Art Classes for Future Creators.
Portfolio-Ready from Day One.”
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In-Person & Online Art Classes in Palo Alto for All Ages
Our Mission​
At Joy Art Studio in Palo Alto, CA, we transform creativity into focused, project-based learning that builds strong art portfolios for high school and college admissions. Our dual-mode instruction—offered both online and in person—seamlessly integrates traditional and digital art. Guided by a professional and passionate team, we begin with each student’s goal and create a personalized path toward artistic growth. We empower students to express themselves fully while gaining the skills, discipline, and confidence needed to achieve their dreams.
Our Courses
This in person courses is designed to build students’ skills across traditional media—drawing, sketching, watercolor, gouache, and acrylic painting—while also developing their creative ideas, all essential for a strong personal portfolio.
Discover the power of digital art with Procreate on iPad. This course takes you from basics to advanced techniques—whether you're creating 3D worlds, stunning illustrations, comic books, or exploring AI art. Lessons are tailored to your strengths to build skills and a creative portfolio for the future.
Course Instructor
Joy Art Studio is led by a team of instructors with master’s degrees from top U.S. art schools. With diverse professional backgrounds include animation illustration, anime character design, game environment design, and 2D/3D visual communication and interaction - ensuring students receive well-rounded, industry-relevant instruction.​
Joy Zhao
Art Educator
​Joy Zhao holds a Master degree in design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. With years of experience in art education, she has guided students in building award-winning portfolios for top private high schools and prestigious universities. Her innovative, student-centered curriculum encourages creativity while developing essential real-world skills.
​She currently resides in Palo Alto, California.
Joy's website:
https://joyzhaoart.wixsite.com/design​​
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Erisa Joan Sablay
Visual Development Artist
Erisa holds a Master degree of Arts in Visual Development from Academy of Art University San Francisco,
Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts With Specialization in Animation
She currently resides in San Francisco, California.
Cici Yang
University of the Arts London (UAL), Central Saint Martins (CSM),
Architecture and Spatial Design
With 8 years of experience in Architectural and Interior Design portfolio coaching, Cici has guided over 500 students through teaching, interview preparation, and portfolio development. She is an expert in helping students secure offers from top global institutions such as UCL, UAL, Cornell, Columbia, HKU, and more. Her students have won multiple national and international awards in architecture and interior design. Cici has also helped students receive offers from renowned firms—including Steven Holl, David Chipperfield, Shigeru Aoki, and Compagnie-O Architects—using the very same portfolios. She is highly skilled in mentoring students on architecture, spatial design, and interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing critical thinking and rational approaches.
Joy Zhao
Erisa Joan Sablay
Cici Yang