Illustration (AA)

The School of Illustration's AA program emphasizes the fundamentals of illustration and offers a balanced approach to classical and digital illustration techniques and ideation skills. Foundational illustration courses focus on figure drawing, anatomy, rendering, and traditional media including charcoal and paint. Digital media courses focus on imagery using both vector and bitmap tools.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degree
Core Classes

This program is available online and on campus

FA 222

Heads and Hands Core/3

Attention Illustration, Visual Development, Animation, and Fine Art students: take this class. You'll focus on the form and structure of the head and hands to create dynamic drawings that include expressions and emotions.

FND 110

Analysis of Form Core/3

Create lifelike drawings using traditional techniques and classical principles to achieve depth and tactile realism. Explore geometric construction, apply the five-value system to understand light and shadow, and refine skills in perspective, composition, and rendering a variety of textures and materials.

FND 112

Figure Drawing Core/3

Learn how to draw the human figure with accuracy. Through focused practice, develop an understanding of gesture, proportion, rhythm, balance, structure, and musculature to create confident, dynamic figure drawings.

FND 116

Perspective Core/3

Master perspective drawing to create credible real-world and imaginative environments. Apply light, shadow, and composition to convey atmosphere and mood, producing immersive scenes with bold perspective and striking lighting.

FND 125

Color and Design Core/3

Take a deep dive into color and design using traditional media. Explore color harmony through various schemes and learn how psychology, contrast, proportion, atmospheric depth, light temperature, unity, and visual emphasis enhance imagery. Apply these principles in painting to create visuals with powerful storytelling.

ILL 120

Clothed Figure Drawing 1 Core/3

Draw the clothed figure in various situations. You'll study physical flexibility in observational drawing, the essential relationships of the body, how to achieve three-dimensional form, proportion, foreshortening, and how to construct folds.

ILL 133

Digital Media: Digital Manipulation Core/3

Combine essential camera and digital imaging skills to augment your imagery. Using a camera for reference, inspiration, and digital imaging to manipulate photo images, you'll learn to create narrative content, increasing your skills in a fun yet challenging environment. Phone camera or digital camera and computer access are required.

ILL 232

Studio 1 Core/3

Develop illustrations using a clear concept, professional procedures, and core design principles. You'll learn the process, media, tools, and current industry techniques in black and white, water-based media, and mixed media in color.

PH 103

Photography for Artists Core/3

Designed for all majors interested in photography, students will be presented an inspired approach to using photography across mediums. Topics include proper exposure, lighting, composition, and optimizing photos for a digital workflow. A smartphone or digital camera is required for this course.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Core24
Sophomore Portfolio3
Major15
Liberal Arts18
Total60

AA ILLUSTRATION DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
    2 Art Historical Awareness courses
    1 Art & Design Communication course
    1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
    1 Employment Communications & Practices course

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Drawing and Composition

  • Effectively use line, edge, and or value
  • Depict gesture in proper proportion
  • Apply value pattern and establish focal point
  • Harmonize color
  • Apply perspective when appropriate
  • Conduct research for quality and usable reference
  • Create thumbnails, comps, and layouts as part of design process

Tools & Technique

  • Execute illustrations using appropriate tools and media

Professional Readiness

  • Demonstrate the ability to tell a story visually and meet client-based solutions
  • Produce basic materials required for an entry-level job search