A Look Back at Our YMCA Character Design Sessions & Why Local Support Matters!
We're still buzzing from the incredible energy of our final after-school Character Design session with YMCA! What a fantastic way to wrap things up, seeing the amazing creativity radiating from these young artists. Their imagination truly blew us away, and it was a privilege to guide them as they brought their unique characters to life.
Our young participants dove into the world of digital art using some truly powerful yet accessible tools:
Krita: This is our go-to recommendation for aspiring digital artists, and it's what we used in our YMCA sessions. Krita is a professional-grade, free, and open-source painting program developed by artists, for artists. It’s packed with features like diverse brush engines, layer management, and even animation tools, making it perfect for everything from character design to full illustrations. The best part? It won't cost you a penny! You can download Krita directly from their official website: krita.org/en/download/.
Wacom Tablets: To pair with Krita, the young artists used beginner-friendly Wacom tablets. These are fantastic for getting started in digital art thanks to their excellent pressure sensitivity, which makes drawing feel natural and intuitive. If you're looking to dip your toes into digital art without a huge investment, a Wacom One Small tablet is often the most affordable and effective starting point. You can usually find these at great prices on Amazon with a quick search for "Wacom One Small tablet."
Working with the YMCA and seeing the dedication of these young artists week after week truly highlights the importance of fostering local talent. We believe that supporting and nurturing creativity within our community isn't just a nice thing to do—it's a vital investment in our shared future.
As a regional studio, we are deeply committed to growing local talent right here in our community. We feel it’s important to remind people that when local businesses and individuals choose to support companies like ours, you're doing so much more than just engaging a service. You're actively investing in your children's and cities future opportunities.
Consider this:
Local Growth: Providing work experience, speaking at local schools, and supporting numerous community events are initiatives we passionately pursue. However, these vital contributions come at a significant cost for companies, and they are only possible when we are doing well and thriving.
Tangible Impact: While big companies in London and other big cities might take money out of our local economy, with profits disappearing into large corporate structures, local businesses like ours reinvest directly back into the community. We hire locally, we collaborate with local organizations (like the YMCA!), and we strive to create pathways for young people to develop valuable skills and find fulfilling careers right here at home.
Crucial Support for Education: As traditional education systems sometimes struggle to adapt quickly to rapid advancements in technology and industry needs, company support is becoming increasingly crucial. We bridge that gap by offering practical experience and insights that prepare young talent for the jobs of tomorrow.
Real Opportunities: Our sessions with the YMCA are a perfect example. We're not just teaching character design; we're building creative confidence, sparking passion, and helping to lay the groundwork for the next generation of artists and innovators in our area. By supporting local, you're not only helping a local company thrive, but you're also directly contributing to the growth and prosperity of your community and the opportunities available to your children.
A huge thanks again to the YMCA team and every young artist who took part – you all gave it your best! We're incredibly proud of the amazing characters you created and the talent you showcased.