Help get Matt Katz to the Watts Atelier in California

Hi, I'm Matt. Teacher. Illustrator. Visual philosopher. Seeking funds to attend the Watts Atelier in California and bring valuable skills back to students in New Zealand.

Jeff Watts is one of the greatest fine artists alive today and his atelier is one of the best in the world. His track record for producing excellence in students is unmatched. I'm aiming to attend the Watts fall term, from October 12th to Dec 20th. My classes will total over 50 hours of drawing and painting a week for 10 weeks.

I've worked for publishers such as Scholastics, Macmillan and Pearson as well as a number of advertising and design companies. I hold a fixed term Senior Tutor position at Massey University teaching illustration and design theory and fundamentals. See below for a more specific list of subjects I've taught in.

Throughout my studies and career I've noticed the type of training offered by ateliers is lacking in New Zealand. I could have greatly benefited from this type of training during my years of study and now that I am at a certain level of ability and teaching experience I realise that I could be the one to make a difference. I plan to bring these skills and teaching methods back home, eventually setting up my own classes and workshops to pass this excellence on to budding New Zealand artists.

The entire trip will cost me over $14,000NZD, my campaign is for $3,000. If I happen to break above my requested goal then any extra will all go towards my remaining costs. Course fees are $6,800NZD, flights will be $2,500NZD, and ten weeks accommodation comes to about $4,000NZD. On top of that I will need to purchase materials and will of course have general living expenses.

Boosted campaigns do not offer direct rewards as their focus is on patronage, however if I receive considerable contribution or promotion I'm happy to discuss working together in any form of collaboration such as demos, workshops, tutorials, etc.

I'll be documenting my experience on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so follow me at:
https://twitter.com/LordMattKatz
https://instagram.com/lordmattkatz/
https://www.facebook.com/mattkatzonline

For further information here is a link to the Watts Atelier
http://www.wattsatelier.com/
and to my work
http://mattkatzonline.blogspot.co.nz/

I've taught the following subjects at Massey:
Advanced Digital Illustration
Advanced Traditional Illustration
Intro to Traditional Illustration
Intro to ZBrush
Story and Narration
Sequential Art
Concept Art,
Advanced Design Studio
Intro to Design Studio
Character Design

Thank you so much for your time, effort and help in making this dream possible. I can't wait to see how much New Zealand flourishes from our future artists.
Matt Katz, BDes. (Hons.)