NEW APPROACH SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Owner and President of New Approach School of Jewelry Arts
- Owner, President and Lead Instructor
Owner, President and Lead Instructor Blaine Lewis has been at the forefront of jeweler education for more than 20 years. In that time, he has changed the landscape of the industry with his hands on approach, real world examples and revolutionary techniques, graduating over 6,000 students into successful jewelry careers. Initially based in Virginia, New Approach School for Jewelers is now located in Arrington, Tennessee, just 20 minutes from Nashville.
Job Titles:
- 3D Artist / Art Director
- Authorized Rhino Trainer
Chris is a published 3D artist/art director who has created thousands of 3D models, illustrations, and animations for books, videos, magazines, and ommercials. His collaborative work with NASJ spans a whopping 23 years and now we are pleased to announce his full-time position as director and co-instructor of our new and transformative CAD program.
Chris is an Authorized Rhino Trainer with extensive knowledge in all things 3D. With over 26 years of 3D CAD experience, he has a uniquely rich wealth of experience to share with his students.
At a young age, Drew was inspired by jewelry and gemstones. As a Senior in high school he held odd jobs in a dental lab with his father, but quickly found nothing would assuage his passion for jewelry. At this time, Drew searched for an avenue to become a successful jeweler.
Drew pursued his studies with an impressive list of instructors and schools all around the United States including the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, the Gemology Institute of America, The New Approach School for Jewelers, Kate Wolf, Jason Marchiafava, and Chris Ploof. Drew also sought out and studied with international Master Stone Setter, Alexander Sidorov, in Belgium.