Welcome to the Series of Classes -My Art Academia-Unlocking Creativity-
Under the right conditions, all children can become more creative thinkers, expressive artist and problem solvers. 
Fashion design and figure drawing is one of the ways to unlock their creativity!

ABOUT THE CLASS:

Discover the world of figure drawing and fashion illustration on this exciting course! 
Students will delve into the fundamentals and principles of figure drawing, while also exploring the art of designing and illustrating their very own fashion outfits. Whether you're a budding artist or simply have a passion for fashion, this class is perfect for you. Join our award-winning teacher, Sanya, who is not only a talented fashion and costume designer but also a passionate educator. No matter your skill level or previous drawing experience, everyone is welcome to join this creative journey!

PROJECTS:

Class no 1-Figure Drawing in Proportion and Inspiration- Research Images and Collages;
Class no 2- Teen Fashion, School Uniform, Colored Pencils  
Class no3- Figure in Motion 
Class no4- Fashion Thumbnails and Exploration of Different Silhouettes
Class no5- Elegant Evening Gowns. 
Class no6- Fashion portraits, Hats and Accessorize 
Class no7-Spring/Summer Look and Silhouette Dresses 
Class no8- Fall/Winter Look and Layering Clothing

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY 

Picasso once said, “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Teaching enables me to remain an artist, rediscovering new ways to be passionate about theater and art. My teaching philosophy is that all students must have a stimulating creative environment that will foster their artistic, creative, social, and intellectual growth. I approach each student individually by celebrating their specific point of view. 
My goal is to create a class that is never one-note or repetitive, but rather collaborative, interactive and dynamic. I want every student to have a meaningful experience in my class. 
In a safe, process-based environment I invite my students to learn through experimentation, share their ideas and discover the joy of creating art. I want to help students feel comfortable unlocking their creative voices and developing their talents.

Thank you for reading and I hope to see you in some of my classes!

BIOGRAPHY

Sanja Manakoski is a full time teaching artist and professional multidisciplinary artist. Sanja recently relocated to Hawaii from Chicago and she is originally from Serbia, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Costume and Fashion Design from University of Applied Arts and Design in Belgrade, and her Master of Fine Arts in Stage Design from Northwestern University. 
Recently, Sanja won the 2019 Michael Merritt Award for the best professional theatre design exhibit. In 2018, she was featured in American Theatre Magazine in the Roll Call Series 6 Theatre Workers You Should Know. Sanja’s drawings, paintings and designs have been seen internationally and across the United States in theatres such as the Writers theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Gift Theatre, Teatro Vista Theatre, Western Stage Theatre, Music Theatre Works, and others.
In addition to her theatre accomplishments, Sanja is also recognized as a fashion designer and educator. She was one of the judges for the 2018 Driehaus Awards for Fashion Excellence in Chicago. 
Furthermore, she is the co-creator of the fashion label KLASA, which received many prestigious awards such as the ELLE Fashion Award. 
Her costume designs and illustrations have also been exhibited internationally. For example, her up cycle multifunctional costume design received the ULUPUDS design award in Belgrade and was exhibited in the Theatre Festival Prague Quadrennial 2015. 
Sanja is also teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University for theatre design at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She also has experience teaching at University of Illinois at Chicago and Hartnell College in California. Some of the classes that she taught are Costume Design, Stage Makeup, Scenic Design, Scenography, Computer Graphics Design, Figure Drawing, Theatre Crafts Class and so on.
She currently works in Hawaii in her art studio on series of paintings and preparing for her solo exhibition.