feature / artcenter-extension / faculty / alumni / graphic-design / illustration / product-design
December 05, 2023
By Solvej Schou
Images courtesy of Christian Perez-Morin
ACX Teens course Design 360° explores a range of ArtCenter’s degree programs
In the ACX Teens course Design 360°, taught by alum Christian Perez-Morin (BFA 12 Graphic Design), students learn about many of ArtCenter's degree programs, and get the chance to explore the principles of each of these art and design disciplines.
The degree programs include Entertainment Design, Creative Direction, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography and Imaging, Product Design, Spatial Experience Design and Transportation Design.
“I like to think of this course as a sampler plate,” says Perez-Morin. “Design 360° is all about the creative process. Students get to try one thing, and then move onto the next thing. It’s a fast-paced learning environment that never gets boring.”
Drawing skills are emphasized as an essential way for students to communicate their ideas. In the course, they begin by defining a design problem, and then move on to creating a variety of concepts and formal explorations, all while working quickly and intuitively, says Perez-Morin.
“This gives students a chance to take risks and to improvise,” he says. “It’s a ‘learn by doing’ methodology.”
The course is particularly fun, he says, because of the wide range of creative disciplines that students learn about each week.
The course is a perfect introduction for students new to ACX Teens and for those interested in applying to one of ArtCenter’s degree programs. Some students have taken the course a second time, Perez-Morin says, to refine their projects, and produce a comprehensive portfolio piece.
“Design 360° was created to serve as a pathway to other great ACX Teens courses, and to a more focused study in any given discipline,” he says. “It helps students develop a portfolio by showing them how to incorporate their processes and showcase their creative ideation and design thinking skills.”
