Creative art & technology curriculum
 Join in-person & online for total flexibility
 Learn with AJ studio learning app 24/7
“The more I study, the more insatiable do I feel my genius for it to be.”
-Ada Lovelace
Empty space, drag to resize

Lessons are refreshed regularly. Images shown are for inspiration and indicate the level and content of the course.

Sketchbook Challenge™
Make This Better
 $419.00 NZD

Ages 8-12

2 Feb-4 Apr

9 Lessons

Wow, this chair looks so nice. Oh no… it’s actually really uncomfortable. In Make This Better, we begin exactly there. With everyday furniture that looks good, feels awkward, or simply does not work as well as it could.Across this series of Sketch lessons, we step into the role of designers, look closely at chairs, tables, storage, and shared spaces, noticing how people sit, move, store, and gather. Together, we ask practical questions. What works? What feels uncomfortable? What gets in the way? And what could be infinitely better?This course is aligned with the New Zealand Technology Curriculum and supports students in developing technological thinking through observation, problem-solving, and iterative design. Rather than aiming for polished artworks, we learn how designers use sketches to explore ideas, communicate thinking, and make informed improvements.

Choose your plan

Two-Term Commitment

$838 $818
Build momentum and see deeper progress.
  • 18 weekly studio lessons
  • Enrolment across two consecutive terms
  • Priority continuation in the same class
  • Includes a small commitment saving

Annual Enrolment (Best Value)

$1676 $1568
For families who value continuity and steady creative growth.
  • 36 weekly studio lessons across the school year
  • Enrolment secured for all four terms
  • Guaranteed place in a consistent studio cohort
  • Includes a $108 commitment saving
What's included?
  • Video
  • Sample
  • Text material
  • Quizzes
Art supplies & Craft Materials

As each session is uniquely developed for each individual student to achieve and progress. You will work with diverse mediums. All supplies are included in your lesson fee. However if you wish to practice at home, here are supplies we recommend.

AJ Studio Learning Content

All learning materials are available for students enrolled full term via the Studio website. Please login and click on 'My' to locate your sessions.

Frequently asked questions
What am I enrolling in when I book a course?
When you enrol, you are securing a reserved weekly place in a specific class for a defined enrolment period (Single Term, Two-Term Commitment, or Annual Enrolment). Our programmes are structured as weekly studio classes delivered during the school term, rather than flexible lesson credits.
How many lessons are included?
Each enrolment option lists a specific number of lessons. Where a course lists a number of lessons, the studio guarantees delivery of that number within the enrolment period. Lessons may be delivered through scheduled in-person classes and, where applicable, studio-approved make-up options.
What happens if a class falls on a public holiday?
If a scheduled class falls on a public holiday when the studio is closed, we will offer one alternative lesson within the same term to replace the cancelled session.
The replacement lesson:
- Is scheduled by the studio
- May be delivered as an in-person session or an online lesson
- Cannot be rescheduled, credited, or carried forward if missed
Can we change lesson day or time during the term?
Requests to change lesson day or time may be considered within the same course and enrolment period, subject to availability and studio approval. We will do our best to accommodate, however changes are not guaranteed.
How do online lessons work?
When a student is unable to attend an in-person lesson, an online lesson may be offered as a make-up option.
An online lesson:
- Counts as a make-up for the missed in-person session
- Covers equivalent curriculum content
- Does not entitle the student to an additional in-person lesson
- Does not extend the enrolment period
Online lessons are offered within the enrolment period only and are not redeemable for future in-person attendance.
Can we switch to a different course?
Requests to move to a different course may be considered within the same enrolment period, subject to availability and suitability. Course changes take effect from the date they are approved.
- If moving to a course with a higher fee, the price difference will apply from the change date.
- If moving to a course with a lower fee, no cash refunds are issued. Any price difference may be held as a studio credit.

Studio credit:
- May be used within the same enrolment period
- May be applied to additional lessons or to a sibling’s enrolment
- Is non-refundable and expires at the end of the enrolment period
Lesson counts remain tied to the original enrolment plan and do not reset or extend with a course change.
What if my child misses a lesson due to illness, holiday, or school camp?
We understand that families may occasionally have other commitments. If you know your child will be away, please contact the studio in writing in advance.
Where possible and within the enrolment period, we may offer a make-up option at the studio’s discretion, which may include:
- Attending another scheduled session of the same course (subject to availability), or
- Access to an online lesson covering the relevant curriculum content
Make-up options are intended to support learning continuity. They are not guaranteed, must be arranged with the studio, and cannot be carried over beyond the enrolment period. 
Missed lessons are not refundable.
What is the cancellation policy?
Single Term and Two-Term Commitment
These enrolments are non-refundable once the enrolment period has begun.

Annual Enrolment (Best Value)
Annual Enrolment is a commitment-based option.

- Cancellations requested before the start of Term 3 may be eligible for a partial refund of 40%.
- Refund eligibility is based on the official start of the term, not a student’s individual class day.
- Lessons already delivered or reserved are recalculated at the standard term rate, not the discounted annual rate.
- A $25 administration fee applies.
- Any payment processing fees charged by our provider (Stripe) are non-refundable.
- Once Term 3 has begun, Annual Enrolment is no longer refundable.
What if my child attends more lessons than included in the plan?
If a student attends more lessons than the number included in their enrolment plan, additional lessons will be charged at the casual attendance rate, with prior studio approval.
Why don’t lessons roll over or extend?
Our programmes are designed around consistent weekly learning and group progression. Allowing lessons to roll over or extend beyond the enrolment period would disrupt class structure, staffing, and learning continuity, and would be unfair to other students and their families.
How do I choose the right enrolment option?
- Single Term is ideal for flexibility or trying a class for the first time.
- Two-Term Commitment suits families ready to build momentum.
- Annual Enrolment (Best Value) is best for families seeking continuity and a guaranteed place across the year.
If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to help you decide before you enrol. Simply give us a call at 09-216-3539, or email learn@ajstudio.online
Terms and Conditions
Our aim is to balance learning continuity, fairness, and flexibility, while keeping enrolment simple and transparent for families.
For more details, please refer to AJ Studio Terms & Conditions.
Little Store™  
Sketchbook Challenge™ Starter Pack
  Click & Collect in Studio
  NZ Flat Shipping $10
  Best Quality
  Recommended by Your Tutors

Welcome to Sketchbook Challenge™. To get you started and running with the course, we have selected a range of quality art supplies to support your in-class work and at-home practice. You can order here online or with your tutor during class time. Any refills are available in the studio, or send us an email. It's that easy!

Canson 1557 Sketchbook
A4 120 50 pages

$23 NZD

Toison D´Or Art 1912 Koh-I-Noor
Metal Box Set of 12

$32  $29 NZD

Optional: Winsor & Newton
Mixed Marker Set of 24

$298  $195 NZD

Kent Technical Eraser Set
Pack of 4

$9.99  $8 NZD

Sketchbook Challenge™
Starter Set

$55  $44 NZD

Sketchbook Challenge™
Premium Set

$64.99  $52 NZD

Sketchbook Challenge™
Complete Set

$362.99  $247 NZD

Gallery
Write your awesome label here.
Never miss our news!
Thank you!
Get updates on new workshops, events and news in your mailbox.