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Outside the Lines with Teen CTN - Empowering Young Creators

As an after school artist development program TEEN CTN is for artists ages 13–17 . Whether they’re passionate about comics, illustration, cartooning, or animation, this program helps teens focus on their unique artistic skills without the pressure of grades, social media, or peer comparison. 


Presented by The CTN Foundation - TEEN CTN is the launchpad designed to meet young artists where they are at now and help them grow into their full creative potential. In a world increasingly shaped by social media and AI, we champion – Human Experience—providing resources and opportunities to cultivate creative human skills for artists.


What Makes TEEN CTN Unique:

  • In-person workshops and one-on-one learning labs led by professional artists and industry mentors. Hands-on guidance to help you grow your skills, confidence, and creative voice.
  • Guiding teens to think before they prompt putting them on a path with skills they are not going to get in school.
  • Books are part of the creative journey at TEEN CTN. From graphic novels to artist stories, curated reads spark ideas, deepen learning, and help teens grow as thinkers and storytellers.
  • Portfolio-building with real-world projects and showcase opportunities for college and beyond
  • Inspiring field trips that blend creativity with real-world learning.
  • Access to scholarships and support for building a creative career path.
  • Learning for life, not for grades.
  • Located in the Animation Capitol of the World in a fun and supportive professional studio environment.
  • Cultivates Human Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence.
  • Access to other classes and special events as part of this program.
  • Parents are encouraged to join or stay in the parents lounge area with WiFi, Coffee and snacks.
  • A certificate of completion to add to your resume and portfolio—showcasing your commitment and skills as a developing artist.
  • Application-based, so we can offer personalized support to dedicated young artists.
  • A front-row seat at CTNX25 for the family friendly programming—plus the chance for your teen to participate in TEEN CTN Showcase and be featured


How do I get started? Whether a Teen or a Parent:

  • Step 1:  Count Me In
    • Join the  "Count Me In" gang and CTN will connect  and get you set up. Classes are on an ongoing basis, so you can Count Me In at any time.
  • Step 2:  Enroll 
    • You will receive and email to officially enroll  and your teen will be on their way to developing their creative voice in a supportive, hands-on environment. (Session pricing starts at $15)
  • Step 3:  Grow Into the Future
    • This is more than a class—it’s a launchpad for Teens. Build confidence, skills, and friendships as they discover who they are as an artist beyond the grades and social media likes.


Let’s face it — school is tough, but for young artists it can be overwhelming—especially with the peer pressure of social media and the rise of AI-Artificial Intelligence. TEEN CTN helps young artists cultivate their unique artist voice through real-world art experiences, in person tutoring, and a creative community. 


Your enrollment is a timeless spark — a milestone moment in time filled with encouragement, recognition, and opportunity.


PRESS RELEASE


COUNT ME IN!

Off the Grid: Learning Without Limits

Everything Starts with Drawing

No grades. No algorithms. Just imagination, skill, and you.

More classes coming so keep checking back.

DRAWING

Grab the opportunity for your teen to join our weekly live drawing sessions designed for teen artists.  Letting young artists have permission after school to explore more about the fundamentals and fun of Drawing for Animation. A supportive professional artist friendly environment that opens the door for them to level up, prep for college, meet other artists and stay connected with everything that young artists need that they are not going to get in school.

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Ages 13-17 
  • Must have a basic understanding of drawing.
  • Under 13 and over 17 requires teacher approval email team@ctnfoundation.org


IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Submit an application anytime August 3 until October 15th
  • Once accepted we’ll send you an email to enroll along with all the details—class info, schedule options, and next steps.
  • Use the link in the email to enroll and officially get started. 
  • Classes begin Wednesdays August 20, 2025 - October 29th.


LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE to INSURE FOCUSED LEARNING and PERSONAL ATTENTION:
An 11-week series of drawing for animation that is more than a class—it’s a launchpad. Watch your teen build confidence, skills, and friendships as they discover who they are as an artist, far beyond grades, likes, or algorithms.


Note: Come for the entire series or break it up into  monthly bundles or come one at a time. Enrollment fee starts at $15.


BONUS:

  • Bonus Hours: Stay after class for the uninstructed practice session with CTN SketchFEVER - draw costumed models with CTN Community members More info
    https://ctn-events.com/sketchfever
  • Opportunity to showcase your teens work at CTNX25 – Share your teens' talent with professionals, schools, studios, and fellow creatives.
  • Complimentary entrance to CTNX – Experience the ultimate top talent community animation and visual storytelling art expo as a family, in Burbank CA November 20–23, 2025.
  • Become a teen member of the CTN Foundation Alumni Community – A lifelong network of artists supporting artists and targeted tools and resources.
  • Parents welcome.


COUNT ME IN!

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR MICHAEL HOROWITZ

🎨 Character Artist, Illustrator & Educator

Michael Horowitz is a seasoned artist and educator with over 35 years of experience in the animation and illustration industry. His work spans from animated film production as an assistant animator to extensive contributions in character art and licensed merchandise, including his role as Character Art Manager for The Walt Disney Company in the Asia Pacific region.

Michael’s versatile illustration skills have been commissioned by industry giants such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Hallmark, and Random House, bringing beloved characters and stories to life through compelling visual storytelling. His passion for expressive, character-driven art has made him a sought-after collaborator and mentor in both commercial and educational settings.


In addition to his studio work, Michael has dedicated much of his career to arts education and community engagement. He has taught classes at institutions such as the Norton Simon Museum, ArtCenter College of Design, and has brought his talents into therapeutic settings by assisting with art therapy programs at Metropolitan State Hospital.

✏️ What He Brings:

  • Decades of professional experience in character animation and licensed illustration
  • A rich teaching background across museums, colleges, and therapeutic programs
  • A commitment to nurturing creativity and expression through traditional and digital media
  • Deep understanding of figure drawing, character design, and the storytelling process

WEBSITE

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR MADELEINE GEE-Norris

🎨 Animation Artist and Showrunner – CTN & CTN Foundation

Madeleine Gee-Norris, affectionately known as Maddie, is a passionate animation artist and educator currently contributing her expertise to the CTN Foundation, supporting its mission of “No Artist Left Behind.” As a Showrunner at the Creative Talent Network (CTN), she helps bring innovative educational initiatives, workshops, and showcases to life, serving the next generation of visual storytellers.

A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, Madeleine cultivated a strong foundation in traditional and digital media, with a focus on character design, animation, and storytelling. She honed her observational and expressive drawing skills through years of life drawing and figure studies, both as a student and teacher.


Her teaching experience includes assisting summer and BFA programs at Otis College of Art and Design as teacher’s aid, digital media tutor and support instructor.


Madeleine has experience as a background, character designer, album artist and much more. She enjoys all kinds of visual storytelling ranging from anime, video games and films- leading her to fan driven projects such as zines and tribute art.


Today, Madeleine helps shape TEEN CTN and other foundation programs that empower young creators to draw, animate, imagine, and explore. She believes in the transformative power of visual storytelling and works daily to build inclusive spaces where no artist is left behind.

✏️ What She Brings:

  • Professional training in animation and design from Otis College
  • Creative leadership in program development and artist engagement
  • Dedication to CTN Foundation’s mission of inclusive access to arts education
  • A nurturing teaching style that supports growth, confidence, and curiosity in young artists

WEBSITE

More Teen and Pre-Teen Programs coming soon!


Copyright © 2025 CTN Foundation - All Rights Reserved. CTN Foundation  is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

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