Program Overview
Learn a wide array of art mediums and techniques
In our two-year Visual and Creative Arts diploma, you’ll get rigorous in-studio training in every semester of the program. You’ll study 2D and 3D design, observational drawing, colour theory and painting. In second year, you’ll choose from electives to specialize in areas of interest and build a broader set of marketable skills to help you find work after graduation.
Learn the basics of how to become a professional artist or designer
During your second year, you'll learn how to apply your studio skills to many art and design related careers, learning the basics of:
- Time management and deadlines
- Project budgeting
- Writing proposals
- Contemporary practices
- Work in specialty studios with a faculty of practicing professional artists
Sheridan has a reputation as one of the best art schools in Canada, and we’re globally recognized for our illustration and animation programs. You’ll learn art in world-class studios and immerse yourself in our one-of-a-kind creative campus atmosphere. You’ll also learn from experienced faculty who are connected to galleries, studios, agencies and others in the Greater Toronto Area's arts scene.
Easily transfer to a three-year advanced diploma
If you decide you want to further your artistic education and knowledge, transferring to our three-year Visual and Creative Arts advanced diploma is easy — simply speak to your program coordinator. You’ll learn more advanced techniques, in-depth theory and the professional skills you need to market yourself as a professional artist, designer or creative entrepreneur with your own business.
Semester 1 Courses
Observational Drawing
Students draw from nude male and female models, in addition to still-life objects. Studies include classical approaches to understand and develop proportion, sight measuring techniques to check proportion, balance, movement and surface anatomy in a series of exercises that systematically facilitate the understanding of the human form. Each exercise leads into the next, building and developing the student’s knowledge, development of skill and technique. Students continually work from a model in a series of short and fast poses that through repetition help train both muscle memory with an underpinning of technique and an understanding of human anatomy.
Introduction to 2D Design
The course provides a foundation for learning the basic principles of 2D design. In a series of practical, studio-based exercises and projects, the course introduces students to the design process and to fundamental elements of design, such as: line, shape, pattern, figure/ground relationships, typography, scale, value and colour, as organized by principles of contrast, rhythm, composition and unity. In addition to introducing practical design techniques, students are encouraged to explore historical and/or cultural content issues in the development of their own design vocabulary and visual literacy. Regular visual lectures, critiques, and demonstrations are structured to develop creative expression and to provide students with the basic visual / verbal skills to communicate ideas effectively.
Introduction to 3D Design
Students learn the fundamental elements of 3D design: mass/volume, space and line. They apply the principles of 3D design, symmetrical and asymmetrical balance, rhythm and repetition, continuity and harmony while manipulating various materials. Through a series of exercises designed to build, cut away and enclose space and mass students learn three dimensional ideation. Through lectures, demonstrations, research and assignments students engage in the four basic methods for creating three-dimensional form.
Introduction to Painting
Students explore the methods and processes used in painting and learn accepted approaches to image making. Students learn the principles of colour theory and practise the expressive use of colour. Studies include principles of pictorial composition integrated into course work. Studio practice and class discussions reinforce issues of health and safety. Students learn painting material and equipment and the physical set up required to do a painting. This includes a variety of ways of using acrylic paint, the types of acrylic medium, emulsions and their use, and the various brushes, pallets and supports suitable for painting with the medium. All painting exercises tacitly include the nomenclature of colour, its physical properties, and expressive power as well as principles of composition. Students must complete a written test on the integral health and safety lectures. Through lectures, demonstrations, research, group presentations, painting assignments and class critiques, students develop knowledge and skill in painting theory and practice.
Colour Theory
Students explore the basics of colour, colour vision, physics of colour and perception through lectures, demonstrations and paint application. They learn about subtractive and additive colour and the nature of digital and process colour. They explore through the theories of Newton, the electromagnetic spectrum and various colour notations. Students study the nomenclature associated with colour and colour mapping. They identify the three aspects of colour; physical, psychological and chemical. Students explore the interrelationship of colour and light to materials and objects and the interrelationship of additive and subtractive colour. Through various in and out of class painting exercises using gouache, they investigate colour harmony and colour symbolism and assemble their own colour notebook.
Semester 2 Courses
Figure Drawing
After applying design theory, knowledge of surface anatomy and principles of perspective, students move to more complex and nuanced rendering of the nude and costumed figure in space. Continuing to use traditional methods and materials students complete a variety of exercises that systematically facilitate the development of line quality, proportion and observational skill. Studies include both expressive and descriptive renderings of the figure. In both cases the proportioned figure as subject in a considered space is one of the major aims of the course. Students develop a personal visual language in the context of guided observational drawings. EQ/ARTS14219. PR: ARTS 13672 or ARTS 10702
2D Design
Students continue to apply, and build on the foundational elements and principles of design learned in the first term to examine and solve visual problems. They apply design thinking to compositional issues, including aspects of gestalt such as grouping, alignment, hierarchy, direction, etc. Using idea-generating skills and processes, including practical studio-based research, material investigations and critique, students continue to generate solutions to simple design problems. They continue to explore historical and/or cultural content issues in the development of their own design vocabulary and visual literacy. Through critiques, discussions, and presentations, they continue to develop their own creative expression and basic visual / verbal skills used to communicate ideas effectively. EQ/DESN18215 or DESN 19675. PR: DESN 11632 or DESN 12719.
3D Design
Students continue to study and apply the principles of three-dimensional design using a variety of tools and materials. Students practice the stages of the design process to explore, develop, and communicate their ideas in physical form. They continue to explore how form, volume, structure, etc. apply to both sculptural objects and functional products. Through interactive lectures, discussion, studio work and collaborative activities, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while refining their design vocabulary and visual literacy. EQ/DESN18999 or DESN13199. PR: DESN 18081 or DESN 15039.
Painting
Students on the skills they developed in first semester, applying that knowledge to painting the human figure. Students mix and manipulate paint to approximate the tone and colour needed to represent objective reality. Students use a variety of approaches for rendering the figure including direct and indirect painting, working methodically from prepared drawing or `alla prima¿ painting. They integrate skills and knowledge of proportion and anatomy gained in the previous semester in their Drawing course as well as compositional principles acquired in 2D Design. This curriculum allows students to discover their personal preference for an approach to painting. Through lectures, demonstrations, in class assignments, and participation in critiques, students continue to build their painting knowledge and skill. In addition, they use appropriate vocabulary in analyzing and describing both their own work and the work of others. EQ/ARTS15976. PR: ARTS 14998 or ARTS 14636.
Design Drawing
Students learn to employ drawing as an integral part of three-dimensional design as practiced in architecture, interior design, and industrial design. Design Drawing encompasses methods of exploring and expressing hypothetical (yet physically plausible) objects and environments that emerge from the creative imagination. Students learn established methods for visually communicating three-dimensional forms using two-dimensional systems of hand drawing. Exploring a variety of line and tonal rendering techniques, students produce orthographic, parallel projection and perspective drawings of subjects at multiple scales, from handheld devices to architectural spaces. Through sequential and interactive projects, lectures, demonstrations and critiques, students learn core concepts and skills that underpin learning in more advanced level courses. EQ/DESN19697.
Semester 3 Courses
Figurative Drawing
In this studio-based figure drawing course, students develop the ability to accurately represent the human figure, both nude and in costume using a variety of drawing media and techniques. Topics include both short and sustained gesture, geometric structural drawing, mass and shape, contour and contour modeling, structural and schematic anatomy with an emphasis on the major surface muscle forms, composition, proportion and infusing drawings with narrative content. In addition, students study freehand perspective, sighting and measuring systems. Students refine perceptual skills and creative thinking through sketchbook assignments and exercises. Through weekly sessions with the nude model, lectures, demonstrations, exercises and critiques, students create figure drawings that reflect an extensive knowledge of the human form. PR: ARTS 17370 or ARTS 14219
Interpretive Drawing
Students work in series to develop visual ideas from observational sketches and their imagination in this intermediate level drawing course. Emphasis is placed on developing an extensive personalized repertoire of marks and images using a variety of drawing processes and media. Through lectures, demonstrations, in-class assignments and homework projects students develop drawing skills, expand their ability to generate ideas and transfer their learning to other studio disciplines. PR: ARTS 17370 or ARTS 14219
2D Design Studio
In this intermediate course, students continue the exploration of 2D Design theory, typography and practical applications. Through lectures, critiques and projects, students refine their understanding of design essentials and visual communications. This includes the elements of point, line, plane, shape, value and colour, and the principles of harmony, variety, balance, proportion, visual hierarchy and design economy. Students research, ideate and produce visual work that solves particular design problems through a series of assigned projects. Students engage in critical thinking and in-depth analysis in order to clearly communicate the objectives of the visual problem through application of design theory. PR: DESN 19798 or DESN 18215
Intro to Surface Design
Students study the elements and principles of design in more depth in this intermediate level course based on an experimental, mixed-media approach to design. Techniques and processes will be directly related to drawing and painting methods. Students explore connections between their design work on paper and their work in other related disciplines. Through lectures, demonstrations and a series of exercises based on various surface design forms students are introduced to a broad range of media while giving them the opportunity to experiment and learn about colour, shape, line, form, texture and scale. Assignments are introduced and begun in class and then are completed independently. PR: DESN 19798 or DESN 18215
Intro to Figurative Sculpture
Students focus on the concepts, techniques, materials and methods relevant to figurative sculpture. The course introduces students to observational study from 2D and 3D reference and focuses on the development of perceptual skills and an understanding of geometric form, counter-form, gesture, balance, center of gravity, scale, proportion and rhythm. Students model the figure in clay using measuring systems and the choreography of observation to develop accuracy and dexterity. As well, students learn to use a variety of sculpture tools to apply a sophisticated, sensitive and expressive response to form, surface, texture and material. Through lecture, demonstration, hands-on activities and peer and faculty critiques, students integrate their learning into a 3D observational practice. PR: DESN 19014 or DESN 18999 or DESN 13199
3D Design Studio
In this intermediate studio course students focus on refining the skills and knowledge acquired in 3D Design. Through the use of a variety of tools and materials, students develop technical competence and inventiveness using the formal principles of design (i.e. line, plane, form/counter form, mass, texture, scale, proportion, balance, harmony and variety). Through a combination of interactive lectures, demonstrations, studio work and collaborative activities students research and represent a range of subject matter, exercise aesthetic judgement, develop vocabulary and learn to analyse and position a work’s content in an art and design context. PR: DESN 19014 or DESN 18999 or DESN 13199
Painting: Media & Materials
Students work with various paint media and materials. Students explore both the similarities and differences in composition, chemistry, application and visual effect of a variety of paint media. They further explore the toxicity and safe handling of pigments, binders and solvents. Through a series of lectures, demonstrations, and in and out of class assignments students are exposed to major painting media which are placed in historical context as their use and material constituents are explained and experienced. PR: ARTS 19798 or ARTS 15976
Digital Media Lab
In this introductory course, students investigate the application of digital media to art and design. Through a series of presentations, demonstrations, research activities, practical exercises and creative projects, students acquire essential theoretical and experiential knowledge of computer art and design technologies. This required course introduces students to basic digital techniques which will further their art and design production. It integrates and reinforces concepts from other courses in the program, particularly 2D Design and Colour Theory, and reflects prevailing applications of digital graphic technology in professional contexts. An understanding of these technologies is critical preparation for careers in many creative fields, and also for the pursuit of further studies in art and design.
History of Western Art
This course is designed to provide students with a chronological overview of the history of Western Art. Students will learn to identify and differentiate styles of art within each of the periods of study. Students will also learn to analyze a work of art using the language of art and apply this visual arts terminology in a series of in-class exercises and tests. This course is designed to meet the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) specifications.
Semester 4 Courses
Figurative Drawing Studio
In this intermediate studio-based drawing course the human figure is used as the starting point. By working extensively from life models and studying the architecture of the body students are able to explore principles of design, perspective and spatial organization. Using a variety of drawing media in both short and sustained gestures, line, mass, contour and cross contour drawing approaches are investigated. Students further refine their perceptual skills and creative thinking through sketchbook assignments and exercises and through weekly sessions with a life model, supported by in-class lectures, demonstrations and critiques. PR: ARTS 25142 OR ARTS 20330
Interpretive Drawing Studio
Students work with a series of images to develop visual ideas from observational sketches and their imagination. Emphasis is placed on developing an extensive personalized repertoire of marks and images using a variety of drawing processes and media. Through lectures, demonstrations, in-class assignments and homework projects, students develop drawing skills, extend their ability to generate ideas and transfer their learning to other studio disciplines. PR: ARTS 25142 OR ARTS 20330
2D Design: Text & Image
Students are introduced to graphic design by investigating the relationship between type and image. They examine typography and imagery as forms for communicating thoughts, ideas and information. Working with visual syntax and the expressive power of type, students learn the basic principles of typography in the first half of the course. They explore the relationship between type and image as the basis of effective visual communications in the second half of the course. Through a series of presentations, demonstrations, and assignments the students will learn to clearly communicate the objectives of a visual problem through practical application of design theory. PR: DESN 28634 OR DESN 10587
Surface Design
Students continue to practice experimental and multi-media approaches to design. Students further develop their individual creative interests and concerns with an emphasis on developing their own ideas while learning to work to specific design briefs. Through lectures, demonstrations and a series of assignments, students create unique visual designs incorporating a range of painterly and experimental techniques. They engage in critical thinking and in-depth analysis, and clearly communicate the objectives of the visual problem through practical application of design theory. Assignments are introduced and begun in class and then are completed independently. PR: DESN 28634 OR DESN 10587
Figurative Sculpture
Students acquire the basic tools, materials and formal practices relevant to figurative sculpture. They develop a creative process, personal insights and motivation towards an observational, interpretive and inventive study of the figure. Through research, demonstration, lectures and assignments students represent the figure using observation, expression and invention. Students learn to position a work’s form and content within a contemporary art and design practice through idea generating processes. PR: DESN 14998
3D Design: Material Exploration
Students explore and develop ideas focused on materials and processes of 3D design. The question of how function affects form is extended to how material effects form. The choice of materials, their properties and their potential for manipulation and appropriateness are the key elements of the exercises undertaken. The course emphasizes the interplay between idea and the consideration of materials and processes for 3D design. The informational components of the course will be delivered as a combination of lectures, slides, process demonstrations and class discussions. Students will articulate their ideas both by manipulating materials to express form and in-class discussions and critiques. PR: DESN 14998
Digital Media Studio
Digital Media Studio In this required intermediate course students build on basic technical knowledge and skills attained in the Digital Media Lab course. Students transfer traditional visual communication skills, introductory knowledge of typography and basic computer software skills to a web-based application. Through research and analysis, students identify online portfolios of artists and designers that effectively communicate a professional or personal identity. This research, along with expanded software knowledge, provides a point of departure for the design and development of a personal web-based portfolio. The course deepens students¿ knowledge of industry standard software and hardware and prepares learners for further study of advanced interactive web design. PR: DSGN 17198
Figurative Painting Studio
In this course, students refine the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous painting courses. They engage in an intense study of the figure and an analysis of the illusion of space. Starting with historical reinterpretation of the figure they move through a series of objective in-class exercises with the figure in various settings both actual and invented. In addition, students explore their specific areas of interest in the context of a figure related major project. Through interactive lecture, demonstration, individual and class critiques, and independent work, students successfully create paintings that help them explore the descriptive and expressive nature of painting. PR: ARTS 25436
Interpretive Painting Studio
Students continue to develop their painting skills and expand the knowledge gained in the previous painting courses. Emphasis is placed on the creative process with an ongoing evaluation of student progress. This course allows the student to explore the relationship between visual perception and interpretation in paint through invention and improvisation with different levels of meaning. Supported by lectures and demonstrations, students will follow the development of a theme or themes through a series of paintings using a variety of media. The work will show one facet at a time of a particular interpretation of a visual situation with or without necessarily presenting a linear and sequential narrative. The work then becomes a mix of observation and memory. In practical terms it means students work with thematic groups or series of interconnected paintings where one painting suggests the next so that we end up with a personal and cohesive body of work. The resultant work is critiqued and the student gives an oral defense. PR: ARTS 25436
Digital Drawing and Painting 1
Students explore the intersection of traditional and digital drawing and painting from life. Students emulate traditional image-making methodologies both to build on skills gained in previous traditional drawing, painting and digital media courses and to consciously explore the advantages and disadvantages of new technologies. Topics include rendering from life and digital sources, file management and workflow, layers, colour palletes, drawing and painting tools and output options. Through lectures, demos and hands on assignments including still life, the nude model and real, constructed and invented environments, students gain experience with digital painting applications. PR: DSGN 17198
Techno Craft 1
Students investigate "techno" craft - the innovative and rapidly evolving convergences between digital and material methods in art and design. They explore ways in which digitally mediated technologies such as 2D digital drawing, 3D digital modeling, 3D printing and laser cutting may be used to visualize and fabricate imaginative pieces that inhabit the physical world. Students utilize design software suitable for graphic presentation and digital fabrication, exploring key concepts such as scale, abstraction and resolution. They produce physical instantiations and apply traditional handcraft and finishing techniques to bring projects to fruition. Through lectures, demonstrations and hands on fabrication experience, students confront and solve common problems inherent when digital media is materialized in different ways, including a material's aesthetic, strength, flexibility and workable tolerances. PR: DSGN 17198
Semester 5 Courses
Intro to Printmaking
In this introductory course students focus on the concepts, techniques, materials and methods relevant to printmaking with an emphasis on three particular processes: monoprint, drypoint and etching. The progression will be from a simple and direct image transfer of the monoprint followed by cutting directly into a plate to make a drypoint print and concluding with an etched plate where first state proofs will be pulled. The concept and process of making an edition of prints is explained. Health and safety considerations are integrated into studio practice. Through lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on practice students begin to develop a facility with printmaking techniques. PR: ARTS 25586 OR ARTS 23431
Advanced Drawing Studio 1
Students strengthen their understanding of dominant formal and conceptual themes in contemporary visual culture through drawing from the nude and costumed human figure. Throughout the course, lectures and assignments examine cross-cultural figuration from classical representations to contemporary interpretations of the figure. Structured in-class workshops and homework assignments are designed to enhance technical skills and assist students in identifying and refining a personal voice. Through interactive lectures, demonstrations, individual and class critiques and independent work, students successfully create a resolved body of work for their professional portfolio. PR: ARTS 25586 OR ARTS 23431
Techno Craft 2
Students continue to explore "Techno Craft" which refers to the convergence of digital and material methods used in art and design practice. Students build on concepts and techniques learned in Techno Craft 1, further exploring digital design and fabrication at an intermediate level. Students explore the field of interaction design. Students create works of kinetic sculpture and interactive art by integrating material constructions with digitally programmable microcontrollers and simple electronics. Students utilize 2D and 3D design software to fabricate increasingly complex objects, ranging from standalone pieces to component parts of hybrid assemblies. Students engage in creative and expressive design which drives all projects and activities throughout the course rather than a rationalized approach to production. Students apply traditional handcraft and finishing techniques when bringing projects to fruition. Through presentations, demonstrations, research and directed studio activities, students explore the intersections and tensions between "machine-made" versus "hand-made", and how these might apply to their own directions in art and design. PR: DESN 29307
Sculpture Studio
This course builds on student’s knowledge of sculpting tools, materials and formal practices used in contemporary sculpture and installation. Through research, demonstrations and hands on explorations students are introduced to more advanced techniques of modeling, mold-making, casting, woodcarving and assemblage. Students develop independent work through their choice of material exploration in conjunction with research into thematic approaches to contemporary art. PR: DESN 28448 or DESN 20082
Time Based Media
Students explore a variety of creative media technologies and techniques while creating a short film. Students creatively apply digital media principles and learn to apply appropriate media-specific terminology at an advanced level Through lectures, research and collaborative digital projects, students explore the creative possibilities of time-based media, including motion graphics, digital video and audio. PR: DSGN 27545
Design for Print
Students further their knowledge and understanding of graphic design for print through the exploration of book design. Building on previous Design and Digital Media courses, students explore and refine design and typographic skills using text and images in sequential layouts and book forms. This course focuses on multi-page documents and extended applications of design solutions. Students solve design and typographic problems in relation to self-directed subject matter and an understanding of their target audience. Narrative strategies, sequencing and visual timing are discussed, as are the exploration of alternative materials, bindings and presentation formats. Through presentations, lectures, consultations, critiques and digital and analogue production students further develop their ability to create and develop concepts, solve typographic problems, develop narrative techniques and refine layout skills. PR: DESN 26859 or DESN 24178
Painting: Images and Ideas
Students gain a strong individual purpose for painting through a series of painting projects. They begin to establish what painting means to them as a tool for communication. Through research, lectures and class discussions students are challenged to explore their ideas of subject matter, the potential in the medium of paint, and ultimately what constitutes a painting and what is its function for them in contemporary image making. Students execute a variety of assignments and exercises both in class and independently integrating knowledge and techniques from other course work. PR: ARTS 28263 or ARTS 24444
Intro to Digital Photography
Students are introduced to the basics of digital photography and photographic techniques. They gain an understanding of photographic terminology, develop technical photographic skills, and apply principles of design and composition to photographic and lens-based imagery. Topics include exposure, lighting, colour, optics and composition. Electronic file management and formats, photographic printing and image correction/manipulation are also covered. Through lectures, demonstrations, in-class assignments and individual projects, students become proficient with DSLR cameras and begin to develop their own, unique photographic vision. Emphasis is placed on the application of theoretical information and aesthetics to encourage practical photographic problem solving. PR: DSGN 17198
Concepts in Contemporary Visual Culture
Students learn that a solid concept is at the heart of all great art and design. They research and analyse common devices employed by contemporary designers and artists that generate or give form to the concepts. Students engage with a wide variety of examples of art and design through research, presentations, and off-site gallery visits. They deconstruct artwork through discussion and written assignments using a variety of critique methods. Students develop a strong sense of these strategies for the purpose of employing them in their own studio practices.
Semester 6 Courses
Printmaking
Students extend their exploration of various types of printmaking methods from traditional to contemporary. Students learn additional methods for creating multiples and add to their knowledge of traditional printmaking techniques used in contemporary practice through the use of relief, screen printing and lithography. Students have a context for comparing and contrasting two completely di__erent processes and how printmaking can marry traditional mediums with contemporary practice. Students integrate their drawing skills with printing techniques through lectures, demonstrations, research and in-class assignments. One assignment is linked to another course to produce a mixed media work. PR: DESN 10004 or ARTS 36859
Hard Core Figurative Drawing
Students integrate conceptual and technical skills through observational and expressive exploration of form, including the nude and costumed model. Students focus on building large scale compositional drawings, using multiple figures and objects. This is a rigorous course where students engage in a significant amount of self-directed research. They research and explore various classical drawing media, conceptual processes, compositional principles and the use of narrative. Studies lead to the development of a personal voice and signature style as they work from the model, the natural and built environment and their imagination. Students work in studio, independently and collaboratively during the course of the semester. Students analyze their own work, identify personal areas of study and engage in problem solving to improve and develop their ability. Through demonstrations, interactive lectures, workshops and critiques, students create a comprehensive body of work for their professional portfolio. Students are expected to be self-directed. A significant amount of out-of-class time is dedicated to research, practice and final project completion. PR: ARTS 36859
Content Under Pressure: Drawing Expanded
Students explore contemporary drawing concerns - notably the aesthetic refinement of highly subjective work. They work towards developing thematically focused, cohesive bodies of work that reflect and enhance personal content, aesthetic priorities and technical skills. Studies emphasize the development of an extensive personalized repertoire of marks and images using a variety of drawing processes and media. In addition to examining the practice of mixed media drawing as a vehicle of ideation, students analyze the role that technical skills and formal elements play in effectively communicating one¿s personal content. Through lectures, demonstrations, studio activities, homework assignments and critiques, students practice selfassessment skills, explore idea generation, apply contemporary aesthetic concepts and transfer their learning to other studio disciplines. PR: ARTS 36859
Advanced Sculpture
Students continue to develop knowledge and skills to the basic tools, materials and formal practices of traditional and contemporary sculpture. This is achieved through exposure to the techniques of modeling, mold-making, casting, carving and assemblage. Building on acquired skills, students use research, observation and expression to continue to develop their creativity, skill level and independence through a combination of projects, self-initiated works, and class critiques. PR: DESN 39014
Media Jam
Students resolve the interaction of digital media and processes with traditional means of image making. They acquire a working knowledge of the digital camera, the digital scanner, and image manipulation software and combine it with traditional drawing and painting application. This course will allow the student access to both the digital studio and the drawing and painting studios. Through lectures, demonstrations, in-class work and assignments integrated with other courses, students learn how to bring these technologies together for the purpose of communication and image making. PR: DSGN 17198
Print and Interactivity Design
Students further their knowledge and understanding of graphic through the development of a graphic system. Building on previous Design and Digital Media courses, students explore and re__ne design skills through the creation of a brand identity and graphic system that applies to multiple mediums including print, web, and interactive apps. Students solve design and typographic problems in relation to self-directed subject matter and an understanding of their target audience. Through presentations, lectures, consultations, critiques and digital production students develop their ability to create concepts, re__ne layout skills, and gain an understanding of graphic systems that work in multiple medias. PR: DSGN 18081 or DESN 33672
Photographic Concepts
Students deepen their understanding of the visual and conceptual language of photography. They build on basic photography and design principles using light, lens, framing, sequencing and communicative intent. Students apply this knowledge to making photographs that develop their personal photographic vision in response to creative, conceptual and technical challenges. Through presentations, lectures, consultations, critiques and hands-on experience, in the studio and on location, students develop working methods and an understanding of the visual and conceptual language of photography. PR: DSGN 19402
Project X
Students research, explore and develop a unifed body of work based on a self-defined theme. Emphasis is placed on creative rigour and the critical examination of thematic content in an interdisciplinary context. Students bring personal defnition to the previously unknown variable otherwise represented by “x”. In addition to working with the faculty member assigned to this course, students will identify a faculty mentor from the program with expertise, related to their media, to consult with. Through lectures, ongoing presentations of process work, participation in group critiques and workshops and rigorous studio practice, students will produce a cohesive body of work for presentation and a summative written statement. PR: ARTS 34579*
Advanced Painting Studio
Students continue to develop their technical skills as well as produce a unifed body of work in their preferred media, through a series of in-class painting assignments and an independent project Students work on an image each week based on the life model, still life, landscape or interior. Importance will be placed on their ability to render complex images accurately in the medium of their choice. Through, lectures, demonstrations, research and assignments, students explore a singular idea, over the course of 14 weeks through multiple images. Students are encouraged to develop their individual voices as contributors to the cultural landscape. PR: ARTS 39402