Tutoring and Teaching Services

Online and in-person classes available.

As an artist in the film industry for over 30 years in CG animation, I have worked and supervised artists on film/tv projects at Walt Disney Studios, Sony Pictures, Nickelodeon and others. I have also taught all ages of students in various settings over the years...from workshops to teaching in private homes, training classrooms in a corporate environment, and as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University. I enjoy teaching a variety of subjects. Below is a list of the different subjects I teach.

Along with both traditional and digital art, I also teach theology and have taught special needs students and others with temporary disabilities such as trauma, PTSD and ADHD. I say "temporary" because I have been able to help others overcome these diagnosis by creating new habits, diet changes, and behavioral changes..which can make positive changes in their brain's chemistry. I look forward to teaching you and assisting you in any way that I can to be the best "you" possible!

OCSA Audition Prep Classes/Portfolio Review
Drawing/Painting
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Photography/Photo Editing
Procreate and Other Digital Programs
Computer Graphics
Graphic Design
General Computer and Operating Instruction for 50+
Web Design/DIY Website Creation
Religion/Theology
3d Digital Painting
Writing
Art History
Film and Faith Classes
Powerpoint and Desktop Publishing
Mac and PC Operating Systems
UNIX/LINUX
Needlework
Metal Clay
Cooking

Art Therapeutics
ADHD, Trauma and PTSD Recovery
(CTSS, Arizona Trauma Institute, Certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach (Transformation Academy)

Payment and Classes:

Payment can be made with Cash, Venmo, Zelle or approved check. Sessions are usually 1-1.5 hours and paid by the hour per tutoring session upon services rendered. I reside in Old Towne Orange, Orange County, CA

Rates:
• Online private lessons are $55/hour
• Private in-person lessons at my home or studio space: $60/hour
• Private lessons in your home within 5 miles one-way of my home: $70/hour
• Private lessons in your home outside of 5-9 miles one-way $85/hour with a 1.5 hour minimum time for classes
(due to fuel prices and commuting time)
• Group Classes prices range from $30 per session on up depending on amount of students enrolled/supply costs. TBD

Charter School Students: Payment is done through a P.O. handled by the school. If you would like my art instruction, please request a P.O. requesting me as a vendor for the school. Services offered to charter school students are non-sectarian/non-religious.

Group Class Discounts:

I highly encourage group classes for homeschool co-ops or homeschool pods, friends/neighbors as parents can share in the tutoring costs. There is a discount for group classes depending on the number of students. Max students per group class = 15.

Where Classes Meet:

I usually meet in the student's home but am also able to have students at at my home to tutor. I also am happy to meet students in the library study rooms, church, quiet coffee places with internet, etc. I also am planning on classes hosted locally in Orange County. I am currently in the process of obtaining my own studio space due to over-whelming demand for my classes. TBD (Please check class page for details.)

Age Requirement for Classes:

My drawing curriculum is focused on people serious about learning drawing and painting and are willing to go through the exercises to achieve that. It's a linear and comprehensive learning process. Due to this, I usually don't take students younger than 9.5 years old who are mature enough to practice and are able to focus on a positive goal.

Most of my younger students have a goal of being in animation in the film industry and my classes are geared towards fully preparing students with the foundations of art required for these specialty fields like modeling, animation, character design.

If you are 90 years old and want to learn how to draw, you are never too old to learn new things! It's great for the brain and memory as well!

I also have classes geared towards younger people and adults and some where all ages, nine and up can attend and they all get something out of it.

Supplies for Class:

Supplies are not included in the class costs but I have provided a page on my website with instructions on what supplies are needed to meet the different learning phases of my students. They are Amazon links and there is no extra cost in ordering from my website vs. Amazon. The first few sessions of the beginning drawing courses, all is needed is a number 2 pencil and eraser.

Here is the link to the page for the supplies:

https://www.sonserae.com/suggested-supplies--products.html

Cancellation Policy:

I have a 24 hour cancellation policy unless it's a medical emergency. Due to having a waiting list, I am not able to fill cancelled appointments at the last minute and also am not able to accommodate those on a waiting list which means loss of projected income as well. The cancellation fee is the cost of the class session. Kindly let me know 24 hours ahead of time if you are not able to make the class. Thank you for your understanding.

Payment Policy:

Payment is due at time of services rendered. Thank you. Consistent late payments will result in late fees being charged.
I gladly take Venmo, Zelle and will consider other forms of payment if previously arranged. ie...cash, personal check, credit card, etc.
Venmo ID is @Sonserae-Leese
Zelle ID use my phone number.

COVID Protocols**

I had the virus back in January of 2020 and am fully recovered with no
reoccurrence. However, I am happy to follow the medical guidelines to provide a safe situation for you and your family...i.e. Face mask, face shield, social distancing and not having classes if feeling ill or being exposed to someone who is infected.

I also have a complete home studio set up for online classes if you feel more comfortable with that or are out of the Orange County area. I use Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, FaceTime or any other meeting app that you feel comfortable with. Please check my supplies page to order a phone/iPad holder so I can see the student's work during class time.

•Active Member of AAE (Association of American Educators)
•Fully Insured
•Background Check Passed
•CTSS (Certified Trauma Support Specialist, Arizona Trauma Institute)
•Certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach (Transformation Academy)
•Executive Director of Sophie's Dream, Inc. A non-profit to help heal trauma and PTSD through the Arts.
• Voting Member of the Emmy Academy