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.
No. Guide Dots started as a subscription but it is not anymore. Now you can get your starter kit and if you'd like you can add additional projects. You can pick and choose the ones your young artist will enjoy most!
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 ESA page for specifics on the programs we are in. Approval time depends on your ESA provider (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 ESA provider to get the status of approval. Once approved, you should receive tracking information from Guide Dots when your starter kit has shipped.






Trusted By Moms

"My 8 year old son is very creative but with drawing he would have trouble figuring out where to start and how much space each element required, so would get frustrated. His first Guide Dots picture was the fox. He watched the video tutorials with joy, getting more excited as his picture came to life. It was lovely hearing him say "mom, I've got this" as he worked, and seeing how proud he was of his finished picture.”
-Gabe (age 8)

"Between ALL THE THINGS, carving out time for my five-year-old to create is not always easy. She loves to draw and color, but adding yet another activity to outside the home wasn’t an option. Guide Dots is the solve we were looking for. My daughter is able to sit down with a roll and complete each project without any intervention from me. More importantly, she feels proud about what she’s made and eager to make another. Highly recommend this to anyone who’s child is interested in art!”
-Aadya (age 5)

"We got Guide Dots for our son, Mace, for Christmas. He has always loved art. His favorite color is rainbow! We would sit him down to make some art, but he would just quickly scribble something in 5 minutes, when we knew he could do better. Miss Cindra's teaching method is amazing and has finally gotten him to have patience with his art. He will now erase lines until he's happy with them. He is better able to express his wonderful and creative brain!”
-Mace (age 6)

"I am beyond happy we found Guide dots. It is a win win as a mom because Gianna gets excited for her monthly package and she can complete the class independently without supervision from me. When it fits into our schedule, I get her set up, and all on her own Gianna creates beautiful art pieces that she is proud of! She has blossomed as an artist and learned so many new skills. I love seeing her confidence grow!”
-Gianna (age 6)

"My daughter received a Guide For subscription for her fifth birthday. I was so grateful that she received this rather than another toy that would get left out or broken. My daughter absolutely loves Guide Dots and it has allowed her to blossom as an artist. The step by step directions are perfect. She is able to take her time and take a break when she needs it. It has really helped her learn to be patient and to understand that if she works hard she can do anything! I highly recommend Guide Dots!”