Brandon Gonzales Digital Environments Mentorship

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Program Overview
Join expert artist and matte painter Brandon Gonzales in his Digital Environments Online Mentorship focused on matte painting and concept design. 

Enjoy a regular weekly schedule of fast paced and rigorous lectures and personalized critiques in a small group class setting.

Develop the skills to become a matte painter or high-end concept artist in such work as live-action feature films, TV, animation, and/or attractions.

Mentorship Program Design
Interactive Learning
4 Weekly LIVE classes per month

Personalized Feedback
Receive critiques on class assignments and relevant personal projects in live sessions.

Private Discussion Group
Enjoy the companionship of a group of artists who learn and grow by your side, with private access to a classroom discussion board.
Preview Demo Lesson

Participate in weekly live classes hosted via zoom. Classes will target a specific principle each class, and will follow a rotation of assignment driven lessons and demos with personalized critiques and feedback.

Preview Personalized Critique
Critique Example
Receive personalized instruction and feedback as Brandon targets and strengthens your weaknesses.

This program requires that you have homework outside of class time.

The work and assignments you do with Brandon will carry over into your personal work.

Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

Mentorship Details

Elevate your skills in digital environments with our comprehensive mentorship program, focusing on matte painting and concept design. You'll learn 3 types of matte paintings, integrate 3D assets, and create 2.5 D Projections Paintings, all while conceptualizing ideas quickly for client approval. By the end, you'll have a solid portfolio and the skills needed for entry-level professional work. Additionally, we’ll discuss the business aspects of being a matte painter and the pros and cons of working in-house or freelance. This program is perfect for those looking to elevate their concept skills to a higher, more realistic level.

Each live session will be recorded for unlimited HD replay which you can access for your duration in the program.

Format: This is a 16 week program. Each session is limited to a small class size.
Weekly Live Group Sessions / Critiques / Class Recordings / Bonus Demos / Private Community Discussion

Tuition : $350 per month ($1,400 collected over a four month period)

Time and Day: Each class period will last between 1.5 hours and 3 hours depending on the prepared lesson content and the number of students in attendance. 

Enrollment Closed, Please Join the Waitlist for 2025 Mentorships.
Students on the Waitlist will be notified by email when applications open.

What if I can't make it to live sessions?

Each live session will be recorded and uploaded to the course for you to rewatch. At the end of the four month program, students will enjoy a fifth month free where they can rewatch all of the lectures and critiques from the live classes, plus any additional lectures and demos Brandon provides throughout the session.

If you submit your homework by the due date, your mentor will provide a critique during class as usual, and the recording of that critique will be made available for you to view. If you reside in a different time zone and anticipate being unable to attend classes live, please inform your mentor in advance about your situation. Sentient works with artists globally, so this is a common occurrence. Both the Sentient team and your mentor are more than happy to assist you.

What if I decide to leave the program early?

This program requires both a financial and time commitment from you and your mentor. We expect mentees to demonstrate the same level of dedication and priority that they expect from their mentor. Please note that no refunds will be issued for completed payments. If you wish to terminate your payment plan and exit the program, a mandatory early exit fee of $100.00 will apply.

By accepting a seat in this program, you are committing to it fully. Choosing to leave, for any reason, not only disrupts your mentor's time but also takes away an opportunity from other applicants who were denied participation in favor of your placement.

How long will I have access to mentorship recordings?

Students will have access to mentorship recordings for the duration of the program plus one month after the program ends. At the conclusion of that time period students will no longer have access to the mentorship recordings as Sentient will be preparing for a new term and a new student group. This practice is consistent with optimal learning. Sentient Mentors do not advise students to become overly focused on the same lectures and critiques for a long period of time as this ultimately hinders growth and confidence. 

If a student quits the program early they will lose access to the recordings at the end of their pay period. Please email the sentient team if you are uncertain as to when that will take place for you.
Sky Replacement
Start simple and focus on the foundations of matte painting

Set Extension
Replace the sky but extend or build a realistic set within our plate

Conceptual Matte Painting
Develop conceptual ideations for potential future paintings and for client approval

3D Asset Integration Matte Painting
Learn how to add a 3D rendered element which will be the base design

CG Matte Painting
Begin full CG project based on previous designs

CG Matte Painting
Continue to work and refine CG matte painting. Additional important information, lectures and content will be discussed based on the needs and direction of mentees and prepare them to project onto geometry

2.5D Projection
Project your matte in Nuke and create slight camera moves with parallaxing elements.

Final Critique/Business 101
Present the culmination of all your hard work with a final critique. Discuss any other lingering topics relating to the business side of being an artist. Prepare how to get your work out to potential clients and present your portfolio in a job interview.
Past student

Kevin Salins

I enjoyed how there was great care in listening to each student’s concerns and goals. It was especially helpful when Brandon took a look at all the work submitted for that week or all the work the student completed as a whole and told the student what they generally struggled with throughout their work.
Meet your instructor

Brandon Gonzales

After graduating from Art Center College of Design, Brandon has spent 10 years working as a matte painter and concept artist in the entertainment industry. His unique artistic background has helped him develop a sharp eye for detail, evident in his expressive brush strokes and the accurate, yet stunning colors of his more recent traditional paintings. His years working as a matte painter has nurtured an uncommon ability to see complexities and nuances around him. This ability coupled with his painterly style results in an uncommon freshness and energy. 

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