Sand Animation Transforms Lives and Nurtures Confidence
The ArtYou Sand Animation Academy is my fourth child. In fact, I can confidently say that I have many children because every student of the academy is mine. ArtYou was founded in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in 2009. This child is truly a genius—unexpectedly entering my life, growing rapidly, and like any genius, constantly inspiring me with new ideas and achievements, turning every victory into a unique experience.
THE UNIQUE TEACHING ARTYOU METHODOLOGY
THE ARTYOU SAND ANIMATION ACADEMY: A SYSTEMATIC BUSINESS APPROACH
The Sand Animation Academy is a systematic business. In order for children to learn to draw with sand, develop their skills, and achieve specific results, we created a system that functions flawlessly, regardless of the number of branches, without the owner’s constant presence. This system allows us to focus on creativity and working with the children. We documented and formalized every business process and created a unique online resource where parents can track their child’s progress, view any lesson, and see what their child has created. On the other hand, this system also enables us to manage classes, create lesson schedules, and coordinate teachers’ timetables, as well as handle student payments and teachers’ salaries. It also provides various data insights necessary for marketing.
The ArtYou methodology is unique. There is no theory here—only practical lessons that have been tested and refined over time. The methodology was developed at the academy in collaboration with our teachers, and professional methodologists helped to systematize and structure it. We started recording lessons, observing, and analyzing what children enjoyed and which methods enhanced learning. We selected the most effective methods, reached a consensus, and implemented them across all branches. Over time, these notes transformed into a comprehensive teaching guide.
MISSION
My mission and goal for the academy is to change lives through art
ArtYou: More Than Just a Sand Animation Academy. I was involved in art therapy long before it became mainstream because I knew—and still know—that art can fundamentally change a person's life for the better. I created a space where this transformation occurs. The academy is a second home, and for some, perhaps even the only one.
I have infused the often overused phrase "second home" with its true meaning because a home is a place where you are accepted for who you are, where you are helped to grow, and where your faith in yourself is restored. We didn’t "raise" anyone; we loved, accepted, listened, and truly heard each other. Every child knew that at ArtYou, they could be themselves and feel safe. We guide children toward beauty, sensitivity, kindness, and mindfulness. At the same time, through our teaching methods, we nurture brave and confident individuals.
The History of the Academy's Creation
While working as an architect, I taught children drawing individually on weekends. In search of new, engaging techniques for children, I became fascinated with sand animation myself. Over time, I began taking on students in this art form as well, which led to the establishment of a small studio. It turned out that sand animation was in high demand. The initial curiosity and surprise from the children—“How can you draw with sand?”—quickly evolved into a genuine passion. Kids would come, try it out, and stay, and the number of students kept growing.
Eventually, I opened a larger studio in a separate space and trained my first instructor at that time. At one point, we had 100 students enrolled, and I urgently had to find and train more instructors. I was determined to ensure that all children who wanted to learn to draw with sand could do so. I wanted children to engage in art. Therefore, I wasn’t afraid to open new studios. Within a year, ArtYou grew into a network of branches. A year later, it became a franchise. The academy welcomed children of all ages, so we developed our own teaching methods, obtained a license, and secured copyright protection for our teaching methodology.
Teaching Techniques and Developmental Approach
We taught children the techniques, developed their imagination and creative thinking. We always considered the developmental characteristics of children of different ages. For example, little ones aged 2 to 5 came simply to play with sand. The class was structured so that at the beginning and end, there were specific rituals (which gave the toddlers a sense of security), while the middle part was dedicated to the actual sand activity.
During this activity, fine motor skills were developed, which in turn aids speech and intellectual development. Older children engaged in a playful format, trying to illustrate storylines from fairy tales. They also learned basic drawing techniques. From the age of 8, children studied graphics, the basics of animation and cinematography, and began preparing for public performances.
Preparing Young Artists for Public Performance
Our methodology recognizes that sand animation is not just drawing, but also a form of public art. When preparing for public performances, we minimized stress. We started with simple performances in the studio (a familiar environment) in front of parents, and gradually increased the difficulty: performing in front of unfamiliar people in the studio, and then on stage. We collaborated with various artistic groups, including circus, theater, and dance troupes. We even organized our own theater, where our students served as both actors and animator-set designers. The most challenging level of public performance comes during festivals and competitions, where the child not only demonstrates their skills but also strives to achieve a specific goal.
Beyond Sand Animation: Lifelong Skills for Young Creatives
Thus, we raised truly prepared artists, and today among the school’s graduates are adult professional sand animation artists. Even if a child does not pursue a career in sand animation or creativity in general, the skills acquired at school will be valuable to them. They become confident individuals who know how to systematically achieve their goals, understand the importance of discipline, can differentiate constructive criticism from hate, possess a broad outlook, have artistic and musical taste, and are not afraid to try new things.
The History of the Academy's Creation
While working as an architect, I taught children drawing individually on weekends. In search of new, engaging techniques for children, I became fascinated with sand animation myself. Over time, I began taking on students in this art form as well, which led to the establishment of a small studio. It turned out that sand animation was in high demand. The initial curiosity and surprise from the children—“How can you draw with sand?”—quickly evolved into a genuine passion. Kids would come, try it out, and stay, and the number of students kept growing. Eventually, I opened a larger studio in a separate space and trained my first instructor at that time. At one point, we had 100 students enrolled, and I urgently had to find and train more instructors. I was determined to ensure that all children who wanted to learn to draw with sand could do so. I wanted children to engage in art. Therefore, I wasn’t afraid to open new studios. Within a year, ArtYou grew into a network of branches. A year later, it became a franchise. The academy welcomed children of all ages, so we developed our own teaching methods, obtained a license, and secured copyright protection for our teaching methodology.
Teaching Techniques and Developmental Approach
We taught children the techniques, developed their imagination and creative thinking. We always considered the developmental characteristics of children of different ages. For example, little ones aged 2 to 5 came simply to play with sand. The class was structured so that at the beginning and end, there were specific rituals (which gave the toddlers a sense of security), while the middle part was dedicated to the actual sand activity. During this activity, fine motor skills were developed, which in turn aids speech and intellectual development. Older children engaged in a playful format, trying to illustrate storylines from fairy tales. They also learned basic drawing techniques. From the age of 8, children studied graphics, the basics of animation and cinematography, and began preparing for public performances.
Preparing Young Artists for Public Performance
Our methodology recognizes that sand animation is not just drawing, but also a form of public art. When preparing for public performances, we minimized stress. We started with simple performances in the studio (a familiar environment) in front of parents, and gradually increased the difficulty: performing in front of unfamiliar people in the studio, and then on stage. We collaborated with various artistic groups, including circus, theater, and dance troupes. We even organized our own theater, where our students served as both actors and animator-set designers. The most challenging level of public performance comes during festivals and competitions, where the child not only demonstrates their skills but also strives to achieve a specific goal.
Beyond Sand Animation: Lifelong Skills for Young Creatives
Thus, we raised truly prepared artists, and today among the school’s graduates are adult professional sand animation artists. Even if a child does not pursue a career in sand animation or creativity in general, the skills acquired at school will be valuable to them. They become confident individuals who know how to systematically achieve their goals, understand the importance of discipline, can differentiate constructive criticism from hate, possess a broad outlook, have artistic and musical taste, and are not afraid to try new things.