Illustration
Learning Outcomes
adaptable portfolio
Develop a distinct voice and adaptable portfolio that can modulate across industries.
composition & hierarchy
Demonstrate a clear understanding of compositional principles and visual hierarchy.
industry standards
Articulate an understanding of professional industry standards along with their historic and present-day context.
digital & traditional
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of a wide range of digital and traditional illustration methods including color use, perspective, anatomy, pre and post production digital practices.
business strategies
Students will demonstrate the ability to develop sustainable business strategies for their illustration practice, including creating business plans, establishing professional brand identity, understanding contracts and intellectual property, and marketing their services to build a viable illustration career.
course listing
Coursework designed to create a solid foundation, with unique and specialized skills.
FD145 Design Drawing - Form, Function, Surface Required
Credits: 3.0
This foundation level drawing course is for graphic design students to gain competency in traditional basic 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.
FD151 Figure Drawing Required
Credits: 3.0
This course is an introduction to drawing the human form that explores observational and imaginative drawing techniques using graphite and charcoal. Students work from the draped and undraped model. Emphasis is on accurate representation of the figure utilizing observation with the elements of gesture, measurement, construction line, volume, proportion, and surface anatomy. Materials include graphite and charcoal.
FD161 Fundamentals of Illustration Required
Credits: 3.0
An introduction to illustration and the myriad contemporary practices relevant to the role. Through assignments, in-class demonstrations, lectures, and brief exercises, students will explore the practices and principles of communicating visual concepts and executing successful illustrations. Projects mirror industry relevant assignments and emphasis is placed on beginning to lay the foundation for a unique voice and vision as it relates to individual student portfolios.
FD154 Painting Required
Credits: 3.0
This course is an introduction to direct oil painting working from observation and photographic references, with an emphasis on color theory applied to pigments and composition design. Historical and contemporary best practices with materials and indirect techniques are introduced. Projects include working from still life, concept building using color theory, and applying compositional elements to illustrate the artist’s intent. Materials used: oil paints
FD160 Pictorial Design for Illustration Required
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces 2-D design principles in constructing pictorial imagery. The relationship between the principles of design and formal elements of art are addressed, and how these components apply to composition and illustrative applications. Appropriate and effective fusions of form and function and illustrative styles and strategies are also explored.
FD171 Fund of Digital Painting + Color Required
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces students to the rendering and painting of digital images from life and the imagination. A focus on developing observational skills and working from life will build a foundation for original imaginative work. Topics covered include Photoshop tools and best practices, fundamentals of light and shadow, color theory reference research, and basic design and composition as well as the use and creation of custom brush sets. The course will include demos, lecture, and in class exercises & critique coupled with homework.
FA201 Intermediate Figure Drawing Required
Credits: 3.0
This course covers figure drawing from the draped and undraped model, emphasizing accurate representation of anatomy, proportion, gesture, weight, balance, structure, and light-logic in a variety of drawing media. An introduction to portrait drawing with attention given to individual features: eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hair and skeletal structure as they relate to the entire human head.
GD239 Visual Design + Illustration Required
Credits: 3.0
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).
IL224 Advanced Perspective for Illustration Required
Credits: 3.0
This course is designed to further develop the students understanding of perspective. Areas covered will include multipoint and curvilinear perspective, cast shadows, reflections, forced perspective and distortion. The goal of this course is to further the students ability to accurately conceive and create environments from imagination using quick-sketch empirical methods in addition to traditional mechanical processes covered in fundamentals of perspective.
IL236 Voice + Vision Required
Credits: 3.0
A sophomore level course that encourages students to look inward and build toward a professional voice and portfolio as it relates to their future focus as a creative professional. Digital tools and digital media exploration are emphasized as students generate work in response to industry based prompts. Basic motion and animation techniques are covered and continued in IL 336 Sequential Problem Solving. Illustration Voice + Vision will also serve as an introduction and overview to core business practices in Illustration.
IL001 Illustration Advancement Review Required
Credits: 0.0
The Advancement Review (AR) is a formal portfolio review designed to evaluate competency in foundation studio art abilities at the fourth semester Sophomore level, or when the student has earned between 40 and 65 total academic units. Students submit a series of images to the AR, which is a held twice-a-year. A panel of faculty evaluate submissions, and the student is presented the results showing scores of: Outstanding, Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, or Deficient in areas that include: Anatomy, Painting, Perspective, Draftstmanship, Design (or 3D), and Illustration. Students are required to obtain designated tutoring for all categories scored “deficient” prior to re-submitting during the next AR submission period. Once all categories have received a minimum score of satisfactory or higher, the AR requirement will be credited as “passed”. Failure to pass all categories of the the AR will result in the student being withheld from entering senior status.
FA205 Artistic Anatomy Required
Credits: 3.0
This course improves the artist’s analytical understanding of the human body’s underlying structure and forms, while emphasizing accurate observation and construction of the figure. Musculoskeletal anatomy acquaints students with proportional systems, major surface landmarks, and the critical network of muscle arrangements that depict the complex beauty of the human figure. Elements such as muscular origins, insertions, and morphology are emphasized. Students will internalize information through systematic study of the human figure in sections, beginning with the skeletal system, then followed by major aspects of the muscular system. Some sculpting and team exercises are possible.
IL223 Words, Images + Ideas Required
Credits: 3.0
This course gives the illustrator hands-on opportunities to explore the interaction of words and images. Students will learn basic principles of type and its role in visual communication and historical context. This course will also encourage experimentation with type and text as a central component of narrative art, which includes, book, comics, editorial / advertising illustration, and posters. Processes and genres may include: Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, calligraphy, signage, graffiti, tattoo, relief printmaking and illustrated type.
IL282 Illustration Industries Required
Credits: 3.0
A sophomore level class that gives students an introduction to existing and emerging Illustration markets. Furthermore this course examines how you begin to modulate your unique artistic identity across industries. and the perpetually evolving professional projects available to illustrators in the 21st century is covered. Within IL 282 Illustration Industries students begin to build the foundation for a flexible portfolio that captures their unique artistic vision and identity. This course takes the place of IL210 Rendering.
IL303 Illustration Studio: Materials + Methods Required
Credits: 3.0
This elective course encourages traditional media exploration and experimentation to create narrative projects that interact with contemporary spaces in Illustration. Traditional mark making, painting, and installation methodologies are explored as a means of creating narrative works. Students will collaborate with illustration peers to generate work in tandem and individually experiment and engage with new materials to generate a larger series of work.
IL336 Sequential Problem Solving Required
Credits: 3.0
This junior level course guides students in the creation of narrative works in sequence as a means of producing illustrations that interact with a myriad of industry markets. Furthermore, this course will continue and build upon the motion based prompts introduced in IL 236: Voice + Vision.
IL315 Graphic Illustration 1 Required
Credits: 3.0
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the connection between illustration and design. Students are equipped to enter the professional world with market-ready skills, such as producing advertising illustrations for various media outlets including print, digital magazines or other printed collateral. Through assignments centering on relationships among art directors, illustrators and clients alike; this course helps prepare creative minds to flourish in any work environment they may find themselves drawn towards.
MD342 Ideation Lab: Pitch in Practice Required
Credits: 3.0
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.
IL337 Artist as Entrepreneur Required
Credits: 3.0
This course will offer the tools for students to become self-sufficient artist entrepreneurs. It will present an economic model for artists to successfully market their art and services in a variety of areas including: online marketing/social media, galleries, events and conventions, how to build a following and start while in school. The goal of this class is to align products/services with artistic personal vision, and market these gifts to the world though High Tech/High Touch venues.
IL418 Senior Portfolio 1: Illustration Required
Credits: 3.0
IL 418 Senior Portfolio 1 is a thesis class aimed at providing students the space and support to grow meaningful illustration projects into the foundation of their professional illustration practice. Emphasis is placed upon the context of the work; how it functions in their portfolio and relates to the industry standards. Throughout the semester students will be engaged in critique with faculty and one another as a means of evaluating, assessing, and considering the context, quality, and function of the work being generated throughout the semester. The goal of this course is to provide a link from the classroom to industry through creating work that is relevant to the contemporary field of Illustration. IL 419 Senior Portfolio 2 is a continuation of IL 418 – Senior Portfolio 1. With a further emphasis placed upon preparing the students and their portfolios to engage with the illustration industry.
IL404 Contemporary Illustration Strategies Required
Credits: 3.0
A senior level course that emphasizes the importance of voice and individual perspective as it relates to the students professional Illustration portfolio. Students will engage with industry adjacent assignments and guest critics with the end goal of plugging their Illustration practice into the world outside of the classroom. Furthermore, the class builds community through weekly critique and pushes each student among the cohort to become a laser focused visionary with a portfolio that can interact with and exist within the myriad spaces and major industries in the Arts.
IL419 Senior Portfolio 2: Illustration Required
Credits: 3.0
IL 418 Senior Portfolio 1 is a thesis class aimed at providing students the space and support to grow meaningful illustration projects into the foundation of their professional illustration practice. Emphasis is placed upon the context of the work; how it functions in their portfolio and relates to the industry standards. Throughout the semester students will be engaged in critique with faculty and one another as a means of evaluating, assessing, and considering the context, quality, and function of the work being generated throughout the semester. The goal of this course is to provide a link from the classroom to industry through creating work that is relevant to the contemporary field of Illustration. IL 419 Senior Portfolio 2 is a continuation of IL 418 – Senior Portfolio 1. With a further emphasis placed upon preparing the students and their portfolios to engage with the illustration industry.
PS300 Professional Studies for Illustrators Required
Credits: 3.0
This lecture course introduces the student to small business practices that help bridge the gap between the educational experience and the professional world of the illustrator. Topics include self-promotion, processes and intricacies of finding work, printing of promotional collateral, setting up a working studio, legal and pricing guidelines, and billing clients, contracts, and professional organizations. Includes guest artists and field trips to art studios, agencies, and art directors.
ARTHISM300 History of Illustration Required
Credits: 3.0
The course emphasizes the development and role of illustration as an art form. Major fields covered include: posters, editorial and advertising illustration, book and magazine illustration. Offered Spring only.
IL200 Illustrating Comic Books + Characters Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course is an introduction to creating, drawing, and writing your own illustrated narratives. Students will learn how to ideate and concept illustrations under the guidance of LCAD Illustration faculty. Within Illustrating Comic Books + Characters students are encouraged to bring their ideas and characters to life through visual storytelling. Traditional and Digital Tools are encouraged as a means of creating unique narrative works that take the form of sequential drawings, comic books, and character illustrations.
IL213 Ink + Comic Pages Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course serves as an introduction to drawing of comic book pages using traditional ink and marking making techniques. A variety of fluids, tools, and techniques are studied, explored, and demonstrated while considering the historical and contemporary context of the form. Emphasis will be placed on graphic exploration and encourages students to manipulate the medium to achieve desired outcomes.
IL249 Applied Art Reproduction Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course is an exploration of how illustrations are used in the context of commercial projects. Exploration of printing and reproduction processes related to the needs of Illustrators. Emphasis on interaction with various industry professionals.
IL302 Illustration Across the Surface: Apparel Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course will serve as an introduction to creating illustration work and illustrated systems for use across a range of surfaces and dimensions. Coursework seeks to develop and refine individual production strategies and illustrated ephemera while activating students to ideate, interpret, and conceptualize existing and original narrative product ideas. Projects encourage students to consider how their illustration work translates from the flat and graphic to the tangible space while applying their original concepts and ideas to a myriad of industries
IL309 No Margins: Advanced Comics, Zines, + Printed Ephemera Elective
Credits: 3.0
This elective course intended for junior and senior level students is an advanced study on the development, writing, and execution of narrative projects in Comic, Zine, and Print formats. The utilization of both digital and analog processes are explored and furthermore: No Margins: Advanced Comics, Zines, + Printed Ephemera challenges students to illustrate and design Comic and Zine work in editions for distribution through digital and physical spaces.
IL316 Unseen Worlds: Fantasy + Sci-Fi Illustration Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course provides an introduction to the process and application of fantastic illustration to print products, interactive games, film/television, and mass media.
IL319 Picture Book Illustration Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course serves as an introduction to the creation, illustration, and implementation of original narrative concepts for Children’s Book publications. Students are encouraged to explore and adapt personal illustration styles through media exploration and industry relevant assignments for Picture Books. Concepts introduced will be the various types of children’s books and their special requirements, approaches to illustrating all aspects of a book (inside and out), and effective presentations to publishing clients.
IL320 Illustrated Book Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course focuses on creating art for the unique world of children’s books. Emphasis is on being able to create an entire book from cover to cover. . The course will include lectures, slide presentations, demonstrations, class discussions and critiques.
IL324 Comic Book/Graphic Novel Illustration Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course is a studio workshop in the Comic Book/Graphic Novel as an art form and entertainment medium, balancing personal expression and commercial application. Through weekly one-on-one discussion, lectures/presentations, group discussion, and production of comic book pages in continuity, the distinctive magic of the art form will be explored, and skills in its creation advanced. The medium’s distinctions from and relations to traditional Literature and Cinema will be discussed.
IL330 Digital Painting for Illustration Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course teaches skills in the use of appropriate Macintosh software as a tool in creating illustrative paintings. Students draw directly on the computer or manipulate scanned drawings, paintings, photographs and video images to produce individualized illustrations.
IL414 Graphic Illustration 2 Elective
Credits: 3.0
A continuation of Graphic Illustration I. Students refine previous methods, processes, and techniques, and work on a series of illustrations that emphasize the making of commissioned artwork for the marketplace. Students select their own media and develop a consistent style appropriate to their own direction.
MD308 Watercolor 1 Elective
Credits: 3.0
This course is an introduction to water-based media with an emphasis on transparent watercolor. Students learn the techniques of flat washes, graduated washes, and wet-into-wet applications. Stretching paper, transparent glazes, dry brush, and experimental techniques are also explored. Subjects include still life, landscape, portrait and interior environments.