Learning Modes
Courses
Booking & Scheduling
Payments & Cancellations
Online Classes
Coursebooks
Markmakers, for young artists
Other
LEARNING MODES
What are learning modes?
Your learning mode is how you choose to engage with Folio Tutoring. There are three different learning modes to choose from: Solo, Course and Tailored. So there is bound to be one to suit your schedule and preferences. Read below or click here to find out more about them.
What is the difference between solo, course and tailored?
Solo learning is best for those who are already quite self-motivated, would like to pick up a pencil or paintbrush whenever they find the spare time, and are looking for direction, knowledge and some feedback from a tutor.
Course learning is for those who are looking for a structured setup with personalised support. It consists of weekly 1:1 tuition online, where you can be guided through a course of your choice and learn by watching live demonstrations, receiving feedback, and getting answers to all of your questions.
Tailored learning suits those already engaged in drawing and/or painting. It gives you more control over the content of your classes, for example, if you are seeking specific support with a portfolio or personal creative project. It also allows you more flexibility with scheduling. Instead of being constricted to booking a class each week at the same time, you can schedule the four hours in each block in a multitude of ways, for instance as a single four-hour class or as four 1hr classes across consecutive days (subject to availability). Plus, students who are new to Tailored classes get a free 30mins consultation to discuss and develop a plan for future sessions after booking an initial class block.
I still don’t know which learning mode is best for me.
If you head over to the ‘Contact’ page, send me a message explaining a bit about your artistic aims and I’d be more than happy to help steer you in the right direction.
COURSES
What courses are available?
Check out this page to see the available Folio Art Tutoring courses for adults and this page to discover the Markmakers courses for young artists.
How long is a course?
All courses take 12 weeks to complete. Solo coursebooks are split up into three books (four weeks each). For Course classes, three class blocks are needed in order to complete a course, but you are under no obligation to do so.
There isn’t a course that fits what I am looking to learn about.
Then Tailored classes could be for you! You, the student, and I, the tutor, will discuss in a free 30mins consultation via Zoom what our classes will look like in terms of content and scheduling.
Are separate courses available for different levels of ability?
Courses are not developed or differentiated based on ability. This is because I believe that the best way to learn is to attempt tasks that can be completed to the best of your own ability and can always be improved upon. Students work at their own level on the same drawing/painting tasks that those with more experience have, which puts students in the driving seat of their own learning and development. Owning the desire to improve your own results will give you the impetus to keep practicing, and I, as the tutor, am here to highlight your successes as much as to suggest areas for you to develop. At the same time, students are not obliged to put any pressure on themselves. These courses can simply be followed and enjoyed, as there are no exams or tests. I will also take your aims into account when tutoring and sharing feedback with you.
I don’t know which course I should take.
Never fear, the flow chart is here! Answer some questions about your aims and preferences and have a course suggested to you (only available for adult classes).
What happens once I have completed a course?
Congratulations are in order! You are encouraged to progress on to another course in Folio Tutoring (I am happy to give recommendations) or perhaps to consider Tailored classes if you feel that you have an idea for a personal project that you would like support with.
BOOKING & SCHEDULING
What is a class block?
A class block is a pack of four hours. With the Course learning mode, one 1hr class is scheduled each week at the same time.
I want to book a Course class block but would like to schedule more than one hour a week.
That’s no problem!
If you would like to schedule a two-hour class each week at the same time, get in touch to schedule a 2hr slot for four consecutive weeks (subject to availability). You would then purchase two blocks in advance of classes commencing.
If you would like to schedule two 1hr classes at the same time each week (e.g. Tuesdays at 7.45pm and Wednesdays at 5.45pm), the same as above would apply.
Can I book one-off classes?
Unfortunately not, but if you buy a block of Tailored classes, you can schedule the four hours as a single four-hour class, for example, or as two two-hour classes.
Can I keep hours in the class block and schedule them for the future?
No, all four hours must be scheduled within four weeks of the first class. If you give at least 24hrs notice, you can postpone one lesson per block for one week.
Do I have a choice about when my classes can start?
Yes, you can dictate when you would like your first class to be. At least 24hrs notice must be given before the date of your first class.
Is there a joining fee?
Nope! No joining fee or any other hidden costs, just the prices for class blocks and coursebooks.
Is a free trial session available?
No, but a free 30mins consultation session via Zoom is available for students booking Tailored sessions for the first time.
Do I need to subscribe?
No, it is up to students to renew lesson blocks if they wish to continue, but reminder emails will be issued in advance as a prompt.
Are there any days that I can’t book classes?
Yes, no classes are held on Sundays. To see all available slots, visit the ‘Booking’ page.
I am based outside of the UK. Can I still book online classes?
Yes! I welcome students from all around the world. Please make sure to consider timezone differences when scheduling sessions, but if you see a free slot on the calendar on the ‘Booking’ page, feel free to inquire about booking. Also make sure to inform me so that we can organise changes to account for daylight savings in March and October.
Can I rearrange the dates of classes once I have scheduled them?
Subject to availability, and if enough notice is given, it may be possible to reschedule class time slots. In general, dates should be confirmed before booking a new block, and even when renewing.
Can I take a break between classes?
If at least 24hrs notice is given, you can postpone one class per block for one week. You can also choose not to purchase another class block if you wish to discontinue classes indefinitely or for a period of more than one week. It cannot be guaranteed that your time slot will remain available if you do not renew a class block.
I want my 1:1 classes to carry on indefinitely at the same time each week. Is there the chance that my slot might become unavailable?
If you have scheduled weekly classes, you will automatically be pencilled into that slot for the next four weeks, so there is no danger of your class time slot becoming unavailable.
If I am not free for any available class slots, can I go on a waiting list?
Yes. Let me know if you would like to be informed if a particular time slot(s) becomes available, and I will send you an email if there is an opening. In the meantime, you might consider purchasing a Solo coursebook, where you can receive feedback on assignments.
PAYMENTS & CANCELLATIONS
What are the prices for class blocks?
See prices on the ‘Booking’ page.
How do I pay for classes and coursebooks?
You can pay by card or by PayPal.
Can I buy multiple class blocks at the same time?
If you wish to schedule more than one hour per week, you should purchase enough hours to cover four weeks of classes for Course classes.
Can I schedule now and pay later?
Unfortunately, no. All class blocks and coursebooks must be purchased in advance.
Can I buy multiple coursebooks at the same time?
Yes, you can purchase as many coursebooks as you like at once. You retain unlimited access with no end date. However, you are only eligible to receive feedback within four weeks of your purchase. Since coursebooks are digital, copies won’t run out, so it is recommended that you purchase one at a time so that you can make the most out of the weekly feedback on offer.
Are Markmakers classes and coursebooks cheaper?
No, there is no variation in price between Folio Art Tutoring adult classes/coursebooks and Markmakers classes/coursebooks. There is the same quality and average quantity of content. The only difference is that Markmakers material is designed to be more engaging, interactive and easy to understand.
ONLINE CLASSES
How do online classes work?
Once you have confirmed dates/times with me and purchased a class block, I will email you a Zoom link. You do not need to have the Zoom app downloaded, but you do need a strong and stable internet connection and camera connected to the device you are using.
Can I use a phone or a tablet when taking classes?
Tablets are fine, however phones may be too small for properly viewing the reference images and video demonstrations during classes or coursebook content.
Can I book online classes if I am in a different time zone?
Yes, if you make sure that you are aware of the time differences, and let me know if you are in a different time zone so that I can organise changes for daylight savings, then that’s no problem.
Are in-person classes available?
No. At the moment, all classes are virtual, held over Zoom.
COURSEBOOKS
Can I purchase a coursebook while also taking classes?
You are welcome to purchase coursebooks as well as signing up for classes. However, if you take Course classes you should be aware that many of the projects and references will be the same as those in the Solo coursebooks.
How do the coursebooks work?
When you purchase a coursebook, you will be sent a link and password to view an online flipbook. You can access this at anytime and there is no expiry date. Each course has three instalments, and there are four-weeks worth of lessons and assignments in each book, including real-time video demonstrations, reference images, top tips, material lists, and more. Once you have completed a weekly assignment, send a photo of your work to foliotutoring@gmail.com to receive written feedback. You have until midnight, seven days after your purchase time, to submit work. For example, if you purchased a coursebook on Friday 2nd, you would have until midnight on Friday 9th to submit your week 1 assignment, Friday 16th (midnight) for week 2, etc. Please note that coursebooks are supported on all platforms but a Wi-Fi connection is necessary in order to view them.
If I miss a feedback deadline, can I still submit a piece of work?
Apologies, but no. If you miss a deadline, you will not receive feedback, even if you still send it. What you can do if you miss a deadline is substitute your work in place of the following week’s assignment.
Can I be early submitting work for feedback?
Yes, that’s no problem. You are encouraged to take your time with your assignments, but if you are a naturally speedy worker or have been inspired to keep busy with art over a short period, then you can email photographs of your work earlier than your submission deadlines.
Can I send photos of my work any other way than email?
No, email is the online way that I receive artwork photos and send feedback. However, let me know if this is an issue for you, and I may be able to help by offering an alternative.
Can I purchase all three books on my chosen course at once?
You can, but you will only be eligible to receive feedback within four weeks of your purchase for all assignments in the three books. Since the coursebooks are digital, copies won’t run out, so it is recommended that you purchase one at a time and complete assignments weekly.
Can I share a coursebook and the password to access it with others?
It is forbidden to share or sell the link and password for a coursebook to others outside your immediate social circles. Friends and family using the same devices as you are allowed, but only one person is eligible to receive weekly feedback with each purchase.
Can I buy a book from a different course if I haven’t completed another course yet?
Yes, although it is recommended that you continue with a course from Book 1 through to Book 3, you can swap courses at any time. You can also buy later instalments of the same course without following them chronologically.
Can I buy Book 2 or Book 3 of a course without having completed the earlier book(s)?
Yes, you are encouraged to follow the order that the books have been created in, but you are free to skip instalments.
If I’m not enjoying a coursebook, do I have to finish it?
Hopefully you will love working through the coursebooks as much as I enjoyed making them, but if not, there is no pressure to complete them or to submit work for feedback. I am always open to receiving feedback, so do let me know if you have any suggestions for improvements.
Do I have to complete all three books of a course back-to-back?
No, you can take a break of however long you like between completing coursebooks, but to get the most out of the course it is recommended that you complete all three books of a course one after the other.
Do I have to submit my work for feedback when I purchase a coursebook?
No, submitting assignment work is completely optional, but is encouraged.
Who will my work be seen by if I submit it for feedback?
Your work will only be seen by me and not shared with anyone else or on any platforms unless the student’s expressed permission is granted.
I would like to get feedback on my work but I’m too anxious.
I understand, but don’t worry. All feedback includes aspects of your work that have been well executed or carefully considered and areas for development. It is worth keeping in mind that feedback is subjective to an extent, so it is my own opinion which others might not share, but I do endeavour to acknowledge student’s intentions and ambitions and to keep experience levels in mind.
When will the next coursebook instalment of the course I am on become available?
New coursebooks are always in the making. I will endeavour to post each book in a course within four weeks of each other, so that students can work through the entire course at a consistent pace if they wish.
Can I submit other work for feedback with a coursebook?
No, only artwork created in response to coursebook assignments are eligible for feedback. I am, however, happy to take a few minutes at the start or end of classes to discuss any of your artwork.
I haven’t received access to a coursebook that I purchased.
Please get in touch if you have not received your link and password, or if either doesn’t work. Similarly, if for any reason the contents of the coursebook do not load properly, please let me know.
MARKMAKERS, FOR YOUNG ARTISTS
What is Markmakers?
Markmakers is a collection of art courses and classes for young artists ( 5-16yrs). There are the same three learning modes to choose from, just as with Folio Art Tutoring for adults. All classes are 1:1 and online. Markmakers coursebooks are available for self-directed learning and vary from adult coursebooks as they are packed full of games and creative challenges and explain techniques with simpler wording.
Are there different Markmakers courses for different age groups?
Although the content does not change, the delivery will be tailored to your child’s needs since all classes are 1:1. For instance, with younger students more interactive and art-themed games will be integrated at the beginning of classes and step-by-step demonstrations will be performed at a slower pace using simpler language. For older children there will be more of a chance to discuss artists and artwork from art history and to think critically about their own work and progress.
What is the structure of a Markmakers class like?
Each Markmakers class has three stages: Game (5mins), Time Machine (10mins), Draw, Draw, Draw! (or Paint, Paint, Paint!) (45mins). Sometimes the Draw, Draw Draw! stage of the class will be started off with quick sketching exercises before progressing on to a longer project(s). I encourage students to spend as much time as possible on these longer projects, but to keep them engaged and inspired, other projects are prepared to move on to if I deem it to be more beneficial.
I have two or more children who would like to take the online classes at the same time. Is this possible?
Yes, this is possible at a different rate: additional children receive 50% off, so the price for a Course class block with two children taking the same class would be £97.50, and for Tailored classes, £157.50. Please make sure to select the correct option when purchasing class blocks.
Can more than one child submit work for feedback with a Markmakers coursebook?
Unfortunately, the purchase of a coursebook only includes feedback for one individual.
Are Markmakers classes and coursebooks cheaper than those for adults?
No, there is no variation in price between adult classes/coursebooks and those for kids. There is the same quality and average quantity of content, with Markmakers material designed to be more engaging, interactive and easy to understand.
What is the youngest age that a student can be?
The youngest age for a student is five years.
OTHER
I am a complete beginner with drawing and painting. Is Folio Tutoring right for me?
Definitely! That’s great to hear that you’re keen to jump into art. First off, decide which learning mode is best suited to you. Click here to see the differences between the learning modes. If you choose Solo or Course, pick a course or use the flow chart to help you choose. If you decide to purchase a Solo coursebook, head to the Bookshelf to view the coursebooks that are currently available. If you are looking to book online classes, head to the Bookings page or Contact me for more information.
I already have experience with drawing and painting and am looking for support to develop further. Is Folio Tutoring right for me?
Yes, all courses are designed so that you can perform to the best of your own ability and be constantly challenging yourself at your own level. You may want to book Tailored classes if you have a project of your own or have identified specific areas of drawing or painting that you would like to work on. You are also welcome to access a coursebook or to schedule Course classes and be led through a course of your choice.
Can I get homework tasks to do between classes?
Homework is not available for Course classes, but you are welcome to purchase a Solo coursebook related to your area of study and submit weekly assignment work for feedback. Homework can be arranged on request with Tailored classes.
Do Folio Tutoring classes and courses count towards an educational qualification?
No, they do not. These classes and courses are developed by a self-taught artist for other self-taught artists, to pass on artistic knowledge, skills and inspiration from my own learning.