Graphic Design +
Digital Media

Credits: 3

This course covers the history, theory and practice of letterforms and typography they apply to other areas of design, graphics and visual communication. Projects cover principles of typography, letter structure, typeface selection, fundamentals of digital type, and typographic layout.

Credits: 3

This lecture and studio course examines the use of digital cameras with a focus on essential skills relevant to artists and designers. Technical aspects of the course include principles of photographic exposure, lighting, and working with digital files. Artistic aspects of the course include considerations for effective communication and emotional impact, thematic unity, and image enhancement techniques. Primary software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge.

Credits: 3

This course is an overview of the Design industry and will include guest speakers and lectures specific to the broad spectrum of potential career paths. Course content will include an introduction to professional organizations, industry employment structures, professional standards, processes, and industry specific history. Fundamental information will be presented on how to gain understanding and identify pathways for a career as well as guidance on how to build a hard and soft skillset that will support your career trajectory.

Credits:

LCAD Design students will be required to successfully complete a portfolio review within their sophomore to junior year in order to continue in the design program. This review is mandatory and is designed to assess strengths, weaknesses, and academic readiness to move forward in the program. Students must follow the Advancement Submission Guidelines and File Upload Instructions as provided by the Department Chair.

Credits: 3

This studio course in digital image making will challenge students to create thought-provoking and visually stimulating work while learning how to use the computer as a versatile tool for creation and manipulation. A range of projects will be developed while students consider the role of literal and implicit communication, aesthetics, and emotional impact. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Macromedia Flash (a beginning intro). Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Macromedia Flash (a beginning intro).

Credits: 3

This advanced course introduces 3-dimensional computer modeling, concepts, technology and techniques (i.e., 3-dimensional virtual coordinate system, wire-frame, texture mapping, light source and camera positioning, etc.) through assignments that emphasize innovative object or product design and photorealistic representation.

Credits: 3

This is an introductory course for the design major requiring conceptual, perceptual, manual, and computational skills to meet studio research into the history of letterforms and layout design. Projects explore compositional and structural aspects of letterforms, as well as various kinds of text layouts and their optical and interpretational effects. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Credits: 3

This is an introductory course for the design major. Studio practice explores the use of hierarchy, form, conceptual thinking, visual representation and interpretation, and the elements of communication. Projects address various essential graphic design formats: logotypes, promotional items, editorial design examples, announcements, and a variety of visual styles. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Credits: 3

This intermediate course explores the underlying principles and elements of letterforms. Also explored are their usage, various grid-based layout systems, and typographic styles. Assignments emphasize visual representations of complex information through various editorial design formats, and are conceived as a means by which to analyze the semiotic function of text and its aesthetic and phenomenal qualities. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Credits: 3

This is an introductory course for the design major. Studio practice explores the use of hierarchy, form, conceptual thinking, visual representation and interpretation, and the elements of communication. Projects address various essential graphic design formats: logotypes, promotional items, editorial design examples, announcements, and a variety of visual styles. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Credits: 3

This course examines the emergence of graphic design and the professional designer from 1800 C.E. to the present. Continual conceptual and technological revolution is the essence of this subject and the theme of this course. Required for Graphic Design majors.

Credits: 3

This course covers user interface and user experience principles, processes, and application. Students will learn the basic skills of UI/UX in order to design digital products such as mobile apps and responsive websites. The goal of the class is to understand and apply the product development steps; starting with research, concept validation, user-focused designs, to file preparation for web developers/engineers. The course will introduce industry-approved tools and programs.

Credits: 3

This advanced course requires conceptual, imaginative, manual, and computational skills to meet studio production and research resulting in projects that combine visual identity elements (such as logotypes, color palettes, typographic components, illustrations, and/or photographs). The course emphasizes a contextual approach to developing a brand or a line of products and its package as well as toward understanding the design processes that result in functional three-dimensional package solutions. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Credits: 3

This advanced course requires creative, computational, manual and critical thinking skills to meet conceptual and/or visual standards relevant to a comprehensive and strategic brand identity system. This course includes a comparative analysis of the market and of strategic brand positioning to create a visual identity system (for example, creation of a brand-mark, color palettes, brand expression, brand style through typographic, photographic and illustration styles). Brand strategy solutions will include sample applications (examples include environmental graphic design, transportation, apparel, product, packaging, experiential design).

Credits: 3

This course focuses on recording, editing, and compositing digital video files. Concepts and techniques of non-linear editing, compositing layers of computer-generated imagery and live action video, special effects, camera movements and cinematic points of view, and design of titling and motion graphics will be covered. The work of professional animators, directors, and producers will be screened and discussed. This course covers the operation of video-capable devices and camcorders, including exposure control, use of lighting, and shot types. Techniques for working with title graphics and sound will also be demonstrated and practiced.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced level course in the design major that focuses on the methods and principles of communication and the creation of meaningful content through the development of visual symbols, structures, and systems. The course will include extensive design processes, readings and in-depth research, the development and execution of strategic briefs, and both visual and verbal presentations.

Credits: 3

This course builds on students’ existing design and typography skills and sets them in motion. Students in this course learn how to communicate messages by combining video, 3d, animation, and sound. This course focuses on Adobe master suite, After Effects, Maya, Sound Booth, and FinalCut Pro. Students will be storyboarding and executing motion graphics pieces that would be used in high-definition television and on the web. Topics include typographic design, alpha channels, keys, masks, compositing 2D and 3D graphics, and video compression.

Credits: 3

This course prepares students to enter the professional design industry. Students will create a database of prospective employers in a variety of design-related fields for a self-promotional direct-mail campaign. In accordance with the observed individual needs, students will complete a grand-scale senior thesis project. The emphasis of the senior thesis is for the student to challenge their design and problem-solving skills while developing final portfolio pieces.

Credits: 3

This course continues to prepare students to enter the professional design industry. Students will create a database of prospective employers in a variety of design-related fields for a self-promotional direct-mail campaign. In accordance with the observed individual needs, students will complete a grand-scale senior thesis project. The emphasis of the senior thesis is for the student to challenge their design and problem-solving skills while developing final portfolio pieces.

Credits: 3

This internship lab provides students with a supervised, practical learning experience in a work setting that is relevant to their major. Through virtual assignments and workplace projects + training the student will apply what they have learned in their LCAD classes in order to solidify professional goals, test possible career choices, build their networks, and gain a better understanding of employer expectations. This lab is to be taken concurrently with an internship for-credit and is designated as CREDIT/NO CREDIT for up to three (3) units of academic credit. This lab may be repeated one time for credit (a total of 6 units).

Credits: 3

This lecture/studio course introduces students to business practices, thereby bridging the gap between the educational experience and the professional world of the graphic designer. Topics include self-promotion, processes and intricacies of finding work, printing processes and collateral, general business guidelines, billing clients, contracts, and professional organizations.

Credits: 3

This course will focus on an introduction to 3D. Students will learn the key features of modeling, animation, lighting, texturing, physic dynamics and camera technique through Autodesk Maya.

Credits: 3

This foundation level drawing course is for graphic design students to gain competency in traditional basics of drawing, including line, shape, tone, and space. Drawing from observation to depict form with accurate proportion and perspective is practiced, as well as creating diagrams to visually communicate in ways that are not directly observable.

Credits: 3

This foundation course explores basic graphic design methods, processes, techniques, and formats. Assignments introduce elements, media, and principles of graphic design from historical and contemporary perspectives and emphasize visual representation aimed to communicate ideas and non-visual content. Students will use Adobe’s Creative Suite software.

Credits: 3

This lecture and studio course introduces principles of creative visualization and vector-based imaging using software specific to design and illustration. Comprehension of key terms and concepts are taught, with projects designed to develop practical software skills and aesthetic development. Primary software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator Specific to pixel-based imaging, topics include photo-retouching, digital drawing and painting, digital montage, color modes, and preparing files for printing and web-based display. Specific to vector-based imaging, emphasis is placed upon use of vector drawing tools, stylization techniques, and integration with pixel graphics. Topics include simplification of form, technical drawing, pattern creation, and perspective studies.

Credits: 3

This course is an introduction to the process of creating motion graphics. The core applications used in this course are Adobe After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Students will also be creating video content to use in their motion graphics work.

Credits: 3

This course is designed to expose students to the basics of video production for the purpose of concept and content creation. Students study techniques and methods for reporting, messaging, and storytelling through video. The interactive course teaches students how to develop stories and how to best structure these stories for Action Sport audiences.

Credits: 3

This course serves as an exploration and introduction of the history and culture of action sports. The course provides an overview of the key companies, influential athletes, various sports and key concepts that drive the industry culture and brand. Through the use of lectures and guest speakers, students will gain valuable context for design development and industry knowledge. Guest speakers will include corporate leaders, art directors, athletes and action sport designers.

Credits: 3

This course allows students to explore or participate in a class that is specifically focused on a special topic or opportunity. Example: Prints and Patterns – using design skills to understand the development and set up for apparel print and pattern making.

Credits: 3

This intermediate level studio course covers user interface and user experience principles, processes, and applications at an advanced level. Students will learn how to apply basic and advanced skills of UI/UX necessary to design digital products such as mobile apps and responsive websites. The goal of the class is to understand and apply the product development at an intermediate level. The final outcomes will including evidence of research, concept validation, user-focused designs, and file preparation for web developers/engineers. This course introduces and applies advanced use of industry-approved tools and software.

Credits: 3

This course is designed to empower graphic designers with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling visual content for a wide range of digital platforms. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain an understanding of how to engage, inform, and inspire audiences across various online platforms including social media, websites, mobile apps, and emerging technologies. Topics include social media literacy, best practices for digital file distribution, domain name registration, web hosting, and a survey of dominant platforms and technologies that allow for instant, global communication. Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, text-editors, and supplemental open source and third-party tools for design and content management.

Credits: 3

Color Marketing, and the field of Color, Material and Finish design is one of the fastest growing areas of design that is practiced in numerous different industries including apparel, automotive, consumer electronics, aviation, and almost all consumer goods manufactured worldwide. This discipline is used to create more meaning, emotional connection, and aesthetic value to products of all kinds. Most professionals who work in the field come from a variety of backgrounds including graphics, branding, illustration, advertising, industrial and product design. The top global brands like Apple, NIKE, MINI, Beats, use color, materials, and finishes to create products that will succeed in the marketplace, and create more added value, and emotional connection to the products. It is one of the main factors in creating the DNA of any successful consumer product brand.

Credits: 3

This is an intermediate course in the Graphic Design major. Conceptual and practical solutions are emphasized in the creation of immersive experiences using 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Assignments are based on design strategies and principles appropriate to building interactive environments using storytelling, spatial interaction, and emerging technology. Open to all majors with foundational level skills in 3D, Motion and Design. Pre-reqs include FD137, FD142, GD224 or instructor approval.

Credits: 3

This intermediate level studio course covers motion & animation principles in relationship to applied use within user interface and user experience design. Students will learn the basic principles of motion for UI/UX including theory, process, and application. Student outcomes will showcase integrated interactivity in digital product design with motion. This can include mobile apps and responsive websites. This course introduces the value and application of motion design as applied to product development and user interaction and experience in digital products.

Credits: 3

This intermediate course requires conceptual, imaginative, manual and critical thinking skills resulting in conceptual 3-dimensional Industrial Design Product solutions. Utilizing design processes and the principles and practices of Industrial Design, this course focuses on developing innovative and functional products for various industries. Through a combination of lectures, group sketch critique, and hands-on projects, students will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques used in the Product Design process from concept ideation to final product realization. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Credits: 3

This course provides the opportunity for students to participate in project planning for location development projects. The course covers the art and science of non-linear production and editing. Students study field- production techniques and methods for developing, reporting, and storytelling through action video. Students learn how working on location, with various elements, impacts the final project and ultimately affects its success. Students are introduced to the production model of editing video for location shooting.

Credits: 3

Brand Development will address the cornerstone methods and philosophies of branding. Students will create brand campaigns, media, advertising and branded experiences for both hypothetical and real companies. Projects will use cross disciplinary skills.

Credits: 3

This course is an upper-level course where students work in depth on a focused project. The Design Innovation Studio environment emulates a professional working studio. Students take the first step toward the professional application of their conceptual solutions by working on more advanced, complex or multi-faceted projects both individually and as a team. This advanced course explores the business of design development and the impact of design on business. Collaboration with industry or academic partners may be integrated on a term-by-term basis.

Credits: 3

This course addresses the skills and logic needed to conceptualize and extend a brand to environmental applications. Bus wraps, events, retail spaces, billboards, buildings and exhibits are all mediums that have become the domain of the designer. This course focuses on projects that will teach the student how to design for these environments.

Credits: 3

This course will allow the student to gain a more in-depth focus on creating and developing the skills needed to create more advanced digital videos (30 second ads marketing/promotional videos, and digital shorts, etc.). Students will learn and use Final Cut Pro, HD camera use, lighting techniques as needed. Students will learn the process needed to conceptualize and create final videos. Some use of special effects will be explored as well as the software used to create these effects.

Credits: 3

This course emphasizes a contextual and applied approach to developing concepts, methods and skills used in the Action Sports industry for apparel, footwear, merchandise and fan experience. Through demonstration and applied conceptual projects, students utilize conceptual, imaginative, manual, and computational skills to meet industry guidelines for studio production. Through research and development, final projects combine visual identity elements (such as logotypes, color palettes, typographic components, print and pattern and illustrations). This industry relevant course encompasses material research, fabrication processes and tech packing for products, apparel and footwear.

Credits: 3

This lecture and studio course explores the use of digital cameras with a focus on essential skills relevant to artists and designers. Technical aspects of the course include principles of photographic exposure, lighting, and working with digital files. Artistic aspects of the course include considerations for effective communication and emotional impact, thematic unity, and image enhancement techniques. Primary software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced course that explores, through assignments that emphasize narrative and stylistic qualities of dynamic, time-based presentations, computer modeling and concepts and techniques. Computer application: Maya.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced course that emphasizes an innovative contextual approach to the design and development of a product, environment or experience applying the strategies and skills relevant to the field of Colors, Materials and Finishes. A combination of critical thinking, design strategies, material resourcing and rendering skills result in the development of conceptual design solutions and prototypes for products, environments and experiences. The class requires an advanced understanding of conceptual, imaginative, manual, and computational skills to meet studio production and research resulting in projects that combine visual identity elements (such as logotypes, color palettes, typographic components, illustrations, and/or photographs in both vector and 3D rendered applications). Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Cinema 4D, Frame IO, Swatchbook.

Credits: 3

This course continues studies in product and package design and in the development of a brand or a line of products and its packaging. The class focuses on the interpretational, promotional, and functional aspects of three-dimensional package solutions. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced course in the Graphic Design major. Technical skills and Design strategies acquired in Experiential Design 1 are applied to conceptual, dynamic, complex solutions in the creation of immersive experiences using 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Assignments are based on design strategies and advanced principles appropriate to building dynamic interactive environments using storytelling, spatial interaction, and emerging technology. Open to all majors with intermediate level skills in 3D, Motion and Design.

Credits: 3

This course is for students that have completed Digital Video 1 and want to continue advancing their skills. This class builds upon the knowledge and experience gained from previous projects and allows for more concept development, refined camera work, and with personalized topics related to storytelling, informing an audience, or creating persuasive presentations.

Credits: 3

This course builds on the students’ existing experience and knowledge from Motion Graphics + Visual Effects. Students in this course focus on producing a motion graphics reel to display their work. Students function independently to create several professional level motion graphic animations to supplement the work they have already produced. This course offers more creative freedom so students can explore their own style inside of motion graphics. At the end of the course students will have a reel that will showcase their abilities. This course focuses on Adobe Creative Cloud, After Effects, C4D, Audition, Premiere and Media Encoder.

Credits: 3

This course provides the next level of development for the student looking to enter the action sport industry. This class partners with industry to create a more in-depth knowledge of the business, terminology, methods and creativity needed. Students will use their knowledge of media, layout and 3D to create complete individual clothing lines or action sport related products.

Credits: 3

This course teaches students how to make production ready prints and patterns for apparel or other uses.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced course that allows students to focus on type and information design. Students will work closely with the course instructor and will hone individual design skills.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced course that allows students to focus on developing individual design projects. Students will work closely with the course instructor on the development of communication materials.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced course that emphasizes an advanced contextual approach to developing a brand or a line of products and its package as well as toward understanding the design processes that result in the development of functional three-dimensional package solutions. The course requires an advanced understanding of conceptual, imaginative, manual, and computational skills to meet studio production and research resulting in projects that combine visual identity elements (such as logotypes, color palettes, typographic components, illustrations, and/or photographs). Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Credits: 3

This advanced course covers advanced user interface and user experience principles, processes, and application. Students will learn advanced skills of UI/UX building on the basic skills established in UI/UX 1 and 2 in order to design digital products such as mobile apps and responsive websites. The goal of the class is to understand and apply at an advanced level the product development steps; starting with research, concept validation, user-focused designs, to file preparation for web developers/engineers. The course will build on the industry-approved tools and programs.

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of generative AI for visual art and design, focusing on developing a structured and repeatable creative workflow using tools like Midjourney, Vizcom, and other platforms. Students will learn to use the industry standard language of art and design as prompts, ideation techniques, aesthetic refinement, and how to integrate AI-generated imagery into professional design pipelines. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to use AI tools not only as tools for concept exploration but also as a creative partner in their workflow. Issues of copyright and the impact of AI on creative careers will be discussed.

Credits: 3

This course introduces the fundamentals of figure painting, focusing on both head studies and full-figure compositions to build a strong foundation for character design. Students will explore facial structure, proportions, and likeness, as well as the figure in the context of light and shadow, gesture, anatomy, and foreshortening. Using gouache and acrylic, students will practice quick sketch and long-pose techniques while developing skills in composition, color theory, and color harmony. The course also examines how light, color temperature, proximity, and reflected light affect the figure in space. Emphasis is placed on making visual and artistic decisions informed by historical and contemporary figure drawing and painting styles.

Credits: 3

This course provides an in-depth exploration of character design principles, focusing on creating unique and imaginative characters for the game and entertainment industry. Students will begin with preliminary sketches and construction drawings, progressing to refined character concepts that include turnarounds, facial expressions, action poses, and detailed callouts. A variety of styles will be explored, with an emphasis on working from imagination, expanding visual libraries, and strengthening both drawing and presentation skills. By the end of the course, students will have developed polished character designs that demonstrate versatility and creativity, preparing them for professional work in animation, games, and beyond.

Credits: 3

This course introduces the conceptual process of environment design for the entertainment industry, focusing on creating unique and compelling interiors, exteriors, props, and vehicles across a variety of stories and historical eras. Students will examine the aesthetic, cultural, and historical context of architecture, the behavior of organic forms, and the principles of design and construction to visually communicate ideas and narrative elements effectively. Through silhouettes, thumbnail sketches, and renderings, students will develop original design solutions that support a cohesive visual narrative. Emphasis is placed on understanding how things are built, integrating industrial design principles, and mastering illustration skills. Students will gain a solid foundation in creating environments using traditional methods, available technology, and 3D visualization techniques

Credits: 3

This course is designed to empower graphic designers with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling visual content for a wide range of digital platforms. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain an understanding of how to engage, inform, and inspire audiences across various online platforms including social media, websites, mobile apps, and emerging technologies. Topics include social media literacy, best practices for digital file distribution, domain name registration, web hosting, and a survey of dominant platforms and technologies that allow for instant, global communication. Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, text-editors, and supplemental open source and third-party tools for design and content management.

Credits: 3

This is an introductory-level course designed for students to develop or enhance their 3D modeling skills. Instruction will focus on the artistry needed to create compelling, “feature-length-quality” characters, while showing how to design and implement geometry best suited for rigging and animation. Students may focus on character or background geometry for their projects. Students will be introduced to new software tools and techniques based upon professional practices utilized by top studios in the industry.

Credits: 3

This introductory course provides students from all majors with the essential skills and workflows of digital sculpting. Using ZBrush students will explore both organic and hard surface sculpting techniques. The course empowers artists to integrate digital sculpting into their creative workflows, whether for 2D concept art, high-resolution 3D models, or rapid prototyping. Key areas of focus include fast iteration, file management, rendering, and preparing models for 3D printing.

Credits: 3

This course teaches students to develop and create a sequential series of staged drawings (that is, the visual script of each scene in a film). The course covers how to effectively portray the essence of a story by means of quick and accurate sketches. A brief overview of script writing is included. The script’s plot, situations, and conflict are developed from rough sketches to finished presentations. This course also examines staging, cinematography, drama, action notes, dialogue, pacing, timing, and sequencing the story’s action.

Credits: 3

This course investigates the history, practice, and visual language of collage. Utilizing varied sources to gather images and found objects, students will investigate and research interpersonal connections to images and objects they feel connected too. This course is structured around three main projects that seek to expand the creative, technical, and conceptual possibilities, all while aspiring to push the boundaries within the media of collage.

Credits: 3

Experimental Animation’s “Fabrication” class offers students a comprehensive learning experience that encompasses essential skills in Real-World mold making, casting, character and prop sculpting, and miniature set construction. These skills are frequently encountered in fields such as Stop Motion, Visual Effects Animation, and Environment Design. Throughout the course, students will develop proficiency in both traditional and digital mediums. The curriculum combines traditional craftsmanship with hands-on experience in woodworking and foam cutting tools, as well as painting and airbrushing techniques to realistically simulate a variety of real-world textures and materials. Additionally, students will be required to explore modern technology through an introduction to 3D-CAD, 3D-Sculpting, and 3D-Printing. The culmination of students’ learning journey involves designing and creating a captivating set and a compelling character for their final project. This project serves as a platform for students to showcase their creative and technical abilities, demonstrating the skills they have acquired throughout the course.

Credits: 3

This course introduces the fundamentals of landscape painting and environment design, focusing on concepts and skills essential for creating outdoor scenes for professional projects. Students will learn to study light, simplify complex organic forms into manageable designs, and apply limited value systems and color theory to create compelling compositions. Students will work both on-site from life and in a studio, setting using references, including photography and online resources such as MapCrunch and Pinterest. Techniques will be explored through traditional media like markers and gouache, as well as digital tools, with Photoshop as the primary software. Other digital painting software may also be introduced.

Credits: 3

This studio course explores the art of costume design, focusing on the intersection of character silhouette, costume, and the draped figure as they relate to the entertainment industry. Students will examine the aesthetic, cultural, and historical context of clothing, costume accessories, and armor, studying their evolution across millennia and their application in character design for theater, film, games, and fashion. Through sketching and rendering, students will develop a strong understanding of how costume design enhances storytelling and supports character development. The course emphasizes design skills specific to the entertainment industry, providing a foundation for creating visually compelling and contextually rich costumes for a variety of creative fields.

Credits: 3

Fabrication 2 propels students into the thrilling realm of intermediate fabrication, bridging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital tools to bring imaginative worlds to life in stop-motion animation, visual effects (VFX), and entertainment design. Building on the foundational skills of Fabrication:1, this hands-on studio course immerses students in advanced analog and digital techniques, including intricate mold-making and casting, expressive character sculpting, detailed prop fabrication, and miniature set construction. Participants will refine their skillsets through intensive practice with woodworking and foam-cutting tools, creative airbrushing, oil-based clays, silicones, and sophisticated 3D CAD modeling, digital sculpting, and 3D printing workflows. To foster personalized growth, the course may incorporate student-directed explorations—such as sewing, costume design, or basic animation of physical objects—while emphasizing essential professional practices like project planning, budgeting, and rigorous process documentation. Culminating in a final project, students will conceive and realize a polished 3D character or immersive environment utilizing various scales that captivates and innovates. This final endeavor serves as a dynamic showcase of technical prowess and creative vision, synthesizing the expertise gained across both courses and empowering students to push the boundaries of tangible storytelling in a physical medium.

Credits: 3

A junior level course that challenges students to amplify their unique identity and artistic vision as it relates to their portfolio. The process and skill for professionally pitching and selling self – generated illustration projects is covered. Students will edit and refine individually crafted creative works in a group setting from ideation and brainstorming to final art. Furthermore, Illustration Ideation Lab: Pitch in Practice will activate students to explore methods and techniques related to their practice that enhance and refine their professional portfolios.

Credits: 3

Fabrication 3 instructs students on the fundamentals of basic electronics, introductory programming, and computer-controlled servo/motor-driven props for interactive spaces, escape rooms, and haunts. No prior experience with programming, Arduino Circuits, or the fabrication of basic animatronic assemblies involving motors or other actuators is required — students design simple mechanisms through digital applications (such as Autodesk Fusion) and fabricate them through 3D printing or laser cutting and general hardware and tools. Beyond Arduino, students will learn to control experiences through multiple interfaces such as sensors, dial switches, and perhaps even Game Engines, which allow audiences to trigger props, lights, and sound effects — enabling immersive, story-driven experiences. 
These skills transfer directly to motion picture sets and theatrical stage play environments, where animatronics increasingly define the worlds audiences experience. For students whose path began with a pencil and a character sketch, this course expands their options, equips future designers and production designers to collaborate across teams and departments, and gives them the hands-on ability to test ideas before committing to larger projects.

Credits: 3

Fabrication 4 builds on the design foundations of Fabrication 1, 2, and 3, moving students from concept to full-sized, physical construction. The course is organized around three topics: Scenics (painting, cloth work, surface treatment, and aging); Framing of Flats and Basic Set Construction; and Non-Miniature Rock and Prop Building. In Scenics, students learn how theatrical and film environments are finished so they read under light. Work can include stretching and priming muslin and other soft goods; simple drop and cloth treatments; texture and surface build-up; pictorial painting; and faux finishes such as wood, stone, brick, and aging. These skills apply to flats, hard scenery, drapery, and painted cloth — not paint alone. Students will also frame and finish flats into functioning sets, architectural displays, or advertising displays, and scale earlier miniature work into full-size rock-work and props. The same skills transfer to theatrical stage play sets, motion pictures, and advertising displays. The emphasis is skill-building rather than mastery. Future production designers need a working understanding of how functioning sets are constructed — that knowledge strengthens budgeting, confirms that designs can function in the real world, and improves communication with department heads. 

The course also prepares students for the construction demands of Thesis 1 and Thesis 2.