Digital Academy: SideQuest
Format: Hybrid (Online and In-person at the UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center: 2100 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211)
Offered: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm CST
Duration: Two, Two-Hour Sessions
Price: $240/week
Because Digital Academy has prerequisites for participation, please email our education team to discuss your student and their interest prior to registering them for their first DA class.
New to Islands of Brilliance? We’d love to help. Connect with Us before registering!
Are you fascinated by emerging technologies and looking to unleash your creative potential?
SideQuest offers creativity-focused labs tailor-made for you! SideQuest is a succession of interactive learning labs.
Once a month, a highly skilled Creative Technologist will help guide the exploration of a specific topic within a focus area. The initial focus areas are Digital Painting, Character Development, and 3D Modeling.
Explorers (aka students) should be interested in the topic and have basic knowledge of the focus area.
The success of our highly interactive session hinges upon the active participation of the explorers as we uncover new techniques. Each SideQuest aims to teach individuals how to interact with emerging technologies while unleashing the group's full creative potential.
Program Outcomes
Encourage lifelong learning and curiosity
Improve social skills and communication abilities
A feeling of connection within a community of peers
Develop new skills and knowledge in emerging creative technologies
Promote community-oriented and mindful behavior
Increased confidence to share their ideas and what they produce
This Program is a Good Fit For
The SideQuest collaborative learning labs are exclusively designed for daring autistic individuals aged 14+ who have already proven their mettle by successfully completing IOB programming. Undertaking this expedition takes explorers on an exhilarating investigation of advanced software and techniques using computers and iPads.
SideQuest Technology Requirements
If joining virtually, you'll need the following for this course:
Charged up iPad and Apple Pencil
The software (Procreate, Nomad, and/or Adobe Express – check the individual course below to confirm the needed software)
Zoom on the iPad*
Zoom on a computer*
High-Speed Internet Connection
A quiet room, headphones, a webcam, and a mic
An attitude ready to share
*Make sure all the permissions to share your screen and use your mic/camera are set up on both devices in Zoom.
If joining IRL (In Real Life):
IOB will provide the technology and software if needed, but you're encouraged to bring the following:
A water bottle that closes
A 'clean fingers' snack in case you get the pre-dinner hungries
A phone or other internet-connected device
A pair of headphones that can connect to your devices – these are needed on the second day
Please feel free to bring your own equipment as you did in Foundations classes.
Bring any charging cables (computer, iPad, phone, etc)
Digital Painting SideQuests
Clean Line Art in Procreate (January 16 & 17)
Software: Procreate
Topic: Digital Painting
Learn how to move your drawing from sketchy to clean line art in Procreate.
Ever wonder how creatives get their lines so clean?! This Side Quest adventures through the tool adjustments and the techniques to get perfectly clean line art! Perfect for beginners.
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this SideQuest, students should have an introductory understanding of Procreate and an interest in learning digital painting techniques. What does this mean?
Painting Clothes in Procreate (February 6 & 7)
Software: Procreate
Topic: Digital Painting
Learn the strategies to paint clothes on to your characters in Procreate!
Ever wonder how to get the folds of cloth to drape across your character's body just right? Master the art of clothing your characters in Procreate! Join this Side Quest to unravel techniques for shaping shadows, highlights, and folds, ensuring your characters are impeccably outfitted.
Students should be prepared to engage with Intermediate content.
If selecting this Side Quest, students should have an intermediate understanding of Procreate and interested in painting clothes on their characters. What does this mean?
Character Drawing in Procreate (March 5 & 6)
Software: Procreate
Topic: Digital Painting
Learn how to use reference images while drawing characters.
Have you ever wished your drawings were more accurate? Master the art of incorporating reference images in character drawing! Join this Side Quest as we delve into the world of utilizing reference images, alongside the foundational shapes of boxes, spheres, and cylinders that work together to bring your characters to life.
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this intermediate Side Quest, students should have a basic knowledge in Procreate and an interest in character drawing from reference images. What does this mean?
Make it Move! (April 9 & 10)
Software: Procreate/Mental Canvas
Topic: Digital Painting
Learn how to animate a digital painting using Procreate & Mental Canvas
Have you ever wished you could fly through old projects? During this Side Quest we'll uncover the magic as we dive into editing a static digital painting using Procreate, and then seamlessly traverse through it using Mental Canvas.
Students should be prepared to engage with Intermediate content.
If selecting this intermediate Side Quest, students should have a basic knowledge in Procreate and an interest in exploring new dimensions in their work from reference images. What does this mean?
PIXEL Effect in Procreate (May 7 & 8)
Software: Procreate
Topic: Digital Painting
Learn how to create a pixel look in Procreate
Ever wondered about crafting retro-style pixel-based illustrations? Join this Side Quest to unravel the secrets of setting up a pixel scale canvas and discover tips and tricks for creating captivating illustrations with that iconic pixel flair!
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this beginner Side Quest, students should have a basic knowledge in Procreate and an interest in learning the pixel aesthetic. What does this mean?
Media Track SideQuests
Keyframe Animation in Dreams (January 23 & 24)
Software: Procreate Dreams
Topic: Media Track
Learn the techniques and workflows of Keyframe Animation in Procreate Dreams.
Have you tried to make still images move? Bring digital paintings to life! Join our Side Quest where adventurers delve into animation using keyframing. Unlock magic in Procreate Dreams. Embark on this journey to breathe life into your artistic creations!
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this Side Quest, students should have an introductory understanding of Procreate and intersted in learning about Animation techniques. What does this mean?
Animated Posters with Express (February 20 & 21)
Software: Express / Photoshop / Procreate
Topic: Media Track
Learn how to import and add dynamic movement to old projects.
Ever dreamt of adding dynamic movement to your creations? Unlock the magic of bringing your Procreate projects to life in Adobe Express! We'll spend this Side Quest learning how to importing files, set up layers for animation, and infuse Adobe Stock videos for an extra dash of kinetic allure!
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this Side Quest, students should have an interest in learning animation techniques. What does this mean?
Principles of Animation in Procreate / Dreams (March 12 & 13)
Software: Procreate / Dreams
Topic: Media Track
"Learn basic animation principles such as Exaggeration and Squash and Stretch.
Have you ever wanted to learn the principles that make animations so magical?
Embark on an animation journey to grasp fundamental principles like Exaggeration and Squash and Stretch! This Side Quest is your gateway, where we'll analyze and learn to apply as many of the animation principles as possible during our shared exploration!"
Students should be prepared to engage with Intermediate content.
If selecting this Side Quest, students should have an interest in learning animation techniques and an intermediate level of knowledge in Procreate. What does this mean?
Endless Cinemagraphs (April 16 & 17)
Software: Photoshop
Topic: Media Track
Learn how to create a seamlessly looping gif combining still and video; aka a cinemagraph.
Have you ever heard of a cinemagraph? Embark on the journey to breathe life into your still images! This Side Quest navigates the realm of cinemagraphs using Adobe Photoshop where we will produce endlessly repeating gifs.
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this Side Quest, students should have an introductory understanding of Photoshop and intersted in learning about Animation techniques. What does this mean?
Walk Cycles in Procreate / Dreams (May 14 & 15)
Software: Procreate Dreams
Topic: Media Track
Learn how to make your characters walk!
Want to learn how to make your characters walk? In this Side Quest we'll learn how to create a 'walk cycle.' Explore both Frame by Frame animation in Procreate and its Keyframe counterpart in Procreate Dreams. Elevate your animation prowess with this fundamental knowledge!
Students should be prepared to engage with Intermediate content.
If selecting this beginner Side Quest, students should have an intermediate knowledge in Procreate and an interest in learning animation. What does this mean?
3D Modeling SideQuests
Collaborative 3D Modeling with Spline (January 30 & 31)
Software: Spline
Topic: 3D Modeling
Learn how to work with others while 3D Modeling on the web!
Have you been curious about making 3D on the web? Enter Web3D – a powerhouse! Dive into the Spline workspace, unraveling the intricacies of Spline's collaborative 3D modeling tools. Learn the art of mastering every bell and whistle, elevating your skills in the dynamic world of 3D modeling.
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this Side Quest, students should have an interest in learning about 3D Modeling techniques. What does this mean?
3D Texture Pipeline (February 27 & 28)
Software: Nomad & Procreate
Topic: 3D Modeling
Learn to create realistic 3D textures using Nomad and Procreate!
Have you ever wanted to explore image-based textures on 3-D objects on your iPad? Dive into the realm of creating lifelike 3D textures with Nomad and Procreate! Discover the art of crafting 3D letter forms and applying textures in the Nomad > Procreate > Nomad pipeline.
Students should be prepared to engage with Intermediate content.
If selecting this intermediate Side Quest, students should have an intermediate knowledge in Procreate, and an interest in 3D Modeling and Textures, experience with 3D Materials a plus, but not required. What does this mean?
AR Monuments using Adobe Aero! (March 19 & 20)
Software: Blender & Aero
Topic: 3D Modeling
Experience 3D Models the size of a building!
Are you curious about how Augmented Reality works? Immerse yourself in the grandeur of 3D models towering like buildings! This beginner Side Quest guides us in anchoring a colossal 3D object in space, aligning with a geographic location using Adobe Aero and Blender 3D!
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this Side Quest, students should have an interst in learning about 3D and Augmented Reality techniques. Students should have a basic knowledge of Blender. What does this mean?
3D Poster in Adobe Illustrator (April 23 & 24)
Software: Illustrator
Topic: 3D Modeling
Give 2D Graphics another dimension using Adobe Illustrator
Curious about turning 2D vectors into lifelike 3D shapes? Embark on a Side Quest to transform your illustrations into captivating 3D images. This journey unveils the workflow, guiding you through easy effects and 3D materials. Watch your creations seamlessly transcend dimensions!
Students should be prepared to engage with Beginner content.
If selecting this Side Quest, students should have an interst in learning about 3D techniques for Graphic Design. Student do not need to know Adobe Illustrator before signing up to this Side Quest.
AR Face Painting Procreate (May 21 & 22)
Software: Procreate
Topic: 3D Modeling
Learn how to use your face as an anchor reference.
Have you ever wondered how AR filters for Snapchat and Facebook Messanger are made? Join this Side Quest to delve into a simplified version of the technique, utilizing Procreate's rich tools to unlock the secrets behind crafting captivating augmented reality face filters!
Students should be prepared to engage with Advanced content.
If selecting this advanced Side Quest, students should have a advanced knowledge in Procreate and an interest in creating face filters. What does this mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about SideQuests
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SideQuest is Hybrid (online and in-person). We ask that students pick a modality (in person or online) when they sign up so IOB can allocate technology and support where needed. If a student needs to stay home and can participate virtually (and they have the required hardware and software), they may do so with prior communication that alerts the IOB of the change.
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Digital Academy uses creative technologies and community as a bridge to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) development. All DA programs assume that the student can work with some level of independence in a group setting with roaming support by IOB staff including IOB Creative Technologists, Mentors, and/or Special Educators.
Students who need one-to-one support may find other IOB programs – such as Foundation Workshops – a better fit. Please contact the IOB Team (connect@islandsofbrilliance.org) if you have specific questions regarding the support your student may need.
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No! It’s critical that families do not treat SideQuests like a weekly class. SideQuests are topic-based, and offered once a month to give the student time to incorporate new skills into their creative practice.
Families and students should only sign up for a SideQuest if:
They are curious about the topic AND
They have a comfort level with the material/technology beyond that of the class. (What does that mean? Read more here.)
If someone does not have the required interest, prerequisite knowledge, or comfort in the software or workflows, SideQuest might not be a positive experience. IOB offers other programs for students who want to build their skills! Please reach out to our team (connect@islandsofbrilliance.org) to discuss what programming may be a good fit for your student.
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SideQuest: is offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 pm CST. Each Side Quest is four hours total.
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SideQuest students are expected to continue experimenting or incorporating their new knowledge and know-how into their current and future projects. While not expected, students have the opportunity for continued growth and support through FigJam boards dedicated to the topic. This encourages them to continue learning related skills on their own time.
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Typically, no. Our goal is to give students the ability to gain confidence over time as they respond to the challenges. There is quite a bit of support from students and mentors throughout workshops, which feels like partnering. Depending on the situation, a mentor may allow for limited partnerships to form.
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Students get a badge ring when they enter DA Programming with slots for earning badges. These badges indicate each student's level of engagement and are not representative of any rank. Each Side Quest program has a unique badge that's earned when a student completes the program. Additionally, there are secondary badges associated with each Side Quest. These are achieved by sharing efforts related to the badge in the Side Quest. All Side Quest badges are given by IOB staff at the end of the program. Missed badges can be earned by working on prior projects and sharing the effort with chris@islandsofbrilliance.org.
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No. DA sessions are not recorded. Attendance is critical to success. However, IOB understands sometimes unexpected circumstances and calendar conflicts arise. IOB will work with families where possible.
Missed Side Quest sessions cannot be made up. Students who miss a night but want a badge must do the work independently and share it with chris@islandsofbrilliance.org to validate and award the badge. If the Side Quest has to be canceled by the instructor(s), it will be rescheduled at a later date. The last Tuesdays/Wednesdays of the month are typically held as a makeup slot if needed.
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Each SideQuest program is a unique four-hour learning lab across two days focusing on a specific aspect of a general topic and is not sequential. However, by signing up for any Side Quest in a topic, students gain access to the tutorials of all other (past and future on a calendar year) Side Quest programs in that topic's Figjam board. IOB's Creative Technologist Team curates a list of outstanding resources focused on Digital Painting, Character Development, and creativity in 3D.
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Side Quest programs offered in the past are not offered again. While these programs are only offered once, students can sign up for another program on a topic they find exciting and gain access to other (past and future) Side Quest tutorials on the topic's Figjam board. For Fall/Winter 2023, the topics are Digital Painting, Character Development, and Creativity in 3D.
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Click on the registration button above for the class that you are interested in.
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Chris Willey, the Director of Technology at IOB, is the main person behind all Digital Academy programming. Please email chris@islandsofbrilliance.org with questions.
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