Paul Varano

Teaching Artist

Paul Varano is a visual arts educator and teaching artist currently working with Creative Art Works, where he delivers project-based instruction in digital art, animation, and character design. In this role, he guides students from concept to portfolio-ready work while fostering confidence and individual voice. He previously served as a career and technical education digital design and animation teacher at Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology and as an art teacher at JHS 189, where he built strong foundations in both traditional and digital media through inclusive, research-based pedagogy.

Paul’s teaching philosophy centers on visual thinking strategies and inquiry-based learning, empowering students to develop resilience, self-confidence, and authentic expression through visual imagery. Earlier in his career, he worked as a storyboard artist at Little Airplane Productions in NYC, shaping narrative through visual storytelling. In his personal practice, he uses charcoal and paint to capture the emotional essence of everyday life.