CCA Summer Atelier is a one week immersive day program for rising 9th-12th graders (14-18 years old). Weekday lunch as well as all materials and lab fees are included in tuition. The program concludes with an exhibition showcasing all the work created during the week. CCA housing is not available for this program. Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates.

Monday, June 22 - Friday, June 26, 2026

Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm

Location: CCA Main Campus - Hooper Building, 184 Hooper Street, San Francisco

Tuition: $1350 (includes all materials, lunch, and snack)

Registration for Summer 2026 will open in January

Daily Schedule at a glance

• 9:15-9:30 am / drop-off/arrival
• 9:30-12:30 pm /AM session
• 12:30-1:30 pm /Lunch Break
• 1:30-4:30 pm / PM session
• 4:30-4:45 pm / pick-up/departure

Program offerings below are from Summer 2025 and will be updated prior to registration opening.

In this one-week intensive, students will dive into the world of animation and comics, learning the basics of both forms of visual storytelling. These two creative processes will be taught side-by-side, with some assignments combining elements of both.

In the mornings, students will learn how to create their own comics, focusing on how to tell stories through panels and images. They'll explore different comic styles and techniques, then create a short comic to develop their unique artistic voice. Topics will cover character-building, storytelling, comic rules, and even self-publishing. Students will also get hands-on experience printing and sharing their comics.

In the afternoons, the class shifts to animation, where students will discover how to bring stories to life through movement and expression. They’ll learn traditional animation techniques, including character development, timing, exaggeration, and acting. By analyzing famous animation sequences, students will understand how to make characters feel real and dynamic. The class will also introduce concepts like physics and gravity, laying a strong foundation for more advanced 2D or 3D animation later on.

The class will use iPads with Procreate for both comics and animation. If students have their own iPad with Procreate, they’re encouraged to bring it. Don’t worry if not, though—we’ll provide iPads for everyone to use during the course. By the end of the week, students will walk away with their own original comics and animations, plus the skills to continue exploring these creative fields.

This week-long hands-on program gives students the chance to dive deep into the world of architecture and interior design. They'll explore what makes up a "space" and how to design it by creating 3D models and bringing their ideas to life. Through a series of fun, smaller projects, students will build skills in sketching, model making, research, and even storytelling, all while exploring how to design spaces that feel just right.

Along the way, they’ll learn key design concepts like lighting, color, materials, furniture placement, and how to plan a room from the ground up. They'll also get to experiment with different materials and techniques to make their designs come alive.

The program wraps up with a big project where students can design their own space from start to finish and present their work to the group. By the end of the week, they’ll have learned not only how to design but how to share their ideas and work with confidence!

Students also examine concepts of interior programming, planning, and three-dimensional form. Principles of light and lighting, color, materials, textiles, furniture, and room layouts are covered through hands-on exercises. Students develop one long-term project of their choice from conception through presentation. We also lead exercises on how to talk about our ideas and present our work to each other!

Graphic artists are the visual storytellers of our time. From children’s books to magazine covers, movie storyboards, web images, posters, and pattern designs, the world sees the art of illustration, design, and printmaking everywhere. This studio-based intensive workshop introduces students to the fundamentals of illustration and design, supported by hands-on experience in drawing and image-making techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing personal visual language, strengthening foundational drawing skills, and exploring how illustration functions across various media and formats.

Students will:

• Build core skills in observational drawing, perspective, figure, and composition
• Explore narrative and conceptual approaches to illustration
• Apply digital tools and traditional materials to complete design-based projects
• Experiment with techniques such as stencil-making, risograph printing, and poster design
• Engage in critiques, concept development, and professional illustration practices
• Complete a final illustrated project (e.g., a poster or t-shirt design) that integrates drawing and design principles

Designing clothes is awesome, but designing and making your own textiles and then designing a fashion collection is next level. In this immersive studio, participants learn how to paint, print and/or draw their own textile design. Students experiment with knit, crochet, and/or woven fabric structures, and try their hand at embroidering, quilting, and appliqué.

Participants then use these surface design and fabric manipulation techniques to create an illustrated collection based upon a theme of their choosing, while also creating a 3D design that correlates with the collection, using designer’s tissue paper on a dress form. Sewing experience is not necessary, however, a creative approach and willingness to push one’s limits are a must!

This one-week summer studio gives high school students an exciting introduction to physical and digital game development. Students will explore game design, art creation, and interactive storytelling through individual and group projects. The program covers key aspects like level design, character creation, and user experience. Students will design game assets individually and collaborate in groups to develop a simple game prototype.

A major focus is an introduction to Unity software, where students will learn to import assets, set up scenes, and program basic interactivity, bringing their game ideas to life.

By the end of the week, students will have gained foundational skills and workflow they would need to continue exploring Unity on their own or in more advanced courses. This studio is ideal for students interested in game design, animation, or interactive media.

This week-long immersive studio is your chance to dive into the world of communication design—and have a blast while doing it! Whether you're new to graphic design or looking to level up your skills, you'll explore both traditional and digital design methods, from hand lettering to logos and posters.

In the mornings, we’ll cover the basics of design, including typography, color, layout, and how to create cool symbols and logos. You’ll start by sketching out ideas, using tracing paper for hand lettering, and experimenting with coloring techniques. By the end of the session, you’ll have your very own logo or poster ready to show off!

In the afternoons, we’ll bring your designs to life using Adobe Illustrator. You’ll learn how to take your sketches and turn them into polished, digital designs, creating everything from unique avatars to full-on brand identities. Don’t worry if you’ve never used Illustrator before—we’ll teach you all the basics and share the pro techniques to help you succeed.

The class will alternate between creative studio work and time in the computer lab, making sure you get the best of both worlds—hands-on design and digital skills. This studio is all about experimenting, discovering new techniques, and—most importantly—having fun while creating designs you’ll be proud of! By the end of the week, you’ll have awesome projects and fresh skills to add to your portfolio.

This one-week studio provides a hands-on introduction to product design. Through individual and group projects, students will learn to turn creative ideas into functional prototypes.

Students will explore key industrial design principles such as ergonomics, functionality, and user experience, while brainstorming, sketching, and refining their concepts. In individual projects, they might design a product like a piece of furniture or a gadget, while group projects focus on creating a functional, user-friendly design together.

The program includes workshops on prototyping 3D techniques, allowing students to bring their designs to life using a variety of materials and tools. They’ll learn how to test and refine their models, gaining practical experience in the design process.

By the end of the week, students will have a deeper understanding of industrial design, prototyping skills, and a portfolio showcasing their work. This is a perfect introduction for students interested in design, engineering, or anyone passionate about bringing creative ideas to life.

In this intensive studio focused on contemporary metalsmithing, students will explore a wide range of possibilities, from jewelry and functional objects to sculpture. The class will cover how to communicate ideas through well-crafted, meaningful objects.

Students will learn about the history and modern-day uses of metal in art, while gaining hands-on experience with key techniques like sawing, riveting, forming, metal fabrication, and finishing. They’ll start with simple materials like copper and brass, transforming sheets and wire into original works of art.

The program encourages creativity, with a focus on using found materials to add unique elements to each piece. Students will have the chance to experiment and create a one-of-a-kind jewelry design or small sculpture, using non-precious metals to express their individual style and ideas.

This immersive studio focuses on creative image-making through various drawing and painting media, encouraging students to take risks and discover their unique artistic voice.

Students will explore all aspects of the painter's studio, from stretching canvases to preparing surfaces like wood and paper, and using nontraditional techniques to apply paint. Daily demonstrations of materials and processes will help students build their technical skills while experimenting to develop a personal style.

The program covers a range of drawing techniques, with sessions focused on drawing from both clothed and nude models.

Students will also explore traditional and experimental approaches to subjects like nature, architecture, and abstraction. Through these exercises, students will strengthen their ability to see and translate visual experiences into strong compositions, using pencil, charcoal, pastel, and more. By the end of the program, students will have developed their own artistic approach and a deeper understanding of various media.

This film & photography intensive allows students to dive deep into both film and digital photography, giving them the chance to explore and create in both mediums.

In the morning, students will focus on photography, learning both digital and experimental techniques. They’ll be introduced to all aspects of digital photography, including scanning, Adobe Camera RAW, Photoshop, color management, and inkjet printing. Topics will include digital color theory, photo-montage, and zine making. Students will build skills through fundamental and experimental methods while developing a deeper understanding of image-making. Guided critiques and class discussions will help students articulate their creative choices and prepare for exhibiting their work.

In the afternoon, the class shifts to filmmaking, where students will explore scriptwriting, video production, and editing. They’ll gain hands-on experience with cameras, lighting, sound, and editing software, learning both narrative and non-narrative filmmaking techniques. Students will work together to create a final short film, which will be shown at the closing exhibition and can be shared online. This immersive experience provides the opportunity to build a portfolio, collaborate with other creatives, and combine multiple mediums to showcase their work.

CCA Youth Programs & Continuing Education: youthprograms@cca.edu.
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