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ACX_Logo
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ArtCenter Extension offers a wide range of hands-on non-degree courses for adults (ACX). For teens and kids, visit ACX Teens and ACX Kids
Letterpress Workshops at Archetype Press
Two weekend workshops using Archetype Press’ extensive collection of wood and metal foundry type, ornaments, dingbats and decorative rules and Vandercook proof presses, plus a new one-day workshop that explores a variety of approaches to book binding structures.

Letterpress For All
ACX-660W
Whether you’re a beginner, or more advanced with ink already under your nails, design, hand-set and letterpress print your own unique broadsides, cards, notes or gifts. If you are a novice, you will be introduced to the basics of hand-set typography and letterpress printing. (Jan 27 + 28)
 
New Wave Valentines
ACX-665W
Get ready for Valentine’s Day and learn new printing and alternative letterform-making techniques in this experimental typographic workshop! Design, hand-set and print your own unique cards, notes or gifts using Archetype Press’ extensive collection of foundry type, ornaments, dingbats and decorative rules. (Feb 3 + 4)
 
Book Structures 101: Fold, Glue and Stitch
ACX-562W
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. But what about by its structure? In this one-day hands-on workshop, you will explore a variety of approaches to book structures. Learn the fundamentals and gain the mechanical knowledge necessary to create simple, blank softcover books based on folding, gluing and stitching techniques. (Mar 9)
Intro to Unreal Engine 5.0

ACX-611W

Learn how to construct projects in Unreal Engine using freely available assets from Epic Games. In this seven-week course, you’ll engage in hands-on exercises that will culminate in the production of an individual short film based on your interest and industry (e.g. architectural visualization, automotive rendering, product design, animated short film). Weekly topics include fundamentals of shot and sequence development, working in the timeline, cameras, using motion capture for animation, materials, lighting and rendering. Prerequisite: experience using 3D software. Required: access to a computer; visit Unreal Engine’s website for hardware requirements.

Image credit: L. Berman
Consumer Psychology in Branding + Design

ACX-631

Understanding the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions is crucial, but delving into the intricate relationship between consumers and brands is essential. This course explores the emotional, mental, and behavioral responses that shape buying decisions, while also considering the psychological, social, cultural, personal, and economic influences at play. Engage in research projects, conduct interviews, and analyze individual, group, and mass behaviors. Leveraging these findings, you’ll learn how to harness consumer psychology and apply to brand positioning and messaging that resonates with your target audience. Apply your new knowledge to develop dynamic and relevant insights that serve as the foundation for the final deliverable, the “Brand Vision Document,” to capture key consumer insights and guide brand development strategies. An ideal course for those interested in graphic design, package design or product design. Prerequisite: Intro to Graphic Design or Intro to Package Design, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Meets online.

Discovering the Artist's Way

ACX-466W

Is the Creative alive in you? Do you find yourself blocked? Join us for a 12-week journey through the text of The Artist's Way and unleash the creative process within you with the support and guidance of Dr. Kathleen Fitzgerald. Our inner artist needs support, attention and community, now more than ever. We will explore limiting beliefs and fears that get us stuck, find inspirational activities to unleash the creative process within us, and gain deeper awareness and insight to your own creative process. Dr. Kathleen Fitzgerald is a Psychoanalyst working with artists, designers and everyday creative people who is passionate about opening up inner pathways to potential and healing to discover the creative self, and the creative unconscious.

Intro to Illustration

ACX-380

Sharpen your conceptual problem-solving abilities as you explore a variety of mediums and techniques—acrylic, watercolor, mixed media— used to illustrate ideas for magazines, newspapers and books. Projects will be editorial in nature; later projects can be self-directed to reflect individual interests or portfolio needs. Prerequisite: Some prior drawing experience required.

Image credit: Alessandra Widjaja
Creature Design

ACX-426

Learn different methods and approaches used to develop believable creatures and monsters for the entertainment industry. Working from photographic reference of animals and nature, you will learn how to combine the fundamentals of design, anatomy, form, storytelling and character development to create original sketches and renderings of beastly quadrupeds, bloodthirsty bipeds, and large-scale leviathans. With a focus on introductory level 2D drawing skills, this is an ideal class for aspiring concept designers, illustrators, animators or students considering the undergraduate Entertainment Design program at ArtCenter. Students who wish to work in digital formats will need to provide their own equipment and software. Prerequisites: Intro to Figure Drawing, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Image credit: Adam Harris
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11.27 -01.12

Spring 2024 registration period

11.30

Scholarship deadline

12.23 -01.01

Winter Break - Campus closed

01.15

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - Campus closed

01.16

Spring classes begin; Late registration and drop period begins

01.19

Last day to add a class

03.01

Last day to drop a class

04.01

Summer registration begins

04.20

Spring classes end