✦ Dina's Art Studio
Small-group classes taught by a working illustrator and calligrapher. Kids ages 6–12 make real things — comics, cards, lettering, and more.
About the classes
Hi, I'm Dina — a professional illustrator and calligrapher based in New Canaan, CT. My work appears on book covers, editorial pages, and product packaging. I'm also a mom to two kids (ages 6 and 3), and I do a lot of art with them at home. I know firsthand what gets kids genuinely excited about making things.
I teach because I love it, and because kids make the most surprising, fearless art when given the right tools and enough time to actually finish something. Every project in my classes is real — a comic with a plot, a holiday card with calligraphy, a full brand identity on a coffee cup sleeve.
See my illustration work →Student work
Past projects
Project 01 · Branding & Packaging
Kids invented a café from scratch — named it, designed a logo, illustrated the packaging, and lettered the brand name on a coffee cup sleeve. Every design decision had a reason behind it.
Project 02 · Brand Identity
A vacation clothing brand — dreamed up and designed entirely by the kids. They created the name, drew a logo with a sea turtle and lettering, then applied the brand to a tote bag print and a t-shirt design.
What to expect
Ages 6–8
Projects at this age focus on hands-on making, color, and storytelling. Kids work with paper, watercolor, and markers to create things they can hold and show.
Ages 9–12
Older kids take on more complex projects — branding, typography, sequential storytelling. They start thinking like designers, not just makers.
In the studio
Write me on WhatsApp or by email. Tell me your child's age and what they're curious about — I'll answer any questions.
I'll let you know about upcoming sessions and available spots. Groups are small — 6 kids max — so there's always room to focus. Private classes are also available.
Classes are 45 minutes, held at New Canaan Library. Each session is part of a longer project — kids pick up right where they left off.
Over 4 sessions, a project goes from idea to finished work. Kids leave with something they made start-to-finish — and skills that show.
How we work
Most art classes teach techniques in isolation. Here, every project unfolds over four 45-minute sessions — enough time to actually think, experiment, and refine. Kids go through every stage a real designer or illustrator would.
We explore the concept together — references, ideas, what makes it interesting. No blank-page panic.
Rough drafts, thumbnails, trying things out. This is where the real thinking happens.
Into the actual materials — ink, watercolor, paper, lettering. Adjusting as we go.
A completed piece the kid made themselves, from first idea to last detail. Something worth keeping.
Private classes
Tailored entirely to your child — their pace, their project, their interests. Same approach as the group classes, just focused on one kid.
Where to find us
33 Main Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
Russian-speaking groups meet in Westport — write me for the exact address.
Get directions →FAQ
Get in touch
Write me and we'll find the right session for your child. No forms, no commitment — just a quick message.
First class $30 · Regular classes $45/session · Private on request
