Illustration

Associate in Applied Science Degree

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This program provides the skills and knowledge required for illustrators to communicate effectively in a visual and verbal format; to use creative methodology to solve visual problems; to provide advance knowledge of illustration through diverse global, cultural, and historical perspectives; to utilize technology effectively to create artwork; and to prepare students for a career as an illustrator.  Graduates will be prepared to enter the fields of illustration, character design, comic book publication, and creative direction.  

Goal 1 To provide the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively in visual and verbal format

  • Students will articulate an understanding of the visual problem-solving process
  • Students will collaborate in project critiques demonstrating the ability to discuss both their own work and the work of their peers
  • Students will demonstrate appropriate communication with instructor and peers via critique, written assignments, and class interaction
  • Students will recognize the elements of illustrative visual language including composition, color, space, scale, and light.  

Goal 2 To prepare students to use creative methodology to solve visual problems

  • Students will demonstrate creative problem-solving methodology using visual art development procedures including research, brain-storming, thumbnails, sketches, and final art
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the creative process, i.e. analysis, incubation, illumination, and verification
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of different ways and means to communicate information through various media and software

Goal 3 To provide advance knowledge of illustration through diverse global, cultural, and historical perspectives

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of illustration on a global scale within a historical context
  • Students will recognize the works of numerous masters from various backgrounds and cultures in photography and the arts
  • Students will discuss work in comparison to contemporary and historical masters
  • Students will discuss how the history of illustration reflects significant historical and cultural events
  • Students will research and organize resources to broaden their understanding of the field of illustration

Goal 4 To utilize technology effectively to create artwork

  • Students will create artwork on various computer systems effectively and efficiently 
  • Students will create artwork using software applications
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of relevant human anatomy in artwork reflecting accurate proportion and perspective

Goal 5 To prepare students for a career as an illustrator 

  • Students will develop a professional portfolio consisting of 15 – 20 pieces of art that can be used to present themselves in the job market
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the methods of self-promotion and representation that are common to the field of illustration
  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of visual communication and creativity with an emphasis on understanding historically significant art styles. Students explore various types of visual expression and apply creative problem-solving principles to both two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects in a variety of media. Emphasis is placed on formulating basic design and layout principles, with particular stress on application. Students are introduced to the masters, practices, and careers of painting, sculpture, graphic design, animation, film, digital media, illustration, and photography.

This course introduces the tools, media, and theory used in the creation of a drawing. It includes the fundamentals of perspective, the theory of light and shade, and a survey of graphic representation. Projects are executed focusing on proportion and placement, volume and structure, and value with tone.

Studio laboratory fee: $20

This course introduces the visual elements and principles of design. Emphasis is placed on compositional concepts and the mastery of a visual language. Course projects explore a variety of media, processes, and techniques to provide a broad view of visual problem solving.

This is an introductory course in drawing the human figure, focusing on the body’s geometric and anatomical structure. Classroom work consists of drawing from the live model and plaster sculpture casts. A hierarchy of form, working from general to specific, is emphasized. Studio work is supplemented by lectures and critiques on the principles of accurate representation of the human form in pictorial space, including gesture, proportion, anatomy, and light on form. Studio laboratory fee: $20

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

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Second Semester

This intermediate course expands upon the technical skills and aesthetic concepts of FA103 Figure Drawing 1. More complex problems are addressed, including the foreshortened figure, the figure in space, multiple figure composition, extended poses, and large format drawing. Projects explore various drawing media, settings, lighting situations, and approaches to the figure. Classroom work consists of drawing from the live model, supplemented by lectures and critiques. Prerequisite: FA103 Figure Drawing 1. Studio laboratory fee: $20

This course introduces contemporary text manipulation, digital imaging, and digital illustration software. Students produce projects demonstrating their knowledge of both the software and the interfaces between page layout, raster graphics, and vector graphics. No previous software knowledge is required.

This course focuses on introducing students to the concepts and tools of digital painting. Through a series of course exercises and projects students will study the foundations of design and illustration principles. Topics include digital sketching, flatting local color, lasso and gradient painting, principles of lighting and blend modes, textures, tool and brush settings. Course projects are designed to build software mastery and technical competency.

This course introduces the narrative use of the human figure in illustration. Conceptual and visual communication skills are challenged in producing a series of two-dimensional illustrations in black-and-white and color media. Emphasis is placed on the correct use of reference material, drapery and costuming of the figure, settings, and staging of the complete visual image. Prerequisite: FA103 Figure Drawing 1

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

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Third Semester

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course provides an introduction to the technique of the oil painting medium and approaches to color mixing. Emphasis is given to the painting from the observed subject. A variety of subjects and techniques are explored through projects that reference historical and contemporary approaches. Studio laboratory fee: $20

This advanced course integrates contemporary text manipulation, digital imaging, and digital illustration software. Students complete industry standard projects demonstrating mastery of software. Prerequisite: GD 145 Digital Applications 1.

This course provides an introduction to the styles and techniques used by the illustrator in the contemporary children’s market. It covers the development of fiction and non-fiction illustrations for the preschool and elementary school audience. Emphasis is placed on the importance of research, character development, problem solving, and the aesthetic quality of the illustration. Students complete illustrations designed to reinforce subject areas covered.

This course introduces the history of art from prehistoric times through the Sixteenth Century. Topics include Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and non-Western examples of painting, sculpture, and architecture. Art is studied within its cultural context with a focus on the interrelationship among the Arts. A field trip to an art exhibit is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

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Fourth Semester

This course introduces the history of art from the Seventeenth Century to the present. Topics include Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicisms, Romanticism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Twentieth-Century, and non-Western examples of painting, sculpture, and architecture. Art is studied within its cultural context with a focus on the interrelationship among the Arts. A field trip to an art exhibit is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course introduces students to the process of writing, editing, and creating graphic novels. Topics include history of graphic novels, brainstorming, quick sketching the use of composition, image sequencing and layout, elements of storytelling, producing high quality finished images, and both digital and physical publishing.

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Take any General Education Social Science Course

This course includes experimental work with techniques and media most commonly used in preparing illustrations for reproduction. Finished artwork is rendered and prepared in black and white and in color. Prerequisite: IL106 Sequential Art 1: Figure Illustration.

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