If you have spent any time in the digital art community, you have likely heard the name Marc Brunet. A former senior artist at Blizzard Entertainment (famed for World of Warcraft and Diablo 3) and the founder of the massive YouTube channel (formerly known as Cubebrush), Marc has demystified art education for millions. While his YouTube tutorials are excellent for quick tips, his structured program—the Cubebrush Art School—is where the real transformation happens.
Specifically, Term 1 of this program is the bedrock. It is designed to take a complete beginner (or a self-taught artist with bad habits) and forge them into someone who can confidently draw anything from imagination.
But is it worth the investment? Does it actually live up to the hype? In this article, we will break down every module, the teaching philosophy, the pros and cons, and why Term 1 might be the only drawing course you ever need.
The Cubebrush Art School is structured like a real college semester system. Term 1 acts as the foundational semester. Before you can design cool mechs or paint sprawling fantasy landscapes, you need to understand the language of art.
The tagline for Term 1 is essentially "The Basics," but don't let that fool you. It covers a massive amount of ground:
The goal isn't just to teach you how to draw, but how to think like an artist.
Score: 9/10
Cubebrush Art School Term 1 is arguably one of the best values for money in the online art education space. It acts as a "Digital Art 101" boot camp, stripping away the confusion of self-teaching and providing a clear, linear path from "I can’t draw" to "I can construct complex objects and light them." It is dense, demanding, and incredibly structured.
You finally start drawing people. Marc offers his famous "Loomis simplified" method for the skull. He teaches you to draw the planes of the face and the facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) using geometric shapes. The "Asaro Head" is heavily referenced here.
Summary
What this review covers
Course goals and promised outcomes
Curriculum and structure (what to expect)
Teaching style and instructor strengths
Technical content and exercises
Production quality and resources
Strengths — what this course does well
Limitations and caveats
Who should take this course
Who should not take it (or delay)
Practical outcomes and progression
Tips to get the most from the course
Alternatives and complements
Final verdict
If you want, I can:
Cubebrush Art School Term 1 , created by former Blizzard artist Marc Brunet
, is an introductory module designed to build a professional foundation for digital artists, even those starting with zero experience. Core Curriculum Components Term 1 focuses on four primary pillars of digital art: Nude Figure Drawing
: Focuses on proportions, gesture, and the basic skeletal structure. Perspective 1
: Covers fundamental concepts of 1-point and 2-point perspective to create 3D space. Photoshop for Digital Production 1
: An introduction to the software, covering interface setup, essential tools, and layer management. Visual Communication 1
: Teaches the basics of composition and how to guide a viewer's eye through an image. Notable Features & Resources Comprehensive Material
: Includes over 8 hours of video training across 4 main lessons, plus a "Welcome" intro video. Structured Study Guide : Comes with a Study Schedule PDF cubebrush art school term 1 by marc brunet
that provides a 10-term/40-week roadmap to keep students on track. Practical Assignments
: Includes a zip file of specific assignments, such as "Image Adjustments," "Combining Images," and "Perspective Drawing". Refund Policy : Term 1 is uniquely refundable
, allowing students to test the teaching style before committing to the full 10-term program. Interesting Findings for Students Term 1 - Liam - Art School - Forums - Cubebrush
Master the Fundamentals: A Deep Dive into Marc Brunet’s ART School Term 1
For many aspiring digital creators, the journey starts on YouTube, often led by the high-energy tutorials of former Blizzard senior artist Marc Brunet. While his free content is legendary, his structured ART School for Digital Artists on Cubebrush offers a more academic approach designed to mimic a traditional college curriculum.
Term 1 serves as the critical foundation of this 10-term program, specifically built to take students from "zero experience" to a level where they can confidently tackle complex digital productions. What’s Included in Term 1?
The first term is composed of four primary modules that cover over 8 hours of video training. Each module addresses a pillar of digital art:
Photoshop for Digital Production 1: Unlike general software tutorials, this focuses specifically on the tools and workflows needed for high-level digital art, including pen control exercises and layer management.
Nude Figure Drawing: This is the "meat" of the term. You'll move from simple gesture drawings (2 to 10-minute poses) to understanding proportions and basic skeletal construction using "cylinders" and "boxes".
Perspective 1: Marc breaks down one-point and two-point perspective, teaching you how to place characters and objects in a believable 3D space.
Visual Communication 1: An introduction to how artists "speak" through their work, focusing on clarity and the basic language of shapes.
The package also includes a Weekly Study Companion Guide (PDF) to help you pace your practice and a set of custom brushes to match Marc's workflow. Is It Worth the Investment?
Deciding between free tutorials and a paid course like this often comes down to structure and depth.
Term 1 of Marc Brunet's ART School for Digital Artists on Cubebrush serves as the foundational entry point for a structured, college-like curriculum designed for digital artists. It consists of approximately 6.5 to 8 hours of video instruction and covers four core modules focused on basic digital tools and artistic fundamentals. Core Modules
Photoshop for Digital Production 1: An introduction to essential software tools. Lessons include pen control exercises (drawing lines and circles), color adjustments, and image manipulation. Specific assignments often involve photo compositing, such as matching colors and atmosphere between different image layers.
Nude Figure Drawing: Focuses on the basics of human proportions and gesture drawing. Students practice by identifying "lines of action" and simplifying the human body into basic 3D volumes like cylinders and spheres to understand its structure in space.
Perspective 1: Covers the fundamental rules of linear perspective. Students learn how to place objects in a 3D environment, often starting with basic boxes and grids to establish a sense of depth.
Visual Communication 1: Explores how to use visual elements to tell a story or convey an idea, introducing the "Design Toolbox" for future concept art and illustration work. Included Materials ART School on Cubebrush.co - Marc Brunet
Cubebrush Art School Term 1 by Marc Brunet: A Comprehensive Review
Cubebrush Art School Term 1, created by renowned artist Marc Brunet, is a highly acclaimed online art course designed to help aspiring artists develop a strong foundation in traditional art skills. In this review, we'll dive into the course's curriculum, structure, and key takeaways, giving you a thorough understanding of what to expect.
Overview of the Course
The Cubebrush Art School Term 1 course is a video-based, online program that spans several months, covering a wide range of topics in traditional art. Marc Brunet, a skilled artist and instructor, guides students through a structured curriculum, providing personalized feedback and support along the way.
Course Curriculum
The course is divided into several modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of traditional art:
Key Takeaways
By the end of Cubebrush Art School Term 1, students can expect to:
Course Structure and Support
The course is designed to be flexible, with a combination of:
Who is this Course for?
Cubebrush Art School Term 1 is ideal for:
Conclusion
Cubebrush Art School Term 1 by Marc Brunet is a comprehensive online art course that provides students with a solid foundation in traditional art skills. With its structured curriculum, personalized feedback, and community support, this course is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their artistic abilities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this course will help you take your art to the next level.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: If you're serious about improving your traditional art skills, Cubebrush Art School Term 1 is an excellent investment. With Marc Brunet's expert guidance and support, you'll be well on your way to achieving your artistic goals.
Mastering the Fundamentals: A Deep Dive into Cubebrush Art School Term 1 by Marc Brunet
If you’ve spent any time in the digital art community, you’ve likely encountered Marc Brunet. As a former Senior Artist at Blizzard Entertainment and the founder of Cubebrush, Brunet has become one of the most respected mentors in the industry. His flagship program, ART School for Digital Artists, is often hailed as the "digital alternative" to a traditional four-year art degree.
But is it worth the investment? To answer that, we have to look at where it all begins: Term 1.
Term 1 is the bedrock of the entire program. It isn't just about drawing pretty pictures; it’s about deconstructing how we see the world and rebuilding those observations through technical skill. Here is a comprehensive look at what you can expect from the first leg of this artistic marathon. The Core Curriculum of Term 1
Term 1 is divided into four primary pillars, each focusing on a vital "survival skill" for digital artists. 1. Nude Figure Drawing
Before you can design elaborate armor or stylized characters, you must understand the "mannequin." Marc skips the fluff and dives straight into the mechanics of the human body.
What you’ll learn: Gesture drawing to capture motion, the proportions of the "8-head" figure, and how to simplify complex anatomy into basic cylinders and spheres.
The Goal: To strip away the intimidation of the human form so you can draw a character in any pose from your imagination. 2. Perspective 1
Perspective is often the "boring" subject artists avoid, but Brunet makes it digestible. This module covers the essentials of 1, 2, and 3-point perspective.
What you’ll learn: How to place objects in a 3D space, find the horizon line, and use vanishing points.
The Project: You’ll likely find yourself drawing a room or a basic cityscape. This exercise is a rite of passage that ensures your drawings never look "flat" or "off" again. 3. Photoshop for Digital Production
Even if you use Procreate or Clip Studio Paint, the concepts taught here are universal. This section is about efficiency and mastering your tools.
What you’ll learn: Layer management, custom brushes, blending modes, and the "nondestructive" workflow.
Why it matters: Professional art isn't just about talent; it's about speed. Learning how to navigate your software correctly saves hundreds of hours in the long run. 4. Visual Communication 1
This is where the "art" meets the "brain." Visual communication is about using simple shapes to tell a story or convey a feeling.
What you’ll learn: How to guide the viewer’s eye and the importance of silhouettes.
The Takeaway: You’ll start thinking like a concept artist, realizing that every line you draw should have a purpose. Why Start with Cubebrush?
The market is flooded with art tutorials, but Marc Brunet’s Term 1 stands out for several reasons:
Structure over Chaos: Unlike jumping between random YouTube tutorials, this is a linear path. You know exactly what to practice today, tomorrow, and next week.
Industry Standards: Brunet teaches the methods used in AAA studios. You aren't learning "hobbyist" shortcuts; you’re learning professional pipelines.
The "Vibe": Marc’s teaching style is encouraging but realistic. He doesn't sugarcoat the fact that art is hard work, but he gives you the exact map to navigate that difficulty. Is Term 1 Right for You? You should grab Term 1 if:
You feel like your art "looks wrong" but you can’t figure out why (it’s usually a lack of Term 1 fundamentals). You want to transition from traditional art to digital.
You are self-taught and want to fill the "gaps" in your knowledge.
The Verdict:Cubebrush Art School Term 1 is more than just a set of videos; it’s a mental reset. It takes the overwhelming world of digital art and breaks it down into a science. By the time you finish the assignments for Term 1, you won't just be "drawing"—you'll be constructing.
Are you looking to focus on character design specifically, or are you more interested in learning environment art through these fundamentals?
ART School for Digital Artists: Term 1 Marc Brunet is a comprehensive introductory module designed to build fundamental skills from the ground up. This term acts as a prerequisite for the entire 10-term program, focusing on the essential "building blocks" of digital art. cubebrush.co Core Curriculum Modules Term 1 includes approximately 6.5 to 8 hours of video training across four primary classes: cubebrush.co Nude Figure Drawing
: Focuses on basic human proportions, gesture drawing, and building a "skeleton" using simple shapes like cylinders. Perspective 1
: Covers the fundamentals of 1-point and 2-point perspective, teaching students how to draw simple structures and cubes arranged in space. Photoshop for Digital Production 1 Cubebrush Art School Term 1 by Marc Brunet:
: An introduction to the digital workspace, covering essential pen control, software features, and digital-specific workflows. Visual Communication 1
: Focuses on how to convey ideas through structure, including the use of basic forms and composition to tell a story or present a concept. medium.com Included Materials
When purchasing Term 1, students typically receive the following files: cubebrush.co Introductory Video : A "Welcome to Art School" video to set expectations. Study Schedule PDF
: A structured guide to help self-paced students manage their time. Assignments ZIP
: Specific practice files and homework tasks corresponding to each lesson. Learning Structure and Assignments
The course is designed for beginners but remains valuable for intermediate artists needing a fundamentals refresh. Key exercises from the Weekly Study Companion Guide natdoesart.wordpress.com
: Pen control exercises (lines and circles) and drawing simple cylinders. Mid-Term Tasks
: Gesture drawing with varying time limits (e.g., 2-minute to 10-minute poses) and drawing primitive shapes in perspective. Skill Goals
: Being able to draw a proportion grid from memory and overpainting photo references with simplified "skeletal" structures. natdoesart.wordpress.com Program Flexibility Trial Version : A limited ART School Trial
is available, containing samples from the Photoshop and Visual Communication lessons.
: If you buy Term 1 separately, the cost is often deducted if you later choose to upgrade to the full 10-term program on cubebrush.co Term 1: Figures and Starting Term 2 | by Rakugaki.Matt
ART School - Term 1 by Marc Brunet is the foundational module of his 10-term digital art program, designed to take beginners from zero experience to a professional mindset. It provides approximately 6.5 to 8 hours of video training across four core pillars of digital art. Core Curriculum & Classes
The term is divided into four main classes, each focusing on a critical fundamental skill:
Photoshop for Digital Production 1: An introduction to the essential tools and functionalities of digital art software.
Highlights: Covers pen control, color adjustments, and digital workflow basics like selections, liquify, and stamping.
Nude Figure Drawing: Focuses on the basics of human proportions and gesture to build a strong foundation for character work.
Perspective 1: Teaches the fundamentals of spatial depth and drawing objects in a 3D environment.
Visual Communication 1: An introduction to storytelling and composition in art, helping you understand how to communicate ideas visually. What’s Included
When you purchase Term 1 on Cubebrush, you typically receive:
4 Video Lessons: High-quality instructional videos led by Marc Brunet.
Assignments: A zip file containing specific tasks for each class to practice the concepts taught.
Study Schedule: A PDF guide to help you manage your learning pace.
Introductory Content: A "Welcome to Art School" video to set expectations. Student Experience & Value ART School - TERM 1 - Cubebrush
Yes.
Marc Brunet has created something special with Cubebrush. Term 1 acts as the "weeder" class for the rest of the program. It forces you to build a solid foundation. If you skip Term 1 and jump into Term 2 (which focuses on advanced perspective and props), you will likely struggle.
The course demands effort. If you treat it like Netflix—passively watching while eating chips—you won't get results. But if you treat it like a class, do the homework, and participate in the community, Term 1 will fundamentally change how you approach a blank canvas.
It provides the roadmap; you just have to do the driving.
Have you taken Term 1 of Cubebrush Art School? Let me know your thoughts on the perspective homework in the comments below!
This guide will break down what Term 1 covers, the key concepts you will learn, suggested weekly structure, and how to get the most out of the course.
Most courses skip this; Marc does not. He starts with imposter syndrome and motivation. He teaches you how to hold a pencil (or stylus), how to draw straight lines, ellipses, and curves. The goal here is to make your hand obey your brain. You will fill pages with "Cs, Ss, and straights." It is boring, but necessary.