While drawing by hand is still a must, today’s fashion industry demands more productivity and versatility. In this course for individuals pursuing a career in fashion, you will learn how to use Adobe Illustrator, the industry standard vector-based design application. Starting with the basics, you'll learn how to create flats of simple items such as tops, skirts and shirts, then gradually learn more advanced vector-based illustration skills. You will also hone your presentation techniques and develop skills in drawing fashion croquis, fashion apparel, fashion flats and textile design. Prerequisites: Intro to Figure Drawing or Fashion and Costume Drawing or basic sketching and drawing skills. Students must have access to a device with a current version of Adobe Illustrator.

Are you a painter looking to break new ground in your work? Still Life: Fast and Slow will have you painting at two speeds. In this course, fast exercises will lead to new discoveries as you learn how to work intuitively and playfully. Slow exercises will build upon those discoveries and lead to the creation of larger compositions. To paint from life, we’ll provide you with photo references or you can create your own still life setups. Presentations, demonstrations, and discussions will round out your experience. Oil is recommended, but other mediums are welcome. Instructor will email a supply list before the first session. Prerequisite: Introduction to Painting or by permission of an Art Center counselor.

Companies all over the world are becoming increasingly aware of the power of creativity to define, build and grow their brands. Hence, the role of the creative director has become an essential and highly valued one that influences every aspect of the way a company looks, sounds, feels and presents itself to the world. But what does it take to be a creative director? And what skill sets are needed to succeed in that field? In this course, you will find yourself in an unconventional class setting where you will do what creative directors do–everything from solving briefs and collaborating with a team to presenting and landing creative work. This immersive experience will introduce you to the world of creative direction and will prepare you to create and creative direct content in all of the most relevant and contemporary forms of media, as well as to master new technologies and emerging platforms. (Formerly ACX-040 Intro to Advertising.)

In the ever-changing fashion landscape, originality is paramount. Your ideas need to stand out and break trends. In this 12–week course, you’ll conduct a rigorous experimentation with ideas and approaches that address challenges facing the industry. You’ll learn to think like a designer and sketch out your ideas using traditional markers and other analog tools. You’ll also be introduced to a variety of software programs that can help you experiment with your 2D and 3D designs. More conceptual than physical, this course will challenge you to produce at least one prototype by the end of the term. Access to a sewing machine is recommended but not required.

Producing art and fine craft at home can lessen anxiety and contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing during this challenging time. In this virtual, weekend workshop, you will create several artistic pieces using shibori—an ancient Japanese dyeing method used to create stunning works on fabric and paper. Learn to create several different patterns using the dye color(s) and base materials of your choice. While you’re welcome to purchase new fabrics for this workshop, we encourage you to find some old, “tired” items in your wardrobe that you’d like to give new life. Such “recycling” using shibori, sewing, and patching techniques is a tradition that dates back to the early 1600’s.

Expand your knowledge of dynamic vehicle design, increase your understanding of the creative process, and break away from traditional methods of industrial design. Explore a unique and personal approach to the design process while focusing on quick, conceptual mini-projects relevant to the world’s evolving views on transportation. In addition to demonstrations and lectures, this “out of the box” creative conceptualization course will also include discussions on vehicle history, innovative packaging and future trends. Issues explored will include battery-electric and other alternative fuels. An ideal course for transportation, product and entertainment designers. Prerequisites: Visual Communication and Form Development and Intermediate Transportation Design, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.