If you’re interested in studying something hands-on and creative such as jewelry design, it might be hard to imagine how an online course such as NYIAD’s actually works.
You might have some questions about how to get started, how the course itself is laid out, what type of interaction you will have with our jewelry design instructors, and how you will complete and submit your projects. Here’s what you should know about this unique, interactive online program.
How Do You Get Started?
We understand that many creative students aren’t looking to put their lives and schedules on hold in order to learn something new like jewelry design. Unlike in-person courses that have start dates, firm class times and locations you’re required to attend, at NYIAD you can enroll whenever you’re ready to get started. Our courses are entirely self-paced, meaning there are no set class times, no schedule in which you have to login and get work done, and no due dates for your assignments and projects. Students are given two years to learn and fulfill requirements. Some only work on weekends and some like getting work done at night as a fun way to unwind and practice a creative art. It’s up to you to decide when - and where - you study!
The online jewelry design course at NYIAD is broken down into six easy-to-follow units. As a student, you will dive in with an overview of composition, color theory, patterns and stringing techniques. From there you will study how to create your own jump rings, spirals, right angle weaves, French wire transitions, Danish clusters and much more. And towards the end of the program, you will get into a comprehensive overview of crucial design business basics- things like packaging and marketing.
Who Are Your Jewelry Design Mentors?
Jewelry design students are paired with four expert, NYC-based jewelry design instructors. These mentors are the ones who will grade your projects and provide you with feedback and constructive criticism to help you grow.
Not only that, they have been in your place before as aspiring jewelry designers looking to turn professional, and have all successfully launched their own jewelry making careers. As a student, you are welcome to call or email them with questions, to ask for business advice, or simply to network and talk about the jewelry industry. Here is a little more information about each of your four mentors:
- Haley Mindes earned her BFA from Hartford Art School. After graduating, she traveled to Florence, Italy, where she discovered her passion for creating jewelry. She now sells nationally to small boutiques across the United States.
- Alicia Goodwin is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology. She now runs her own jewelry line, Lingua Nigra and teaches hands on classes in spaces across New York City.
- Dori Eisenhauer is a New York City based jewelry designer and graduate of Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, WA. She has also worked under Donna Distefano, the former resident goldsmith at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Serena Van Rensselaer studied jewelry design in San Miguel D'Allende, Mexico. It was there that she took her first metal class and fell in love with the creative process. Today she owns her own NYC-based jewelry store in Soho.
How Will You Complete Projects?
As you work your way through your course, you will complete reading assignments and watch interactive videos where you can see professional jewelry designers (including your mentors) while they walk you through different exercises as you follow along from home.
Included in the price of your jewelry design course, NYIAD will mail you a kit containing all the tools, beads, wires and supplies you will need in order to follow along with these videos from home and complete jewelry pieces of your own.
When you complete your final pieces, you will then mail those into the school. From there, your mentors can physically examine your handiwork carefully as they provide feedback to help you improve your talents. As they review your work, your mentors will record audio feedback for you. Once this feedback is submitted, you will be notified and can login to the online learning center at any time to listen to their advice as you continue to improve.
Want to Learn More?
To get started with NYIAD’s online jewelry design course, all you need to do is complete our enrollment form and make one down payment online to gain access. Then, login and dive into unit one. If you have more questions about how the program works or would like to speak to one of the jewelry design mentors before you enroll, feel free to call 1-800-583-1742 for more information.
