Since 2020, BACCO (Brandon’s Awesome Cartoon Class Online) has been going strong, maintaining an inclusive and interactive digital experience as it teaches “how to cartoon” . BACCO has become a tribe, very reminiscent of the old pre-COVID class, with each student adding to the rich history and lore of the Cartooning Class. Unlike the rigid online sessions of some art schools, which emphasize “best practices” and unrelenting bureaucratic oversight, the BACCO is freeform by comparison. Yet, at the heart of BACCO is the lesson for the week, an assignment that allows the creativity of the student to shine as they learn a new tool they can apply to whatever they draw
Since I emphasize creativity and imagination over pure technical skill, both students with advanced abilities and students with emerging abilities can work alongside each other without concern. BACCO classes are about understanding good ideas and fundamentals, and applying them to art. As some students learn at a faster rate than others, there is no pressure applied to “getting it right”.
Currently, there are tWO classes available:
Tuesdays from 4:15-5:45pm (Pacific Time) -- One of the "Original Two" days of TOC (The Old Class), the Tuesday Class has always been a fascinating assortment of wide-ranging talent, ideas, and goofiness. Perfect for ages 9-14, its engaging atmosphere urges students to perform their best without the pressures of traditional school classes. All three classes are designed as after school activities, and the LAST thing a student needs is just one more tedious class after a long day of monotonous schooling. While the Wednesday class is more focused, both the Tuesday and Friday sessions are lighter, more engaging and talkative, and fun. As mentioned above, these classes aren't about "who's the best". Rather, they're about creativity and imagination. With cartooning, great technical skill is secondary to great ideas and great characters (the Peanuts comic strip -- Charlie Brown and company -- is a perfect example).
Saturday Morning from 10:30am-12pm (Pacific Time) -- This IS the OG, the original Cartooning class.... on a new day. Similar to the Tuesday Class, this class is wide-ranging in skillset. Both beginners as well as more advanced budding cartoonists (ages 9-14) will enjoy this session. The Saturday Class allows the BACCO to have at least one class on a weekday and one class on a weekend. Originally on Friday, students can now choose either class depending on their scheduling for that week. If there's a big test on Wednesday and they need to study, then join the Saturday Class that week. If the student has to travel a ways to get home from
PLUS, SOMETHING FOR FREE:
The Saturday Jam Session: As a BACCO student, you’re also invited to join in on the Saturday Jam Session (Saturdays from 12pm Pacific Time, just after the Saturday Class), a free class where students show off their artwork, talk video games, and collaborate on a group draw via Magma (formerly MagmaStudio), an online multi-user canvas that’s similar to Procreate. The great thing about the Jam Session is that ALL BACCO students can attend, meaning kids from the various classes can get to know each other. Many friendships have resulted from this free class.
One-on-One lessons are also available
If your budding Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) prefers private lessons, you have a siblings who'd like their own class, or best friends, the One-On-One-or-Some option is available. The lessons taught via Zoom, but if you live in the Los Angeles area in-person visits are available. Send an email for more information.
One-on-One is perfect for kids who simply prefer not to be in a group setting, and that's okay. We're not robots, Each and every one of us is a unique human, and some of these unique humans are more comfortable in a more relaxed teaching environment.
The One-on-One-or-Some option applies to up to three kids (siblings, friends), with the pricing discounted for 2 of 3 participants.
THE PRICE OF BEING BACCO
The price is $25 USD/per class, payable via Venmo or PayPal. The price covers the one class per week plus the Saturday Jam Session, so it’s in a way two for the price of one.
If you're from Canada or the Old World, PayPal is your best bet. The price will remain the same (25 CAN or 25 GBP... Bob's your uncle!)
You can pay per class, or for an entire month -- depending on your schedule. Both the Tuesday and Saturday classes share the same curriculum, so students can choose which one to attend each week based on their plans for the week.
For One-On-One/ One-on-Some pricing, please email for details. It fluctuates based on time, how many kids (can be up to three friends or siblings), and how many sessions are purchased in advance.