about the guild
Our Mission
- We coach and mentor real skills backed by our industry experience. We teach, inspire, and train toward artistic mastery.
- We provide a safe community for teens and young adults to connect offline weekly in a 3rd space with good vibes.
- We help students with genuine creative drive by preparing them for a fulfilling and successful career in the entertainment industry.
A Home For Artists
Ember Art Guild was co-founded by Jason and Kurt Keyser with a clear vision: a place where artists can learn and grow in a supportive & challenging creative environment.
Sports organizations like this are everywhere, but it's rare to find such spots for artsy folk.
This is a 3rd space to team up, make friends, and hone your skills. Learning art is a challenge. At Ember Art Guild, it's a challenge you can face alongside others who get it and mentors who will help you win.
Meet your mentors
Jason Keyser
Co-Founder & Lead Mentor
[He/Him]
Jason believes every artist deserves someone who sees their potential before they see it themselves. With nearly two decades of experience in creating and teaching animation, games, and visual effects, he brings a strong mix of professional expertise, mentorship, and artistic leadership to Ember Art Guild.
- Art leader and educator with 18+ years of experience
- Founder of VFX Apprentice
- Background in animation, games, and visual effects
- Studio experience includes League of Legends, Animal Jam, Netflix, and Cartoon Network
Peet Cooper
Senior Game Art Mentor
[he/Him]
Peet has spent decades helping artists solve creative problems—and loves watching students discover that they're capable of much more than they imagined. His broad creative background and strong passion are a lift to everyone he meets.
- 20+ years in games and interactive media
- Experience in concept art, illustration, animation, UI, and art direction
- Background in education, mentorship, and team leadership
- Studio experience includes Diablo III, League of Legends, and multiple indie games
Rodney Olmos
Senior Game Dev Mentor
[He/Him]
Rodney loves helping artists bridge creativity and technology while building confidence along the way. He is a multidisciplinary game artist and art director with experience across console, mobile, web, and VR. Count on Rodney to lift and inspire at every opportunity.
- 20+ years experience across console, mobile, web, and VR
- Background in both art and technical development
- Strong focus on collaboration and mentorship
- Studio experience includes Hogwarts Legacy and Animal Jam
Jazmine Zajac
Junior Mentor & Marketing Creative
[She/Her]
Jazmine is a passionate clay and digital artist & marketing designer. Her priority is to make every guild member feel welcome, and to foster community for fellow creatives, while sharing her experience as a business owner and freelancer.
- 4+ years experience in digital art and animation for streaming and brands
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual & Video Design
- Studying User-Experience Design/Marketing and Studio Art
- Focused on nurturing community within the Guild
Abelle Hayford
Junior Mentor
[They/Them]
Abelle is a Ghanaian-American US based Illustrator with experience collaborating with a range of clients and studios. They love experimenting with colors, playing with textures and effects, and exploring the whimsy in their work.
- 10+ years experience in illustration, character design, and color design in animation
- Background in TV Animation with studios
- Strong focus on color design in animation
- Passionate about encouraging Guild members to explore
alexa hansen
Senior Mentor
[She/Her]
Alexa is driven to innovate and excel in her craft as an artist. Having worked at major studios across animation, she never stops creating and leading others toward artistic excellence. And of course, she has a blast along the way!
- 16+ years' experience creating art for the entertainment industry
- Lead Character Designer for the hit animated show Rick and Morty
- Passionate about helping artists improve and refine their skills
Paul
Adam
Senior Mentor
[he/him]
Paul has worked as an illustrator, concept artist, and art director across major intellectual properties, including Magic the Gathering and Star Wars. Ever committed to his craft, Paul knows what it takes to excel as an artist working in video games, digital entertainment, and print media.
- Over 20 years' experience working in entertainment arts
- Distinguished career as an artistic leader and master draftsman
- Enjoys leading others toward deep craft excellence
Shannon Zhao
Senior Mentor
[She/Her]
Shannon is a 3D Character Artist with 10+ years of experience in the games industry and a passion to create art that is expressive, exciting, and meaningful. She loves encouraging others to explore the boundaries of art and find personal meaning in it while improving their craft, whether they're aiming for a game studio or creating for their own growth.
- 10+ years in AAA game development across 3D character art, tech art, and art team management
- Studio experience includes DC Universe Online and Orcs Must Die! Unchained
- 3D Scanning / Photogrammetry work on films such as Logan, Alita: Battle Angel, and The Cloverfield Paradox (and more!)
- Co-creator and designer of indie game Flora Nova
take your first class
Our Calendar is regularly updated with free community events, or snag a limited spot for an upcoming instructor-led class!
Calendar Page
See when our next event is near you!
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