Cameron Suter, an illustrator for the world-renowned ministry Answers in Genesis, has always been passionate about creating art. But he discovered another passion — helping others unlock their artistic potential. To this end, he recently launched a comprehensive mentorship program aimed at nurturing emerging artists.
Suter’s program is centered around teaching what he terms the “how and wow” of artistic potential.
“The ‘how’ involves providing the technical instruction needed to express an idea effectively,” he says. This primarily includes art fundamentals such as the effective use of shapes and colors across various mediums.
“The ‘wow’ has to do with helping individuals realize that artistic excellence isn’t exclusive to a select few but is accessible to anyone willing to put in the work,” Suter continues. He believes that while some people may have a natural talent that allows them to pick up skills faster, these skills are not beyond the reach of others given the right instruction.
The online mentorship program offers students three distinct pathways. The Foundations Pathway is for those looking to either start or advance their fundamental skills. Suter maintains that both beginners and seasoned artists can grow in their craft from a technical perspective. The Concept Art Pathway is for those interested in designing their own characters, creatures, environments and worlds, particularly for those aspiring to work in the film and game industry. The Digital Illustration Pathway, a more advanced option, offers an in-depth exploration of composition, lighting and storytelling within a single image.
The program begins with a 15-minute consultation call between Suter and the potential student to determine the most suitable pathway for their interests and goals. The full program comprises four one-hour sessions, ideally held weekly. Students are expected to dedicate between 8–12 hours per week to their assignments.
“When it comes to developing new skills, you get out what you put in,” Suter emphasizes. “But there are ways of making the practice less daunting.”
Each session begins with a short lecture where Suter teaches the principles related to the chosen pathway. This is followed by a live demo where he digitally paints in Photoshop to show these principles in action. Students are then assigned a project tailored to their goals or interests, and progress is reviewed in subsequent weeks.
If a full program is more than one is currently looking for, Suter also offers one-off hour-long sessions for students who need feedback on a specific piece or advice on their next steps.
Shuntu B., a former student of Suter’s Concept Art & Creature Design mentorship program, speaks highly of his experience.
“Cameron’s homework assignments really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me think beyond my initial ideas and become more creative,” says Shuntu. “It also helped me to become more confident about my work.”
The mentorship program provides an affordable alternative to formal art school education, which can be financially prohibitive for many aspiring artists. It also caters to those unable to commit to a four-year program. “The reality is that a lot of jobs in the fine arts realm don’t so much require a degree as they do a good portfolio,” Suter notes. “And my program aims to fast-track students toward a body of work they can move forward with.”
In addition to his mentorship program, Suter offers freelance illustration services, specializing in fantasy illustration and concept art for projects including book covers, splash art and trading card artwork.
His clientele includes studios within the film and game industries, such as the Emmy-nominated design studio, Perception. His work has also been featured in several fantasy-art publications, including volumes 10 and 11 of “Infected by Art.”
Suter has experience working in a wide range of mediums, including oil painting, charcoal and drawing, as well as digital painting for his fantasy illustrations. He is a firm believer in the importance of having a solid foundation in traditional art skills regardless of the medium and is passionate in helping others learn the building blocks of a thriving art practice.
“I know firsthand how difficult an art practice can be, but also how deeply rewarding it can be once those wheels start turning,” Suter says. “Being an artist asks us to confront technical, emotional, and mental challenges alike — but there are methods that I and countless other successful artists use to move past them. I view it as an honor and responsibility to share these breakthroughs with others, and I can’t wait to see how my students use them to impact the world.”
Are you ready to unlock your artistic potential? Don’t let the lack of a formal art degree hold you back. To learn more about artist Cameron Suter’s mentorship program, visit cameronsuter.com or email him at 14CameronSuter@gmail.com.