Illustration

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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 student’s 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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits:

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 held twice-a-year. A panel of faculty evaluates submissions, and the student is presented the results showing scores of: Outstanding, Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, or Deficient in areas that include: Anatomy, Painting, Perspective, Draftsmanship, 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 AR will result in the student being withheld from entering senior status.

Credits: 3

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.

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

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

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

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.

Credits: 3

Senior Portfolio 1 is taken after the completion of all foundation, sophomore, and junior level classes. It is a directed studies course that provides, through faculty supervision, the time, opportunity, and advice for each student to create the physical pieces that will become the core of their first working portfolio. The course is offered as a transition from the academic experience to a professional life as an illustrator. Through extensive research, students provide a written project proposal on a topic or theme of their choice to create a cohesive body of work. The progress of this work will be monitored through individual appointments between the student and Senior Portfolio faculty. Intensive group critiques are spaced throughout the term to allow for class interaction. All coursework is done inside the classroom and outside, independently.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

This is a directed studies course that provides, through faculty supervision, the time, opportunity, and advice for each student to create the physical pieces that will become the core of their first working portfolio. The course is offered as a transition from the academic experience to a professional life as an illustrator. Students select their own topic or theme for a body of work, the progress of which will be monitored through individual appointments between the student and Senior Portfolio faculty. Intensive group critiques are spaced throughout the term to allow for class interaction. All coursework is done outside the classroom.

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 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.

Credits: 3

An introduction to illustration and the role of the illustrator in the communication arts field. Through assignments and in-class demonstrations and brief exercises, students will explore the practices and principles of communicating visual concepts and executing successful illustrations. Students will work with a variety of media and surfaces and will be expected to understand the uniqueness and use of each individual material and practice by the end of class. The course will place an emphasis on visual communication and problem solving. Students are expected to come prepared to every class, and to find individual solutions to the illustration “problems” provided them throughout the semester and to successfully execute each project to the breadth of their ability.

Credits: 3

This course is an introduction to the art of cinematography. Students will learn fundamental techniques of visual storytelling for film & television through the lens of the cinematographer. Emphasis is placed on storytelling with light, continuity, compositional strategies within the frame, and understanding the lens. Students will use cameras and create concept art as they learn to master cinematic compositions. Additionally, students will be required to watch and analyze films to learn visual storytelling from master film makers. Students are encouraged to work with digital and traditional materials to complete all assignments.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

Color Comprehension explores the perceptual, theoretical, and expressive dimensions of color in representational painting. Through structured exercises and extended projects, students develop a deeper understanding of color relationships, value structure, and light effects as they relate to form and space. Additionally, students will develop their language of describing the subtleties of color to achieve a nuanced command for navigating the “color space.” Emphasis is placed on observational and conceptual color mixing and developing a personal sensitivity to color harmony, color shifting, and contrasts. The course integrates both traditional color theory and contemporary practices with an emphasis on expressive intention.

Credits: 3

This advanced painting course provides students the opportunity to master the art of high-energy quick painting. Class projects stress color theory, composition, paint handling, subject matter, experimentation and self-directed projects. Building confidence though decision-making is a key component to this course. This course enables the advanced student to focus on developing their own visual language and methodology while engaging in critical engagement with faculty and peers.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

This course investigates the design and execution of large-scale paintings as it applies to mural art. Students work in groups to execute a finished mural as the final product of this course. Concept development in relation to location, the use of digital skills for compositing rough designs, and scaling of final designs along with best practices are included in this course. Mural conceptualization, design development, presentation, client considerations, image responsibility, pricing and public art proposals, and graffiti protection coatings will be covered.

Credits: 3

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

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

This course covers the history of the medium and artists who created their illustrations with ink. Varieties of fluids, tools, and supports and their usage will be studied and demonstrated. Assignments include exercises in hatching and crosshatching, stippling, ink washes with brush, technical drawing, and combining other media with ink. Practical application of techniques to the illustration field are learned through advertising, book, and editorial drawing projects.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

This course provides an introduction to the process and application of fantastic illustration to print products, interactive games, film/television, and mass media.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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. Concepts introduced will be the various types of children’s books and their special requirements, approaches to designing all aspects of a book (inside and out), and effective presentations to publishing clients. The course will include lectures, slide presentations, demonstrations, class discussions and critiques.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

A continuation of Advertising 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.

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

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.