Illustration Concentration
The major in art and design requires the completion of 51 credits. Art and design majors complete 18 credits in foundational courses plus 33 credits in the illustration area of concentration.
For information on a minor, see Minor in Illustration.
Nationally Juried Student Illustration Competitions
SILAWEST: Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles WEST and SINYASSC: Society of Illustrators of New York Annual Student Scholarship Competition
Required Foundational Courses
Explores ideas and arts of cultures that initiate and develop into the Western tradition. Includes an analysis of the basic characteristics of the art and architecture of these eras in the context of general cultural trends.
Investigates the compositional elements of art structure. Principles and elements of two- dimensional design line, shape, value, texture, and space are examined, with emphasis on the visual communication of ideas. A prerequisite to AR 211 and 223.
Design principles are explored through the investigation of color interaction and color theory. Emphasis is on pigment mixing and the control of intervals of value, chroma, and intensity. A prerequisite to AR 232.
An introduction and exploration of primary graphic design programs concentrating on Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Basic design concepts are explored in assignments, ensuring a basic understanding of the technological tools of design. A prerequisite to AR 211
Explores fundamental problems of composition and perception as related to drawing. Experimentation is with varied media directed toward both the descriptive and expressive visual conceptualization of ideas. A prerequisite to AR 220, 223, and 232.
Art History
Select one
Covers the ideas and ideals in American art in reference to the European mainstream. Emphasis is on styles and forms of the American environment and experience that constitute the characteristic tradition in painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Throughout history, art has been used as a tool for communication. This course examines art that shapes culture, builds community, and creates social transformation. We study art that challenges the status quo and art practice that enters the world of activism. Historic and contemporary examples of art will be examined that inspire dialogue and change by engaging with the sociopolitical issues within culture.
An analysis of the works and questions raised by the arts of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Examines the roles of modern artists as they reflect and project or comment on life in the twentieth century. A prerequisite to AR 206.
Intro to Contemporary Art examines global art made from the 1960s to art work being actively made today. Because Contemporary Art reflects it's time and culture, the course will explore topics such as popular culture, high and low art, shifting political trends, issues of representation, appropriation, and established and emerging art mediums. Site visits include studios, galleries, and museums.
Explores issues such as continuity and dichotomy of subject and style and other significant issues of Eastern art. Eastern attitudes are compared and contrasted with the art and ideas of parallel Western periods.
Advanced Level Courses
An introduction to classical and modern typefaces, the mechanics of type composition, and the fundamentals of layout. Consideration is given to the selection of typefaces that enhance thought and idea. A prerequisite to AR 270.
Prerequisite: Take AR-114 AR-110 AR-120;
Development of the student's ability to conceive the human figure as form and volume with stress on gesture, proportion, and anatomy. Emphasis is on a refinement of techniques for individual expression and self-awareness. A prerequisite to AR 221, AR 250, and AR 262
Prerequisite: Take AR-120
An intensive investigation of media and form as related to the figure. Problems progress from structural ideas to more sophisticated exploitation of subject matter and finally to individual interpretations. A prerequisite to AR 320.
Prerequisite: Take AR-220
Development of skills for creating websites and interactive presentations. Emphasis on the effective organization and visual presentation of information through the use of Adobe Creative Cloud 2014.
Prerequisite: Take AR-113 or AR-114
An introduction to painting methods and media. Guided experimentation in oil or acrylic with emphasis on content, color interaction, and properties of the media. A prerequisite to AR 230.
Development of painting techniques with emphasis on pictorial organization and color sensitivity. Focus on the development of creativity and individuality. A prerequisite to AR 231.
Prerequisite: Take AR-229
Introduction of fundamental techniques used in professional illustration. Secondary emphasis on business aspects of commercial art. Assignments range from portraiture to sequential art storyboards.
Prerequisite: TAKE AR-220 or AR-161
Emphasis is on the technical study of colored pencils and watercolor. As the semester progresses, greater emphasis is placed on content and imaginative solutions. Focus is on the information gathering inherent in illustrative problem-solving. A prerequisite to AR 261 and 363.
Prerequisite: Take AR-160
Continued emphasis on traditional illustrative techniques used in conjunction with the digital application of Adobe Photoshop. Students are encouraged to create works of substance and complexity in regard to composition and thematic content. A prerequisite to AR 264 and 360.
Focus is on editorial- and thematic-based subject matter utilizing illustrative tools and techniques introduced in previous illustration classes including traditional and digital applications. Emphasis is on the continued development and preparation of idea sketches in relation to problem-solving of illustrative art. A prerequisite to AR 392.
Prerequisite: Take AR-261
The continued development and final construction of a professional presentation portfolio, rsum, and promotional materials. Additional focus on business-related information such as taxes, expenses, and contracts.