Frequently Asked Questions
Your initial purchase is the starter kit. Think of it as your 'Confident Artist Gear.' It includes a light tablet, full-size art supplies, access to online art instruction and two Guide Dots project rolls.
Nope! Guide Dots uses both dots and light to help your child understand the intricate steps they need to take to create an image. There is NO tracing! They are creating their very own work—and it’s awesome!
Sort of but WAY better! Guide Dots is a special technique using dots and a light board to guide your child step-by-step through an entire, age-appropriate drawing. The dots are much more spaced out then those 1950's connect the dot books and the teacher is teaching REAL techniques on video.
YES! We don't sell the art lessons without first investing in the starter kit. Our one-of-a-kind process uses a customized light tablet. While some kids might already have a light tablet, markers, etc. we want to be sure to set the child up for success with the supplies that best match the video tutorials.
The rolls ARE the art projects. The rolls have the dots strategically placed on them. The child uses the roll on the light tablet and watches the video tutorials to achieve the most awe-inspiring artwork!
Guide Dots is designed to be used with little to no adult support. After the initial setup, some children may need help getting the hang of the one-of-a-kind drawing process, but you will be surprised at how engaged they are once they get rolling.
How many kits you’ll want for your family depends entirely on the experience you are looking to create. The starter kit comes with plenty of supplies for two children; however, the projects cannot be done simultaneously. If your kids are good with taking turns or you are hoping to engage them at different times during the day, one starter kit will work. If you are trying to create a “classroom-like” environment where multiple children are creating side by side and, as a result, you get some mama/papa peace, then we recommend purchasing multiple starter kits.
A professional art instructor thoughtfully designed each of our projects so they are developmentally appropriate for children within a specific age range. That said, we do recognize that every child is different. If you think your child can level up, then we suggest doing so as the Level 2 kit comes with additional supplies. If the Level 2 projects prove too challenging, you can always grab some Level one projects until they are ready to move up!
Guide Dots stocks its starter kit with full-size, artist-grade supplies that can last for years if handled with care.
Absolutely! If you have not ordered, see our State Funding page for specifics on the programs we are in. Approval time depends on your state's approval process (i.e. Classwallet, Odyssey, etc). If you have ordered and are wanting to know your approval status, it is best to reach out to your specific state funding provider to get the status of approval. Once approved, you should receive tracking information from Guide Dots when your starter kit has shipped.
Yes! Your child never draws directly on the Guide Dots project. Instead, the dots shine through a blank sheet of drawing paper using the Bright Board. That means every project can be completed again and again as their skills and confidence grow.
Guide Dots works best with a tablet or computer. You'll use it to watch the video lessons and power the Bright Board using the included USB-C cable while your child creates.
Every Starter Kit includes two introductory art projects to teach your child the Guide Dots method.
Level One (Ages 4–7):
- Playful Puppy
- Colorful Chameleon
Level Two (Ages 8+):
- Anime Character
- Basketball Swish
After completing these introductory projects, your child can choose from over 100 additional art projects to continue learning and creating.
We want you to love your Guide Dots experience! If your order arrives damaged or defective, email us within 15 days of delivery with a photo of the issue. We'll happily send a replacement or issue a full refund.
Forever! Because Guide Dots projects are reusable, we've included lifetime access to every video lesson so your child can create each project again whenever inspiration strikes.
How quickly will my child learn to draw?
It really varies depending on each young artist but here's what we CAN tell you: Your child already knows how to draw! But their confidence in HOW to draw what they envision varies. And Guide Dots can help that in just 1-2 projects! Once they really start feeling good, the possibilities are endless...
Usually kids begin spinning off of the example adding their own style like Avery, whose dad said "This was only her second project and she is already gaining confidence in herself."
