Art & Design Workshops

I’m a game and cultural heritage educator, specialising in blending traditional art with games and interactive media. My workshops are based on the innovative design methods that I present in my two industry endorsed books, Drawing Basics & Video Game Art, and Interactive Stories and Video Game Art, which are adopted by academic and research institutions worldwide. With 15+ years teaching experience, I’m committed to fostering inclusive learning environments and safe spaces that support LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals, as well as those with mental health challenges.

Kinaesthetic Time Capsules is an original game design method celebrating cultural heritage, identity and self-expression. The method builds on my internationally acclaimed books, with a focus on game design (the mechanics and structures of how games work). It adapts historic art and design concepts, to guide the game development process with the principle: What if empathy, not conflict, was the organising principle of game design?

abloom offers boutique workshops and seminars in Zurich, Switzerland, celebrating the craft of game design, game art, illustration and comics, with deep roots in traditional art and design practises (Gestaltung).

Student Testimonials

  • Chris’ work and writings brought me a deep insight and perspective about game design and art. His thorough research on storytelling in games, and how that translates to shape languages in game art that evokes certain emotions to the players, makes me look at visual art very differently today.

    KSHIRAJ TELANG, Art Director at Moon Active, formerly Studio Art Director at Rovio and Principal Visual Development Artist at King

  • Not only does Chris have wide ranging knowledge, he can also convey it in an easy and inspiring way. Despite my many years of experience as a graphic designer, I was able to learn a lot from Chris and improve my work and workflow. I'm very grateful to him for that.

    EVELYN ACKER, Graphic Designer

  • Chris has been invaluable in helping to kickstart my son's game art education. He is exceptionally patient, considerate, and has vast knowledge concerning art and design fundamentals.

    KARIN JOST

  • I've been drawing my whole life and have had plenty of teachers and lecturers but I never learned so much about drawing and art as I did from Chris Solarski. His feedback was always fair, detailed and very helpful. All-in-all, the best art lecturer I have ever had.

    WAYNE HINTERMANN, former Game Art student

  • Chris is a very talented illustrator who skilfully shares his knowledge with his calm demeanour. He takes a lot of time to respond to each individual course participant in order to pass on his creative knowledge. His courses have inspired me and helped me develop creatively.

    SARA HOFSTETTER, Artist and Video Editor

  • Chris is a fantastic teacher. With his know-how and analytical skills, he breaks down difficult tasks and explains what needs to be done in simple steps. Whether it was about composition, proportions, weighting or lighting, his advice was always on point.

    MANUEL KISSNER, former Game Art student