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About Milan Art Institute

The Milan Art Institute has turned a passion into a profession for hundreds of students. Beginners and professionals come here to master skills, learn new techniques, and join an ever-expanding community of artists. The purpose of the Milan Art Institute is to enlighten and educate a worldwide audience about the transformational power of the visual arts. Now, through their online fine art school, you can turn your passion into a profession from anywhere in the world.

Elli and Dimitra Milan
Milan Family

Who Are the Milans?

John and Elli Milan were high school sweethearts and went to art school together at Savannah College of Art and Design. When she was 19, Elli received a vision for an art movement that she would be a key component of. It was an incredibly powerful experience and she had a deep knowledge of future events. Her life would never be the same. The Milans started their art career in 1996 and both sold work full-time as professional artists until 2010.

That’s when they opened the Milan Art Institute. Elli finally understood how her vision of creating a movement could become a reality. Although they were changing lives in their community, they still felt that they were destined for more. In 2018, their business went online and they realized that they started what will become a worldwide movement.

The Milan family works harmoniously with each other: their art businesses and daily lives all work to promote and embolden the Milan Art Institute. As a family, they share their dreams and desires almost daily. They dream of a time when the earth is filled with people who do what they love, what they were created for.

A time when everyone devotes themselves to their passion and everything their hand touches is done with excellence. The Milans believe the grand notion that they are mobilizing a movement of artists who don’t settle for a mediocre 9 to 5. They don’t just teach this, they model it too. Their determination is to cultivate artists who are not egotistical or flaky, but valiant, mature, generous, and reliable people who see their role as a leader in society and shift culture forward into a better age.

The Milan family is passionate about awakening a dream that has been asleep inside the artist for a long time. The Milan family stirs, provokes, and inspires artists so that they believe in their dreams. Students who commit to the Milan Art Institute classes see themselves drawing and painting with excellence, accuracy, and beauty. As they move through the Mastery Program, they start to find their voice and delve into the depths of self-discovery.

As they finish the Program, they learn how to create a cohesive portfolio and a successful marketing plan. They launch their art business with a personal brand. They know their superpower and they have the confidence and determination to actually live their dream of being a professional artist. The Milan family is completely devoted and fully committed to helping other artists. They love being a part of the process and seeing a person transform from apathy and mediocrity to a life of purpose and passion.

As a family, the Milans have rallied a team of dedicated and talented people who are committed to the same vision. They are exceptional creatives who are painters, entrepreneurs, writers, poets, web designers, businessmen, photographers, video creators, editors, graphic designers, personalities, managers, musicians, and above all romantics who are crazy enough to believe they can change the world.

The Milan Art Institute has turned a passion into a profession for hundreds of students. Beginners and professionals come here to master skills, learn new techniques, and join an ever-expanding community of artists. The purpose of the Milan Art Institute is to enlighten and educate a worldwide audience about the transformational power of the visual arts.

Meet Your Milan Art Institute Team

At Milan Art Institute, our team is the heart of our commitment to nurturing and inspiring artists. Meet our founders, John and Elli Milan, who bring decades of experience and artistic excellence to the Institute. John’s innovative approach and Elli’s mastery in Abstract Realism set the foundation for our unique educational philosophy. Joining them is their daughter, Dimitra Milan, a celebrated artist known for her impactful work and mentorship.

Our team also includes dedicated instructors and mentors, each a professional artist in their own right, offering personalized guidance and expertise. Our coaches provide invaluable support, ensuring that every student receives tailored advice to reach their artistic goals. Together, our team combines passion, experience, and dedication to help you thrive in your artistic journey.

  • Owners & Instructors
elli
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Elli Milan Founding Owner, InstructorAs the founding owner of Milan Art Institute, Elli has been a professional artist for three decades. Elli sold more than 10,000 pieces of art throughout her thriving career. She has transformed the lives of thousands of artists from around the world—helping them find their voice and turn their passion for art into a profession. With her online drawing and painting classes, Elli is a leading voice of the current Art Renaissance.Read full bio
john
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John Milan Co-Founder, Instructor

John, co-founder of Milan Art Institute, is a dynamic artist with over 25 years of experience. Known for his vibrant mixed media oil paintings, he’ll share his artistic insights in a captivating and inspiring way. As an avid teacher and mentor, John travels the world, guiding artists locally and internationally.

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dimitra milan
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Dimitra Milan Co-Owner, Director & Instructor

By age 15, Dimitra had sold over a million dollars in artwork, thanks to her training at Milan Art Institute. With 400,000+ social media followers, she's a leading artist influencer, pioneering a new era for artists online and inspiring them to change the world with their art.

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jake dunn
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Jake Dunn Co-owner, Director & Instructor

Jake, a Milan Art Institute Mastery Program graduate, combines modern marketing expertise with his artistic skills to help artists reach their potential. A true Renaissance artist, he excels in painting, music, and writing, sharing his insights with precision.

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Professional Artist & Instructors

Elli Milan with short hair
Elli Milan Biography

Founding owner of Milan Art Institute, who has sold her work professionally for the last 24 years. Elli has transformed the lives of hundreds of artists from all over the world, helping them find their voice, and turn their passion for art into a profession. She is passionate about the role of an artist in contemporary culture and a leading voice of the current Art Renaissance.

View Elli Milan art on her social pages below!

    

Dimitra Milan in front of her art
Dimitra Milan Biography

Generated over a million dollars of artwork sales by the age of 15, Dimitra Milan paintings are collected world-wide. She is pioneering a new age of artist influencers on social media, spreading beauty across the entire planet. She is a mentor at Milan Art Institute and passionate about equipping artists to change the world with their art.

View Dimitra Milan art on her social pages below!

    

Milan Art Institute Reviews

Real Reviews By Artists Like You!

Your Guide to Artistic Growth & Industry Success

Our art blog at Milan Art Institute is a valuable resource for artists at every stage of their journey. Whether you're a beginner looking for inspiration or a seasoned professional seeking new techniques, our blog offers expert insights, tips, and tutorials designed to help you grow. Featuring articles on a wide range of topics—from mastering painting techniques to navigating the art industry—our blog is a hub for creative development. Dive into the knowledge shared by experienced artists and stay inspired to push your artistic boundaries.

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Making Pink with Acrylic Paint vs. Oil Paint

Making Pink with Acrylic vs. Oil Paint Creating the perfect pink can be frustrating at times, whether you're working with ...
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October 21, 20243 min read

A New Day Is Dawning

I'm not going to lie. The past few weeks have tested me deeply. Recently, while in Italy, we experienced a significant ...
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The 5 Key Differences Between Acrylics and Oil Paints

Choosing between acrylic paint and oil paint can feel like a big decision in your artistic journey. Whether you’re just ...
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5 Tips for Pricing Your Art

Learning how to price your art when you’re just starting out can be a key factor in your initial success. You want to price ...
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6 Art Portfolio Mistakes You Must Avoid

Building an art portfolio is more than just gathering your best works; it's about curating a visual story that represents your ...
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Why Your Artistic Struggles Are Actually Wins

Photo caption: Learning how to get your art into galleries is one of the key components of becoming a professional artist. ...
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October 4, 20246 min read

Can I Use my Cell Phone for my Online Art Class?

Modern educational technology allows students from around the world to take classes in the comfort of their own home. For ...
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