Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Im.
Hi Jane, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always believed that art plays a key role in self-growth by fostering creativity and critical thinking. When I first moved to Maryland, I discovered that there were very few places for students to explore art after school; even the ones that did exist only had a one-size-fits-all approach.
Every student was taught in the same way, following the same curriculum, regardless of their unique personalities, talents, or artistic interests.
That approach didn’t seem right to me. Art, a powerful tool for introspection and personal growth, shouldn’t be taught in a rigid manner that might restrict an individual’s expression. Art is deeply personal, and each child has their own pace, strengths, and creative voice. I wanted to create a place where students could learn in a way that truly reflects who they are—a place where their individuality is celebrated, not overlooked.
That’s why I founded my art academy. From the start, I made sure our teaching philosophy was centered on personalized instruction. We tailor lessons and projects to fit each student’s style, interests, and goals. When hiring teachers, I sought artists who could introduce a wide range of disciplines—from painting and sculpture to digital art—enabling our students to explore different mediums and discover what excites them the most.
It has been an incredible journey watching our students grow in confidence and skills, simply because they are given the space, resources, and freedom to express themselves. For me, art education should focus on unlocking potential, one unique student at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth journey. Initially, the biggest challenges we encountered were financial. Since we tailor the curriculum for each student, it requires significant time and resources to design individualized lesson plans. Unlike a standard program where everyone follows the same syllabus, we were essentially creating something new for every single child — and that level of customization was expensive.
Despite facing financial difficulties, I was determined not to compromise on our academy’s vision. Over time, something beautiful emerged; as we created more individual curricula, they began to complement each other. We built a library of projects and teaching strategies, which made it easier to adapt lessons for new students without having to start from scratch.
We also began holding weekly teacher meetings, not just to plan lessons, but to share observations about each student’s personality, strengths, and needs. These meetings enabled us to understand our students more quickly and adjust their learning paths more efficiently.
About a year in, word began to spread. Parents noticed how much their children were growing—not only in skill but also in confidence and self-expression—and they started recommending us to others. That turning point made all the early struggles worthwhile.
We’ve been impressed with Artipre Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Artipre Art Institute of Maryland (AAIM) is more than just a place to learn how to paint or draw; it is a space where creativity, individuality, and confidence are nurtured. We provide personalized art education tailored to students of all ages, particularly young individuals in our community who may lack access to programs that cater to their uniqueness. Many of our students eventually apply to college, and their distinctive artistic portfolios become a powerful way to showcase their identity and out-of-the-box thinking.
What sets us apart is our personalized approach. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all curriculum, we create lesson plans tailored to each student’s working style, interests, and goals. Some students may want to focus on acrylic painting and drawing, while others may prefer sculpture, illustration, mixed media, installation, or digital art. We ensure they have the resources and guidance to explore their chosen paths. Our selected teachers possess expertise in various disciplines, enabling every student to discover their greatest inspirations.
I take great pride in the environment my team and I have created. Students feel safe to experiment, learn from their mistakes, and develop at their own pace. Parents frequently share that they have witnessed a transformation in their children’s confidence and self-expression, and that feedback is the highest compliment we could receive.
Our academy focuses on more than just technique. We are dedicated to helping each student discover their unique voice through art, while providing them with the tools and encouragement they need to continue creating long after they leave our studio.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the quality that has been most important to my success is empathy. Running an art academy involves more than just teaching techniques — it requires an understanding of those involved. Every student comes with a distinct personality, learning style, and life story. By truly listening and putting myself in their shoes, I can create a learning experience that feels personal and meaningful.
Empathy has also been essential in my interactions with parents, teachers, and the community. It allows me to build trust, adapt to challenges, and view solutions from different perspectives. This quality helps me recognize when a student needs extra encouragement, when a teacher requires more resources, or when a parent simply needs reassurance that their child is in the right place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artipre.com
