.

IF YOU KNOW ANY PEOPLE FROM THE SARSOTA AREA (INCLUDING RINGLING) WHO ARE GOING, PLEASE HELP ME GET IN CONTACT WITH'EM. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!

[Dished]

I hope your mom lets ya go pixel :/. It'll be awesome if you can!

thanks layil: i miss you guys! *cough*south east asian workshop *cough*
Educationally/Creatively/etc.

As I stated before, the workshop IS THE BEST THING. Besides all the social, getting to know people,making friends, and improving social skills and whatnot, the education and exposure is up there with the big reasons on why you should say yes . Its like sending your young aspiring actor to the Emmy Awards, or to a movie set. Well, not really,but in terms of people attending, ranging from begginers to the professionals, its sort of is. My point is that its a HUGE EVENT. If you research on some of the names of attendees and teachers at the workshop, there are quite a lot well known names in the art world. Some of the pros at the workshop might have worked on some movies or games and whatnot that you have heard of. Basically, the other attendees and the teachers will most definitely expose the young attendee to the reality of the art world. Plus, there is always the business talk and what the art world is really like at the fourth day. It's a lecture and it has artists themselves speaking from their own personal experiences, which is probably one of the best ways one could learn.

The fact that the workshop is very hands on, and its very open (several lessons going on,etc. in and out as you like.) the lectures are even more helpful. Teaching methods are amazing there isnt a single lesson or demo your child wont learn from. After 5 minutes of watching Wesley Burt, Marko Djurdjevic, and Rich Doble sketch at the table, I already picked up some techniques. Until now and forever will they be etched into my brain. Exposure to different techniques,methods, and such absolutely helps in more ways than we might think. Even just sitting around with some artists,sketching and talking, one can learn so much.

Like I've said before,the professionals,the experienced, and even the begginers have so much to share and learn. The lectures and the talks may seem boring to someone or may seem like a waste of a few hundreed dollars,but really, in all true honesty, theyre one of the biggest factors that wil contribute to the young attendees knowledge. Not only that, the attendees are exposed to honest critique and help. Its not going be like, "WOW thats awesome. Its a little funky looking, so keep practicing." (Not that there's anything wrong with that...) but the help the young attendee will get will be more in depth,specific, and most of the time,they will probably give the attendees advice on what to do on the future,and how to improve. Besides, during portfolio day, who wouldnt want their artistic hero/idol looking through their sketchbook, getting critiqued and reviewed. It might sound nerve wrecking,walking up to your favorite artist or hero and saying "Can you critique my sketchbook,please?" but its all worth it, you'll get some of the best advice and help in your life.
The four days may seem short, but the things you acquire and the knowledge you'll obtain will last you through the future. Whether it be college applications, or simple class projects, the experience in the workshop will have a life long effect. I admit, I was a bit depressed after the workshop was over, but the lessons, the knowledge I've gained, and the friends I've made are still with me. Your child can learn, obtain,and even pass it on to other fellow artists who might be able to use the knowledge.

As it was stated in my previous post, the main things parents will have to deal with is a few hours of non stop talking and occaisonal "This one time,at the workshop..." times about the workshop. It's also really cool when you can talk to your parents about the art world,and have conversations and discussions for minutes, hours even. The experiences you'll have and the knowledge you'll gain will be nothing less than breathtaking. I'd even say phenomenal.

[Taj]

Originally Posted by Pixeldragoon

My mom said she won't let me go at all. The only way she would reconsider is if We got to know FOUR people down here who were going up. Not just like "Hi how are you? Let's go!" But like, seriously cool people who she could get to know.

Why not bring your mom? Montreal has better shops then Toronto and Ottawa put togather.

[Pixeldragoon]

She has a wedding to go to a few weeks prior to the trip, and she cant take that much time off of work to go with me =(

[Jason Manley]

Originally Posted by Pixeldragoon

My mom said she won't let me go at all. The only way she would reconsider is if We got to know FOUR people down here who were going up. Not just like "Hi how are you? Let's go!" But like, seriously cool people who she could get to know.

IF YOU KNOW ANY PEOPLE FROM THE SARSOTA AREA (INCLUDING RINGLING) WHO ARE GOING, PLEASE HELP ME GET IN CONTACT WITH'EM. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!

make a thread that says "anyone from Ringling going to the workshop?" if u want.

also, once we have the poster you could go down to ringling and put one up with a note that says if u are going, please let me know or something like that.

I think there will be at least four people from Ringling who will go. There were a ton of ringling peeps at the sf workshop.


j

[Layil]

yeah, pixel, if your mom sees you putting so much effort into finding people to go with, she wont be able to say no!
Its all about how much you really want to be there.

[Slash]

How about if the younger previous attendees get their parents to write up a testimony about how their children survived and growed from this experience, then post it here?

Profil is 15 years old, and he brought his dad to prague. But i dont think he would have needed that, since his dad was in another hotel, and wasnt around at all during the workshop days. I like to think that we took good care of him, didnt we profil? Everyone at the hostel took care of each other, making sure that everyone got up in the morning and that noone were left alone.

[Pixeldragoon]

THanks guys, and Jason, I really appreciate it. I think I'll do that.

[Profil]

I was 15 when I attended the Prague workshop in October, I'm 16 now because my birthday was in December.


I went to the Prague workshop and it was awesome.

Honestly, it wasn't that hard for me to convince my parents. Because:
1. I had already met some people from CA and they didn't rape me or anything.
2. They said it would be good for me to go out and experience things.

The only demand they had was that they had to come along. At first, I hated the idea. I didn't want someone to check up on me all the time. I heard about the parties and going out etc with the workshop, and if I knew my parents there was no way in hell that I was going to them.

But I gave in, my father was going with me, but I was thankful though. Because if he didn't want to come, I would never have been able to attend to the workshop.

Everything was good, we arrived in Prauge I checked in at the hostel, my father checked in at his hotel (he didn't want to disturb my experience or anything.) So I was on my own, oh and my cellphone if my father would need comfort for those lonley Prague nights.

So now I was free, I could drink whatever I would like to without him discovering it. But I didn't. I belive I was raised well enough and had formed my own opinions about said subjects that I didn't want to do them. I knew that it wasn't good for me. So I could still go out and have fun but still not drink. Maybe I would had more fun if I got myself drunk, who knows. I still enjoyed it and it was my decision.

I honestly belive that I would have evolved/mature more if my father hadn't gone with me. Because back In my head, I always knew that if something went wrong, he would be there for me. If I had been on my own, I would have to take care of myself and be even more careful.

The people. The people I met there made the experience. They helped out so much, with rooming, finding places to eat, just talk to people etc. It was like one big family, that sounds corny but everyone was there for the same reason, so why not help each other? My roomates were great, I had already met two of them before on several occasions but the other ones were new to me. But it wasn't just me people treated great, everyone were nice to everyone.

So to all parents, it will be an experience your child will remember, probaly forever. Just let them go there and trust them. Let them have fun and do what they love to do. Let them socialize, draw, whatever.
Let them experience something like this while they are still young, don't tell them "you can do this when you get older."
If you trust them, let them go.

Edit: Oh, maybe I should add something about how I grew? Well except good pointers on my art, art techniques etc. I have gained a lot more social skills. I was quite.. I hate the word shy but I use it this time. I wish I would have talked a lot more to a lot more people. But through this experience, I learnt more about myself. How I am as a person.


*The grammar and spelling may be wrong. English isn't my native language.

[Evil_Sloth]

Originally Posted by Jason Manley

There is more art created and demonstrated in those four days than I saw during my entire 120,000.00 college education.

Hmm, kinda makes me think I should get a Industrial Design education and just go to the workshops for the Illustration sides.
I hope you guys eventually have a workshop in the southern hemisphere... ......

[rblitz7]

I just wanted to say how awesome you guys are for welcoming high school students to such an awesome event which I found out about 20 min ago. Im a junior in hs and would love to go to one of these, but I think I might just wait till im in a college, and I would probably get more out of it when im older anyway. Theres a chance I could be going to AAU in San Francisco so make sure you guys have a workshop there in Fall 2007!

[EVIL]

Originally Posted by Jason Manley

Evil went to the Amsterdam workshop. By himself. When the Prague workshop came around his Mom tagged along. She told me that she had seen her son change overnight for the better and this time she wanted to see the same thing happen to herself. It really is one of the most inspiring and influential art events in the world. There is more art created and demonstrated in those four days than I saw during my entire 120,000.00 college education.

Bring the parents! They will trust your path if you do.


JM

I was away from home for a week staying over @ a friend so I couldn't post something in person, but I am back.
My mom came along because she wanted to find what was so great about this workshop that I was raving about since the one in amsterdam (it was a true mind opener). And she got to see with her own eyes how mutch one can learn at this event. But yeah man, bring your mom or dad along, I did it and haven't regret it since because my mom became alot more supportive about what I wanted to do with my life.

my mom:
My son had changed when he came back from the workshop in Amsterdam.
He was really inspired by it and wanted to go to every workshop in Europe.
I wanted to experience that too. For me it was a great time, I learned a lot and I would recommend to let your children go to the workshop or come with them if you want. Its a good thing to let your children experience an event like this early in life, so they can get a new perspective of their future or what they want to do in life. Plus your child can make new friends who all share similar interest's and these friendships can be a great help later in life and career.

My e-mail adress is corrie.nies@gmail.com if your parents or yourself want to get in contact

bye, EVIL's mom

[Layil]

Thanks Evil, Evils Mom.... It was awsome having you both attend together... We look forward to seeing you at the next european workshop!!