Frequently Asked Questions

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About NCS

About Nixon Creative Studios

What is Nixon Creative Studios?

Nixon Creative Studios is a creative education program for young people ages 8-18. We teach creative writing, illustration, and publishing through structured, mentor-led programs. Our students learn to tell their stories, build their skills, and — in our advanced programs — publish real books.

Who is Rev. Nixon Mwangi?

Rev. Nixon Mwangi is the founder of Nixon Creative Studios and a working author, illustrator, and creative mentor. He has published multiple books, mentored hundreds of young creators, and brings both professional expertise and genuine passion to every session. He is also an ordained minister and community leader based in Las Vegas, Nevada. His approach combines professional-level creative instruction with warmth, encouragement, and a deep belief in the potential of every young person.

Where is Nixon Creative Studios located?

We are based in Las Vegas, Nevada, but all of our programs are delivered virtually via Zoom. This means students from anywhere in the United States can participate. We have served students from coast to coast, and our virtual format allows us to bring together diverse groups of young creators regardless of geography.

Is this a religious program? Is it a nonprofit?

Nixon Creative Studios is not a religious program. While our founder is an ordained minister, our programs are entirely secular and focused on creative education. Students of all backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions are welcome.

Programs

Our Programs and Structure

What programs do you offer?

We offer a progressive pathway of creative programs:

Free Workshop (1 hour): A free introductory session where young creators explore storytelling and discover their creative potential.

Creative Bootcamp (4 weeks, $99): A foundational program where students develop storytelling skills, create characters, and begin writing and illustrating.

Book-Building Academy (8 weeks, $599): Our flagship program where students write, illustrate, and publish a real book — professionally edited and available on Amazon.

Creative Studio Launch (12 weeks, custom pricing): An advanced program for serious young creators who want to build a portfolio, develop their creative brand, and launch their career.

What ages are your programs designed for?

All of our programs are designed for young people ages 8 to 18. Within that range, we group students by age and experience level to ensure every participant gets age-appropriate instruction and connects with peers at a similar stage. Our younger students (8-12) tend to focus more on imagination and exploration, while our older students (13-18) dive deeper into craft, structure, and professional-level skills.

How do I know which program is right for my child?

We always recommend starting with our Free Workshop. It gives your child a chance to experience our teaching style, meet Rev. Mwangi, and discover if they want to go further. After the workshop, we can help you decide the best next step based on your child's age, experience, and goals. If you are unsure, contact us — we are happy to have a conversation and make a personalized recommendation.

Can my child skip levels and go straight to the Academy?

In some cases, yes. If your child already has significant writing or illustration experience, they may be able to enter the Book-Building Academy directly. We assess each student individually to make sure they are placed in the program where they will thrive. Contact us and we will help determine the best fit — we want every student to be challenged but not overwhelmed.

What if my child is outside the 8-18 age range?

Our programs are specifically designed for ages 8-18. For children slightly outside this range, we evaluate on a case-by-case basis. A mature 7-year-old or a young adult just turning 19 may still be a great fit. Contact us to discuss your child's situation, and we will be honest about whether our program is the right match.

How It Works

Program Delivery and Logistics

How are programs delivered?

All programs are delivered live via Zoom. Sessions are interactive, not pre-recorded. Students participate in real-time with Rev. Mwangi and their peers. They receive feedback, ask questions, collaborate, and create together — just like an in-person class, but from the comfort of home.

What technology does my child need?

Your child will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. Zoom is free to download and use. For illustration work, a basic drawing tablet is helpful but not required — many students use pen and paper and share their work through the camera. We will provide a full technology checklist when you register.

How much time per week does each program require?

The Free Workshop is a single one-hour session. The Creative Bootcamp requires approximately 2-3 hours per week (1 hour live session plus homework and creative practice). The Book-Building Academy requires approximately 4-5 hours per week (1.5 hour live session plus writing, illustration, and revision work). We design our homework to be engaging, not burdensome — students should look forward to it.

What days and times are sessions held?

Session days and times vary by cohort and are designed to accommodate school schedules. Most sessions are held on weekday evenings or Saturday mornings. When you register, you will see available time slots and can choose the one that works best for your family. We do our best to offer multiple options each enrollment period.

What happens if my child misses a session?

We understand that life happens. If your child misses a session, they will receive a recording of the class along with a summary of key takeaways and assignments. Rev. Mwangi also offers brief catch-up check-ins for students who need extra support after a missed session. However, consistent attendance is important for getting the most out of the program, especially in the Academy.

How many students are in each class?

We keep class sizes small intentionally. The Free Workshop accommodates up to 25 students. The Creative Bootcamp and Book-Building Academy are limited to 15 students per cohort. This ensures every student receives personalized attention, meaningful feedback, and the chance to be heard. We never sacrifice quality for quantity.

Pricing

Cost, Payment, and Financial Support

How much do the programs cost?

The Free Workshop is completely free — no cost, no obligation. The Creative Bootcamp is $99 for 4 weeks. The Book-Building Academy is $599 for 8 weeks, which includes professional editing, design, and publishing of your child's book. The Creative Studio Launch has custom pricing based on the scope of the project. We believe our pricing reflects exceptional value for the quality of mentorship and outcomes delivered.

What is included in the program fee?

Every program includes live mentorship sessions, creative workbooks and materials, personalized feedback, and a certificate of completion. The Book-Building Academy additionally includes professional editing, book cover design, interior layout, ISBN registration, Amazon publishing, and author copies for your child. There are no hidden fees or surprise costs.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. We offer flexible payment plans for the Book-Building Academy and Creative Studio Launch programs. You can split the cost into 2-3 installments over the duration of the program. Contact us to set up a payment plan that works for your family. We never want finances to be the reason a motivated student cannot participate.

Are scholarships or sponsorships available?

Yes. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, we offer sponsored spots for students who demonstrate creative potential but face financial barriers. If your child wants to participate but cost is a concern, please contact us. We will work with you to find a solution. No motivated student should be turned away because of finances. Visit our Sponsorship page to learn more or to sponsor a student yourself.

How are sponsorship funds used?

Your sponsorship covers a child's full course enrollment — including instruction, staff time, materials, mentorship, and (for advanced programs) book printing and distribution. Sponsors receive updates on the progress of the student they are supporting.

Outcomes

Results, Publishing, and What Comes Next

What does "published" actually mean?

When we say published, we mean it. Your child's book will be professionally edited, designed with a real cover and interior layout, assigned an ISBN, and listed on Amazon for anyone to purchase. It will be a real book — the same quality you would find in a bookstore. This is not a vanity project or a PDF printout. Your child becomes a published author in the truest sense of the word.

Does my child retain ownership of their work?

Absolutely. Your child retains 100% ownership of all creative work they produce in our programs — their writing, their illustrations, their characters, their worlds. We do not claim any rights to student work. The book is theirs. The stories are theirs. The royalties, if any, are theirs. We believe creators should own what they create, and that principle applies to our youngest students just as much as to professionals.

Will my child receive a physical copy of their book?

Yes. Every student who completes the Book-Building Academy receives author copies of their published book. There is nothing quite like the moment a young person holds their own book in their hands for the first time. Additional copies can be ordered at any time through Amazon at the standard retail price.

What happens after my child completes a program?

After completing a program, your child can advance to the next level in our pathway — from Bootcamp to Academy to Studio Launch. They also become part of our alumni community, where they can connect with fellow creators, participate in special events, and access ongoing resources. We stay connected with our students because we are invested in their long-term creative growth, not just a single program.

Safety

Safety, Privacy, and Community

How do you ensure a safe environment for students?

Student safety is our highest priority. All sessions are supervised by Rev. Mwangi and any teaching assistants are vetted and background-checked. We use secure Zoom meetings with waiting rooms and password protection. Students are never contacted privately outside of program channels. We maintain strict professional boundaries and follow best practices for youth-serving organizations.

Can parents observe or sit in on sessions?

Yes, parents are always welcome to observe sessions. We encourage parental involvement, especially for younger students. You can sit nearby, watch the screen, or join the Zoom call as an observer. We have nothing to hide — in fact, we love when parents see what their children are capable of. Transparency is a core value of our program.

Do you have community guidelines for students?

Yes. Every student and parent agrees to our community guidelines before joining a program. These guidelines emphasize respect, kindness, constructive feedback, and creative courage. We foster a supportive community where students lift each other up. Bullying, disrespect, or any form of harmful behavior is not tolerated. Our goal is to create a space where every young person feels safe to create and share

Is all content age-appropriate?

Absolutely. All instruction, materials, examples, and creative prompts are designed to be age-appropriate for the 8-18 age range. We encourage students to explore meaningful themes in their writing — including challenging topics like identity, family, and belonging — but always in a way that is appropriate for their age and maturity level. Rev. Mwangi is experienced at guiding young creators through complex themes with sensitivity and care.