✦ 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 7 and 4), 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. English groups meet at New Canaan Library (33 Main St, New Canaan). Russian-speaking groups meet at 75 Church Lane, Westport. 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
English classes
33 Main Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
Russian-speaking classes
75 Church Lane
Westport, CT
FAQ
Get in touch
Write me and we'll find the right session for your child. No forms, no commitment — just a quick message.
$30/session · Private on request
