PeteCatalyst Studio

About the studio

A practical home for visual curiosity.

PeteCatalyst Studio began as a small critique circle for designers who wanted stronger observation skills without losing their individual voice. We now shape that same generous exchange into clear, self-paced learning paths centered on the vector lantern and gesture atlas methods.

Our story

The studio combines atelier discipline with the clarity of a product team: define the visual problem, test a mark, review the result, and document what changed. What started in a single downtown studio now reaches thousands of learners worldwide.

Our mission

Make high-quality drawing instruction approachable, specific, and useful for people building a lasting creative practice. Every lesson at PeteCatalyst Studio is designed for measurable progress and sustained confidence.

Our method

We pair concise theory with demonstrations, timed studies, reflection prompts, and assignments that fit real schedules. Learners practice the vector lantern and gesture atlas drills daily to refine both precision and fluidity.

The people behind the prompts

Mara Chen

Observational drawing lead

Mara turns proportion, light, and shape relationships into exercises that feel precise but never rigid. Her vector lantern series has become a cornerstone of the catalog.

Jon Bell

Digital workflow mentor

Jon helps learners create clean digital studies while preserving the energy of an exploratory sketch. He developed our first gesture atlas modules for tablet-based practice.

Ari Sol

Narrative composition editor

Ari teaches artists to guide attention through framing, rhythm, and purposeful visual contrast. Her editorial background shapes every major course release.

Ready to begin your next chapter?

Join thousands of visual thinkers sharpening their craft through structured practice.