Creative art & technology curriculum
 Join in-person & online for total flexibility
 Learn with AJ studio learning app 24/7
“The game designer shouldn’t be making a world in which the player is just a small part. The player’s the boss; it’s your duty to entertain him or her.”
-John Carmack

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Fire Mario Pixel History, 1985-1993, Mazecube24
History of Mario Kart, Console and Handheld, Comic Years, Image, Nintendo

Art 401™  
Pixels, Pipes, and Power-Ups
TERM
2

SAT
4.10 pm

  Thursday lessons are on 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May, 5, 12, 19, 26 Jun
  Saturday lessons are on 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 May, 7, 14, 21, 28 Jun
  There are no lessons on 2 Jun, Monday, King’s Birthday, 20 Jun, Friday, Matariki.
  All sessions are available in-person

Hee hee hee, ho ho ho—no, it’s not Santa; it’s definitely Mario! Jump, stomp, and power-up as we dive into the colourful, fun world of video games. No, sorry, we won’t be playing them, but we’ll go on an investigation to learn the history behind them. Why is it called Super Mario anyway? What’s Mario’s last name? And most importantly, what’s pixel art?

Inspired by the history of Super Mario and other iconic games, students will discover how early pixel art laid the foundation for the immersive digital worlds we know today.

Through hands-on acrylic painting projects, students will reimagine pixel designs, create their own power-ups, and bring legendary game worlds to life. Each session is packed with creativity and exploration, encouraging students to experiment with bold colours, dynamic shapes, and playful designs inspired by gaming culture. By the end of the module, students will have created a collection of bold, dynamic artworks that show how games inspire imagination and connect us through play.

  We create fresh new lessons weekly, images here are for inspirations and indications only, of the level and content of this course.
Little Store™  
Art 401™ 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!

Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Colour Sets 12ml Tube Set of 20

$127  $85 NZD

Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic
Brush Set of 3

$57  $49 NZD

Fabriano 1264 Mixed Media Pad
A4 Spiral 300gsm

$28  $20 NZD

Daler Rowney
9x12
Tear Off Palette

$25  $19 NZD

Art 401™
Complete Set

$237  $170 NZD

What's included?
  • Video
  • Sample
  • Text material
  • Quizzes
  • Certificate
Art supplies & Craft Materials

Each session is uniquely developed for each student to achieve and progress in class, as well as through home practice. You will need to work with your own paint set. Our recommended supplies are as follows.

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.

Couse Content
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
1 What happens if I miss a class?
If you feel sick, please stay home and apply a catch-up lesson at a later time. Or, if you feel well enough, please join your session online via our app or this website. Regrettably, we can only provide catch-up lessons within your enrolled term based on availability. Any unused credit cannot be carried over to the following term.
2 What's your refund policy in a nutshell?
For the fairness of the other students, for our clever tutors who provide the lessons that you love, the studio cannot offer a refund if you change your mind. Our in-studio workshops are strictly made up of the limited number of students enrolled before the start of each school term and have the appropriate resources allocated to accommodate the optimal learning experience for all students in the course. To ensure the staff and supplies can be maintained for the course, payment for their use cannot be refunded so that the remaining students may continue the learning and development they paid for. In the event of Covid-19 restrictions, workshops will resume online. No refund can be issued if you decide not to participate in online sessions.
3 What do I need to bring to class?
If you are joining the workshop in person, just bring your lovely self! Please bring your own art pack for Clever Canvas™, Sketchbook Challenge™ and Super Matisse™ lessons. If you are joining online, great! Ensure your device is fully charged, and check with your tutor beforehand about what supplies you may need to prepare.
4 Which class should I join?
Choosing a class that suits your age group would be a great way to start. Your tutor will advise you if moving up or down a level may be more beneficial for your child. Check out the 'Find My Workshop' page for more details.
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