The Bureau of Engraving Inc. founded Art Instruction Schools in 1914 for the purpose of creating illustrators. Over time, instruction grew beyond engraving into a wider range of art media that the schools are known for today. They are recognized for their "Draw Me" brochures that traditionally assessed drawing abilities for admission into Art Instruction Schools. Perhaps the school's most famous alumni is Charles Schulz, creator of the comic strip "Peanuts."
Art Instruction Schools is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, which approves institutions that have "attained and maintained the standards deemed necessary to operate at a minimum level of quality." Art Instruction Schools has also been a Better Business Bureau "Accredited Business" since 1995, and as of 2011 holds an "A+" rating.
Fundamentals of art are taught through 27 lessons, divided up into four sections. The first eight lessons of section one focus on observation techniques, negative/positive space, value, form and pencil mark-making technique. Section two covers pen and ink technique, cartooning, use of color and design basics. The third section deals with drawing animals and still-life, while reinforcing depth, perspective and composition. The final section covers human anatomy and foreshortening technique.
Students are mailed a textbook and supplies needed for each lesson, which are included in the cost of tuition. At the completion of each lesson, students mail their project to Minnesota. Projects receive a grade along with an overlay of the original artwork that points out areas needing improvement. Instructors are all certified to teach at the post-secondary school level, and have all met standards set by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Upon completion of the Fundamentals of Art, students receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate is not equivalent to an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree received from a two- or four-year higher education institution. It is possible that the curriculum may provide an advantage to students wishing to continue on to such institutions. Art Instruction Schools' website states: "The American Council on Education has recommended to over 3,000 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. to grant up to 24 college credits." However, whether the institution will grant credits may depend on the grades received or the standards of the higher institution itself.