Interested in art or design but not sure where to start? Want to sample each major offered at ArtCenter? In this course, we will touch on several of the art and design disciplines offered in ArtCenter’s degree program—advertising, graphic design, photography, filmmaking, fine art, illustration, product design, environmental design, entertainment design and transportation design—and explore their principles through projects centered around one major theme. Drawing skills will be emphasized as an essential way to communicate ideas. A perfect course for adult students (age18+) either new to art or design or seeking to expand their creative horizons.

This seven-week crash course in the principles of photography is ideal for anyone who wants to gain confidence in basic camera operations and develop a strong technical foundation. Techniques and concepts covered include aperture settings, shutter speed, depth of field, film selection/ISO setting and proper exposure for both 35mm film and digital SLR cameras. Students must have access to a 35mm SLR or digital SLR camera with manual capabilities. No darkroom work is required

Ready to dive deep into the fundamentals and motives of painting? In this course we will explore both traditional techniques and contemporary attitudes, with an emphasis on color, composition and form. We will also engage in a series of exercises
using simple subject matter; study the human figure to learn painting principles; and develop creative approaches. Some prior drawing experience is recommended but not required.

Learn how to put ideas to paper quickly and convincingly. Drawing techniques covered in this intensive class will help you tackle a variety of subjects and everyday objects including products, appliances, office equipment, furniture and materials such as wood, metals, plastics and glass. Mediums used will include pencil, pen, felt marker and pastel. Emphasis is on mastering basic forms—cubes, spheres and cylinders—to produce attractive drawings.

This course offers a hands-on introduction to the art and business of advertising. Sharpen your conceptual thinking skills as you brainstorm innovative marketing strategies for a range of products and services, then create magazine, newspaper and billboard campaigns that bring those ideas to life in a smart, engaging way. An ideal course for students thinking of applying to the Advertising program at ArtCenter, adults contemplating a career change, or those just interested in learning how advertising professionals think and how the ad campaigns we see every day are created.

Concept designers for the entertainment industry create compelling characters, environments, vehicles and props for all kinds of stories. Their work requires a unique combination of industrial design and illustration skills—understanding how things are built, and the ability to visually communicate their narrative role. In this course, which introduces the concept design process, you will create original design solutions through sketches and renderings to support a story. An ideal class for students considering ArtCenter’s undergraduate Entertainment Design major or for those interested in how concepts are created for entertainment-oriented projects. Prerequisites: Introduction to Figure Drawing and Perspective, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Interested in product and/or transportation design? In this course—strongly recommended for beginning designers—you will learn the fundamental design principles and procedures, drawing techniques, and presentation methods as they relate to those fields. In-class sketching demonstrations and exercises will use pencil, marker, chalk, Prismacolor and gouache. In-class discussions will cover careers and opportunities.

Want to become an automotive designer? In this off-campus course—strongly recommended for beginning designers—you will learn the fundamental design principles and procedures, industrial drawing techniques, and presentation methods of the transportation design field. In-class discussions will cover careers, opportunities and the role and responsibilities of the professional industrial designer.

Discover the joy of digital painting through exercises covering still life and figure painting, character design, landscapes and environmental concept painting. Learn how to navigate Photoshop, explore basic rendering techniques, and experiment with advanced techniques like character/environment concept design and photo-bashing. This overview of the medium is designed to build a strong foundation in digital painting and is ideal for aspiring entertainment design, entertainment arts and illustration students. Required for homework assignments: access to a computer with the latest version of Adobe Photoshop, a Wacom tablet, and a digital camera to take reference photos. Prerequisite: Introduction to Entertainment Design or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Mastering visual communication skills is vital to your academic and professional success as an industrial designer. This course deals with a variety of sketching techniques designed to help you communicate your creative solutions and explore form development as it relates to product design, transportation design, and entertainment design. Class exercises will be geared toward improving your drawing skills as well as providing a strong foundation in perspective, composition, value, craftsmanship and use of graphics in presentations. Emphasis will be placed on rapid ideation to improve the flow of your ideas on paper. Prerequisite: Introduction to Product and Transportation Design or Introduction to Entertainment Design.

Learn to apply more advanced “design processes” through one intense project in this course created for students with basic skills in product design. In-class demonstrations of more advanced rendering and presentation techniques will also be covered. Recommended for intermediate or returning industrial design students, as well as design professionals. For students interested in applying to ArtCenter’s industrial design or Interaction Design programs, projects created in this course will be suitable for use as part of an application portfolio.

This introductory course covers the processes and tools involved in digital publishing for print and the web. Using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, learn to draw, scan and manipulate images as design elements to produce digital files for a print piece and a basic companion webpage. Basic web structure, vector versus bitmap artwork concepts, resolution, color and output will be explored as you learn techniques required to design and produce various assignments. Prerequisite: Mac proficiency

Fine-tune your camera skills and publish a collection of photographs online. Learn how to focus your “photographer’s eye,” discover your photographic “nouns”—the persons, places and things that speak to you—and clarify your personal vision as you refresh or continue your visual voyage. You may choose to shoot traditional or digital imagery. Prerequisite: Photo 101 or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Access to a 35mm SLR or a digital camera with manual capabilities is required.

Increase your understanding of 3D perception and linear perspective systems. Through a series of exercises, you'll develop your technical skills and improve your ability to simulate 3D space on a 2D plane. Theories explored in class apply to traditional and digitally generated images. This course—a foundation course for many majors—is ideal for illustration, industrial and environmental design students. Transferable (Illustration only).* Textbook: The Complete Guide to Perspective Drawing

Increase your visual awareness and synchronize your mind, eye and body with the creative process. In this drawing and painting workshop we will engage in simple mindfulness and awareness exercises that quiet the critical mind, allowing you to create from your direct experience of the present moment. Using wet and dry media and hand-printing techniques, create work that combines color, line, image and texture. Demonstrations and group feedback are woven into the class. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to improve their skills in painting, increase their creativity and expand their habits of seeing.

All levels of experience are welcome. For those repeating the course, instructor will work individually with you to explore the possibilities of your body of work.

Experience plein-air landscape painting and examine the genre’s technical and formal issues. Painting on location, you’ll see how landscape is more than subject matter—it’s a way of organizing visual elements to make a dynamic and coherent composition. Color theory, composition and quick painting techniques will be the focus of this seven-week course. Atmosphere and depth—crucial elements in achieving believability—will be studied extensively.

First class meeting will be held at ArtCenter’s Hillside Campus; subsequent meetings will explore various sites around Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Prerequisite: Basics of Painting or Introduction to Painting or by permission of an
ArtCenter advisor.

Learning to paint the human figure is a natural progression from still-life painting. This second course in the Basics of Painting series uses the figure to explore issues such as composition, proportion, shape and value. Gaining an understanding of these essential skills, you will be more confident painting the figure with conviction.

Prerequisite: Basics of Painting: Still-life or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

This seven-week course explores the fundamentals of painting using objects and still-life, allowing beginning students to learn basic techniques without the pressure that the human figure presents. You may paint in the medium of your choice: oil, acrylic or watercolor.

Developing a keen awareness of the communicative power of shapes is foundational for creating any visual expression, be it a painting, drawing, website or logo. In this seven-week course featuring open assignments based on your interests, you will learn to use design and compositional elements to enhance the effectiveness and expressiveness of your work. Composition will be discussed at two levels: the micro—managing shapes inherent in the design process—and the macro—composing on the page. Suitable for anybody interested in illustration, design, advertising and fine art, and may be taken in conjunction with Mastering Color for Artists and Designers. More info: artcenter.robertpastrana.com

Color is one of the main communicators in any visual endeavor. In this seven-week course, learn to use color in ways that enhance the aesthetics and usability of your work. Topics covered include: understanding and controlling the three characteristics of color; dealing with tonal and color keys; developing proficiencies using the inherent relationships of colors; and the psychology of color. Class projects will help you become proficient in color mixing and deciding which colors work best for specific assignments. Ideal for those interested in illustration, design, advertising or fine art, and may be taken in conjunction with Mastering Composition and Design. For more information, visit artcenter.robertpastrana.com.

Learn to communicate your ideas through quick sketching techniques using a variety of mediums— pencil, pen, marker—and develop visual communication skills for graphic design, packaging, product and advertising. We will also cover type indication, 3D form development and observational sketching through still life. This is an ideal course for beginning design students or designers who need to brush up on freehand drawing skills.

As photographers in the digital age, we produce tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of images, which makes creating a sensible workflow that protects and optimizes our images crucial. Learn best practices for managing your image library, using Adobe Lightroom as your photographic workflow hub. Concepts covered in this one-day intensive workshop include proper file naming, organizational structure, archiving and proper backup, metadata, export and delivery, file formats, rating and tagging, round-tripping to Photoshop, and building a repeatable workflow structure. Basic knowledge of Adobe Lightroom is beneficial. Bring a USB hard drive (and cable) containing images.

Learn the fundamental concepts and practices involved in filmmaking while making three short films. In this course, directing and cinematography will be closely linked as you explore methods that make a film play. Our emphasis will be on effective communication, storytelling and creative editing techniques to enhance the story. Requires access to a digital video camera and editing system (ArtCenter’s cameras and computer lab facilities are not available for student use).

Strengthen and enhance the concepts introduced in Introduction to Figure Drawing. We will begin by reviewing skills in gesture, proportion, contour and analysis of form. Later, we will introduce and integrate anatomical observation (skeletal structure and musculature), mechanical function, and foreshortening. Finally, we will explore light theory and apply all the concepts gained by practicing with long poses. This fundamental course emphasizes a thorough practice of the skills required to draw the human figure and is vital for illustration or fine art students. Prerequisite: Introduction to Figure Drawing or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Transferable for prospective Illustration majors.*

Drawing either by hand or with a laptop and Wacom tablet, explore the mechanics of visual storytelling and develop an individual and industry-typical style. Through discussions, demonstrations and guest speakers, discover different styles and techniques of sequential art used in live action, animation and commercial applications. An ideal course for students and professionals interested in expanding their skills or developing their portfolios for entry into one of ArtCenter’s full-time degree programs. Prerequisite: Introduction to Figure Drawing or by permisison of an ArtCenter advisor. Access to ArtCenter’s computer facilities not included. You must provide your own equipment and software if you wish to work digitally.

Demystify the complexities of creating a likeness! Learn how to read the primary forms of the face and hands and translate that knowledge into an artistic statement. Learn to draw the head in action—in any position—with the proper expressions; convey the energy of the pose; and ground your observational powers through an understanding of the planes of the head and anatomy. As you realize the expressive power of hands, discover how to draw them dynamically by breaking them down into simple forms. Prerequisite: Introduction to Figure Drawing or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Transferable for prospective Illustration majors.*

Typography is the modus operandi graphic designers use to communicate and reinforce the content of their work. With its strong emphasis on the typographical grid, this course is a vital foundation for editorial design and multi-page layout and ideal for students and designers looking to use typography with greater confidence. Gain increased sensitivity to the details of typographic form, paragraph format, page-layout dynamics and the expressive potential of type. Topics also include type characteristics and nomenclature. Prerequisites: basic computer skills in Illustrator and InDesign, or similar graphics programs, strongly recommended. Access to a computer with a font library is required.

When it comes to oil painting, many artists never go beyond the basics. Why? Because despite having been in use for 1,000 years, there is little readily available information on the medium. Some artists are scared away, believing the medium to be complicated and dangerous. This one-day seminar will introduce you to the endless possibilities of oil paints, and how to use them safely and simply. Through video demonstrations, presentations and discussions, you will learn how to choose oil painting mediums and pigments, produce artwork that will last for generations, and take advantage of recent technological advances. Appropriate for painters of all levels.

Get a hands-on introduction to the elements and methods behind interaction design—the craft of how people interact with products, systems and services. Equal parts thinker and maker, you will conceive, design and produce simple interactive projects by brainstorming different types of user experiences such as mobile and social applications, websites, gestural interfaces, games, consumer electronics, smart products, tangibles and art. An ideal course for students interested in ArtCenter’s Interaction Design program, professionals considering a career change, or anybody interested in this burgeoning field. Prerequisites: fundamental design skills recommended but not required. Transferable for prospective Interaction Design majors and select Illustration tracks.*

Motion graphics, as incorporated in TV, film or on the internet, is a fast-growing field. In this course, you will gain a working knowledge of current tools and techniques, allowing you to explore issues of rhythm, space and time using animation, sound and video. Build a repertoire of movements and learn keyframe editing and interpolation, masking, effects, basic sound editing and storyboarding for motion. Adobe After Effects for the Mac is used as a teaching tool, but the skills learned can be transferred to any application or platform. Prerequisite: Digital Design 1. Transferable for prospective Graphic Design majors and select Illustration tracks.*

Learn the ins and outs of comics and graphic novels by diving into various illustrative exercises and experimental storytelling. Learn how to make dynamic page designs utilizing an arsenal of trade tools from graphic design, comics and entertainment design. This course explores character design, pacing, cinematic design and story development. Each student will have the opportunity to produce a solid portfolio of work, a self-published book and a website. Prerequisite: Basic drawing skills are mandatory.

Explore the exciting and changing realm of package design. In this course, you will develop creative packaging solutions that attract visual attention through the use of 3D form, packaging materials, typography, color and graphics. The course will also explore sustainability issues and emerging technologies that will change consumer interaction with packaging in the future. An ideal course for designers seeking to add packaging design to their portfolio or increase their awareness of the packaging field. Prerequisite: Introduction to Graphic Design or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor

Explore styles and techniques used in surface design and discover the limitless possibilities—and career opportunities—of this burgeoning arena! Review designer case studies, product categories beyond textiles, and themes in demand by manufacturers. Digitally scan hand-drawn artwork; set up accurate repeat patterns; change colors, scale and textures; and color index for mass production. Finally, develop coordinated surface design collections, take a collection from concept through refinement, and apply designs to products. An ideal course for advanced students or graphic design, textile design and illustration professionals Prerequisites: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator skills; basic drawing, color theory, and design; or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

The “classical method” of the Renaissance and Northern European masters remains unequalled in its expressiveness and understanding of the human form. It also provides tools for artists to evaluate their work and to avoid getting stuck in a painting gone wrong. While using the classical method, in this course you will gain a well-rounded understanding of the painting process; engage in direct painting to strengthen your free handling of color, tone and line; develop individual techniques and styles; and enhance your capacity for creative expression. Prerequisite: Head and Hands or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor; Introduction to Painting strongly recommended.

Integrate typography and images to magazine layouts, posters and transmedia identity systems to communicate a story, message or marketing idea. In this concept-oriented course, you will develop problem-solving and research skills that will help you define the appropriateness of a design for its intended audience. Prerequisites: Introduction to Graphic Design and a typography course such as Typography 1 or Essential Typography, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Note: This is not a computer class. However, students should have some computer experience, plus access to a computer with Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, or similar graphics programs.

Strengthen and expand your automotive design techniques through the application of color pencil, markers, chalk and gouache. Over the course of completing two portfolio-quality design projects, you’ll explore advanced surface indications, warm and cool lighting and shading, and vehicle proportions. You’ll also learn basic vehicle packaging, product planning and strategy, corporate brand imaging, basic feasibility issues and other industry information. Bring your portfolio to the first class meeting. Prerequisite: Introduction to Product and Transportation Design, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Interested in portrait, fashion and fine art photography? Gain new insight into your work and enhance your technical, conceptual and personal perspectives. In this intermediate-level course, your assignments will focus on the psychological challenges involved in photographing individuals. Examining both historical and contemporary developments you will find which photographers inspire you, discover what they’re doing, and understand how they’re doing it. You will also create a personal series of images with the goal of integrating your newfound perspectives on light, narrative, intention and exploration. Prerequisite: Basics of Photography or Basics of Digital Photography or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Explore both historical and current digital techniques involved in fine art printmaking and image production. Develop an increased appreciation for, and knowledge of, printmaking processes such as intaglio, silkscreen, woodcut and lithography, as well as alternative photographic techniques that include photoengraving, salt printing and cyanotype. Course includes weekly demonstrations, assignments, presentations and group critiques. Individual projects will emphasize independent thought, creativity, problem solving and technical ability. Class size is limited. Prerequisite: open to beginning- to intermediate-level students but previous coursework in art, design or photography is strongly recommended.

ACX students enrolled in Printmaking Studio may purchase additional lab time to use the printmaking facilities outside of their scheduled class hours. Lab time is optional and is limited to specific days. Please contact the ACX office for additional details or to purchase lab time.

Develop technical skills and a conceptual understanding of contemporary collage. Set up artistic problems and explore your own creative ideas. This course will cover color mixing, collage (traditional and non-traditional), medium transfer, acetone transfer, painting, drawing, patching and stencil techniques, hand mono-printing, found objects and sculpture. Group critiques and visits to local galleries and museums will enrich and broaden your perspective. Open to students of all levels.

Sharpen your conceptual problem-solving abilities as you explore various mediums and techniques— acrylic, watercolor, mixed-media—to illustrate ideas for magazines, newspapers and books. Projects will be editorial in nature; later projects can be selfdirected to reflect individual interests or portfolio needs. Visit artcenter.robertpastrana.com for more information. Prerequisite: some prior drawing experience required.

Learn the creative process of conceptualizing iconic characters for the entertainment industry, focusing on research, acting, gesture, psychology, storytelling, originality and other crucial technical aspects of character design for animation. Please
note that although this course uses character design methodologies from the world of animation, students will not be animating in this class. This course will focus primarily on hand-sketching with live models provided during class. This is an ideal course for aspiring students who are preparing admissions portfolios for the Character Animation track of ArtCenter's Entertainment Design program. Prerequisite: Introduction to Figure Drawing or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Since the beginning of history, humans have used imagery to signify concepts, beliefs, and ideas. Explore the universality of visual vocabularies and how artists have used images of the earth (stone), animals and geometric forms (the circle) in some of their most powerful pieces. Create four interpretive surrealist paintings based on a group of artists who use symbolism in their work, including René Magritte, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, Wassily Kandinsky and Joan Miró. Readings from Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung will enhance your understanding of the subject matter. Prerequisites: Basic drawing and painting skills are recommended.

Delve into a world of color! Explore color theories, how color is created, color as a cultural tool and the history of color photography. Examine technical and practical issues such as color balance, additive and subtractive systems, proper color correction, color management and lighting. Classroom discussions will cover a diverse group of artists, including Alfred Stieglitz, William Eggleston, James Welling, James Turrell, Lita Albuquerque, Anish Kapoor, Mark Rothko and Yves Klein. Prerequisite: Basics of Digital Photography or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Access to a camera (digital preferred) with manual exposure and color balance controls is required.

What visual information do we include or exclude to best express what is essential? How do we make choices and allow our individual voice to speak? In this class, we’ll consider how compositional structure influences meaning and examine works by a variety of historical and contemporary artists. Work directly from still-life setups to see shape, color, value and the space they occupy. Media includes collage made from painted papers (as well as found papers), charcoal, ink, acrylic and/or gouache, as well as monotype printing (students will receive a supply list prior to the first class). Demonstrations and critique are woven into the course. Prerequisite: Some painting experience recommended.

3D software has increasingly become a powerful concept design tool. This seven-week introductory-level course covers both the basics of Blender, a free and open source 3D creation tool, and conceptual design foundations such as iconic shape, detail level, and contrast. Weekly projects explore hardware modeling based on real world references; architecture/set design; and Blender’s ideation design process and real-time rendering engine. For the final project, create and model a robot of your own design. Prerequisite: intermediate- to advanced- digital skills. Students required to provide their own digital tools (PC laptop with 3-button mouse recommended; Mac is OK.) Access to ArtCenter’s computer labs is not available.

This intensive skills-based course will introduce you to a range of techniques associated with fiber arts, including the basics of crochet, knitting, frame-loom weaving, natural dyeing, and hand- and machine-sewing. Through readings and classroom discussions, you will learn how artists who work with fiber address issues of processes and materials, as well as ideas involving labor, value, sexual politics, political activism, and consider the ever-shifting relationship between craft and art.

Join designer Debra Valencia in this one-day workshop as she shares some of her favorite tips and tricks for successful needlework projects.  You will sew 20+ popular embroidery stitches to create unique lines, fills, textures and affects in the form of a color wheel stitch sampler. Everyone takes home their project to complete, as well as an instruction guide for later reference. Debra is the author of 7 book craft titles including Free Spirit Stitching and Embroidered Lettering. All levels welcome! All materials included. Pack a lunch to eat during break.

Bring your art and design projects to life in ArtCenter’s Technical Skills Center while learning the best and safest application of materials such as polystyrene, urethane foam and plastic, silicone rubber, polyester resin and fiberglass. This seven-week hands-on course provides an introduction to the techniques that will allow you to develop and execute well-crafted display models and gain an increased awareness of 3D form. Become familiar with many of the tools and materials used for a variety of design projects. Exercises include wood lathing, vacuum forming and single part RTV mold-making. No prerequisite.

“Please note: an additional date for “Shop Safety Demos” will be required for all students enrolled in Materials and Modeling – date to be determined, but it will most likely be one Saturday early in the term.”

Interested in pursuing surface design professionally? This course will help you develop a signature style and give you an opportunity to work at a deeper level on various themes. By the end of the course, you will have completed 14 collections (one per week) and built a full portfolio suitable for presenting to potential clients or for applying to jobs in the industry. Prerequisite: Introduction to Surface Design.

Expand your knowledge of dynamic vehicle design, increase your understanding of the creative process, and break away from some of the traditional methods of industrial design. Explore a unique and personal approach to the design process while focusing on quick and conceptual mini-projects relevant to the changing world and its evolving views on transportation. Contemporary issues such as battery-electric and other alternative fuels will be explored. In addition to demonstrations and lectures, a series of discussions on vehicle history, innovative packaging and future trends will also be included. This "out of the box" approach to vehicle design and creative conceptualization makes this 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.

Want to become an automotive designer? In this off-campus course—strongly recommended for beginning designers—you will learn the fundamental design principles and procedures, industrial drawing techniques, and presentation methods of the transportation design field. In-class discussions will cover careers, opportunities and the role and responsibilities of the professional industrial designer. Class meets in Los Angeles (mid-Wilshire area). Enrolled students will receive location address and details via email before the term begins.

Explore 3D paper engineering mechanisms used in the publishing world—everything from children’s pop-up books, pull tabs and novelty board books to pop-up greeting cards and fine art installation environments. In this 10-week course, you will animate your ideas using paper as your surface and tool, learn techniques to create movement from 2D to 3D, and develop a concept proposal ready for submission to your specific genre. Pre-press production and publishing submission requirements will also be covered. Skills learned can be applied across a range of disciplines, including entertainment, illustration, graphic design, fine art, product and environmental design.

A versatile 3D modeling software package, Rhinoceros 3D features an easy-to-adapt tool set that makes the learning process more intuitive. Unlike surface modelers, Rhino uses NURBS to create fast and accurate geometry, allowing you to focus on design and not worry about surface inconsistencies. This course will provide you with enough information to start modeling in Rhino and to utilize its Grasshopper visual programming language for extensive parametric capabilities. Prerequisite: Digital Design 1 or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

In this course that builds upon the design fundamentals and presentation techniques covered in Introduction to Environmental Design, you will develop your individual voice and design two projects that convey layered messaging. Learn
to distill the essence of abstract concepts and translate them into physical form to define specific emotional experiences and brand philosophies. Our focus will be on creating portfolio-quality presentations using scale models and drawings, and may include temporary full-size installations and mockups of micro-environments. Several field trips will be planned based on design events, exhibitions and location availability. Prerequisite: Introduction to Environmental Design 1 or by
permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Are you a DIY home improvement enthusiast who would rather give up your firstborn than let anyone else design your dream project? Then this hands-on introduction to “architectural thinking” workshop is for you. Through brainstorming exercises like mind mapping, collage and 3D diagramming, you will become familiar with the range of tools an architect employs while moving from concept to solution. No prerequisite other than a desire for self-expression.

In order to get noticed and build a long-term creative career, freelancers and artists must develop their own distinct, marketable brands. In this course ideal for creative entrepreneurs, aspiring creative professionals, designers, photographers, illustrators and artists, you will explore your aspirational goals, core values and distinct approach as the basis for designing your visual brand identity. You will focus on crafting and presenting a consistent visual message relevant to clients, collectors or patrons. Approaches to marketing, content creation, curation and establishing authorship will be explored. No prerequisite.

There is more to meditation than mindfulness. For the creative mind, there is also awareness, insight and vision. In this four-part series, you will explore how to connect better to the world through your senses and learn how to use meditation and meditation-in-action to create space for something new to arise. Readings and field trips will enhance your understanding of the practice. The series will continue in Summer 2020 with Parts 3 and 4 (dates TBD). Required textbook: Place Your Thoughts Here: Meditation for the Creative Mind.

There is more to meditation than mindfulness. For the creative mind, there is also awareness, insight and vision. In this four-part series, you will explore how to connect better to the world through your senses and learn how to use meditation and meditation-in-action to create space for something new to arise. Readings and field trips will enhance your understanding of the practice. The series will continue in Summer 2020 with Parts 3 and 4 (dates TBD). Required textbook: Place Your Thoughts Here: Meditation for the Creative Mind.

Change is inevitable. By some accounts, Americans today will have seven or more career changes during their working lives. Whether big or small, all career changes involve introspection, risk assessment, and consideration of the impact your
decisions will have on those you care about most. In this information-packed, vital and enlightening course you will have the opportunity to examine the pros and cons of past employment, deep dive into what motivates you, and create a plan to confidently move on to the next level. Discover your unique purpose, redefine your goals, and connect with a growing network of talented people who are living their dreams.

Uncover the methods that artists, designers and copywriters use to grow their creativity. In this one-day workshop you will gain a better understanding of the creative process, simplified—from idea to final execution—and how it differs from what most people do today. Learn how to produce a wide range of potential solutions for visuals and/or the written word and how to put yourself in a creative state of mind. Discover the differences between creative play and creative problem solving, and why both are necessary. Open to students and working professionals interested in advertising, illustration, fine art, graphic design, photography, film and product design.

During this jam-packed one-day seminar, instructor Dana Hursey will discuss "the business"—how to launch your photography business and keep it growing. Hursey will share his insider's knowledge and business practices on the day-to-day operations of running his company. Topics will include business considerations, needs and professional practices, equipment, estimating, production, pre- and post-production, invoicing and getting paid. Please bring your portfolio to class. Class meets off campus in the Pasadena area. Enrolled students will receive address and directions.

So, you’ve completed Crafting a Meaningful Career 1? Now go to the next level! In this course, you will define your goals; create your vision and mission
statements; identify your market; research the impact of your concept in the marketplace; develop fee structures; and market your concept. To provide
you with a road map to success, you will begin the process of creating either a business plan or life plan. Meet with fellow classmates each week to
refine and add value to your concept and discover how others have met the challenges of creating a new way of life. Prerequisite: Crafting a Meaningful
Career 1.

Picture book illustrators tell stories with pictures. Finding your unique voice is crucial to unlocking those stories, yet it’s also one of the biggest hurdles you’ll face as an upcoming illustrator. In this visual storytelling course, we will see how narrative picture-making offers a direct route to this process of discovery. By learning how to define yourself to yourself, you will move toward a more personally satisfying, creative and marketable illustration voice. Prerequisite: Basic picture-making skills recommended but not required.

Explore the abstract visual principles and processes underlying all traditional art. In this course, we will examine formalist art theory and the rise of modernism, deep space versus flat space, monumental space, and color versus field painting. We will also examine traditional abstraction, contemporary painters, and work in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic and oil. Invited artist speakers will share their techniques and processes. In-class exercises will help you discover your psychological space and tap into the creative process. The final project will include a painted visual diary. Prerequisite: Introduction to Painting or equivalent, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Curious about letterpress printing? In this weekend workshop, you will be introduced to the technique and discover how to use type as object, character and pattern. Learn the basics of letterpress printing, press fundamentals, typographic concerns,
impression, and inking control. Create a one sheet or broadside by choosing a thematic jumping-off point and creating either a character or a non-language based visual story. Explore work by letterpress icons like Kurt Schwitters, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy
and Bradbury Thompson for inspiration. At the end of class, you will print an edition large enough to share as a folio of prints.

You’ve labored over your work. Now learn how to protect, sell and license it. This intensive seminar covers a full range of intellectual property issues, including the language used in contracts that affects the license, sale and creation of designs
and other original works. We will cover the basics of copyright law; fair use and copyright defenses; trademark law and registration; maintaining trademark rights and avoiding infringements; and patent law. Bring in a sample of your work, and we
will practice filing a copyright application, searching the availability of a trademark and filing a trademark application.

Explore the art of letterpress printing in this hands-on workshop. In this course—a great introduction to setting and printing metal type—you will take advantage of the more than 2,500 drawers of foundry type in the Archetype Press collection. Learn
how to: lead; space; use a pica rule and a composing stick; lay out the California Job Case; mix ink; and operate a Vandercook proof press. Set, proof and print multiple copies of a poem or a few lines of text.

Understand how images—whether successful or not—work to convey the intended meaning of the artist/designer to a desired audience. Rather than asking what images mean, the emphasis of this course will be to provide you with a basic visual vocabulary or rhetoric in order to understand how images work in a variety of contexts. In other words, you will learn the rhetoric—a form of persuasion that produces an intellectual and physical transformation in the viewer—of visual communication. Prerequisite: Writing Studio or completion of a college-level English composition course with a grade of B or better. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Are your abilities as an artist and professional expanding? In this course, you will be introduced to major design principles as well as to contemporary and historical art and design references. Our emphasis will be on problem-solving processes, analytical thinking and craftsmanship via compositional and color exercises. This course provides a solid foundation for students interested in graphic design, illustration and advertising. Enrollment for ACX students is limited. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Transferable for prospective Graphic Design, Illustration and Advertising majors.*

Are your abilities as an artist and professional expanding? In this course, you will be introduced to major design principles as well as to contemporary and historical art and design references. Our emphasis will be on problem-solving processes, analytical thinking and craftsmanship via compositional and color exercises. This course provides a solid foundation for students interested in photography and fine art. Enrollment for ACX students is limited. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Transferable for prospective Photography and Fine Art majors.*

In this course, you will be introduced to the interdisciplinary relationships among the arts, intellectual and scientific thought, technological progress, and social and political events from the mid-19th century through the 1960s. Through extensive visual material, primary source texts and class discussion, we will examine the changing perceptions of reality and the corresponding modes of representation in the visual arts, performing arts and literary arts in the modern industrial age.

Prerequisite: Writing Studio or completion of a college-level English composition course with a grade of B or better. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Learn how to capture and express ideas visually and how to compose a sequence of images with notes to explain a specific idea or tell a compelling story. Using hand skills—basic pencil sketching, Rapid Vis marker sketching, perspective drawing and painting with Photoshop—learn how to draw the figure in a narrative context (interacting with the environment and objects), get an understanding of the basics of proportions and foreshortening, and experiment with a variety of media. Enrollment for ACX students is limited. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Transferable for prospective Graphic Design majors.*

Enhance your understanding of the inherent characteristics of a variety of materials in order to explore their best applications for art or design projects. Broaden your understanding of creative problem solving, originality and analysis of visual
information. Assignments in this foundation-level course will be experimental to allow you to discover innovative solutions to the development of form, structure and texture. Materials may include wood, plastics, plaster, metal and paper. Topics of
instruction will include the safe operation of woodworking and some metalworking machines, techniques of mold-making and material safety. Enrollment for ACX students is extremely limited. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served
basis. Transferable for prospective Fine Art and select Illustration majors.*

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the principles of engineering that guide the development of automobile design and manufacture. This course covers automobile functionality and gives an overview of the demands placed on the design process. Prerequisite: Writing Studio or completion of a college-level English composition course with a grade of B or better. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

A lack of knowledge of artistic materials is one of the greatest obstacles to creativity and a successful art career. In this course, we will discuss the physical and chemical properties of Western and Eastern art materials and how to select the right tool for the job. Learn how to unlock creativity using a vast array of materials and how to create a lasting work of art
while protecting your health. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

In this course, we will explore the impact of overpopulation, urbanization, pollution, politics and environmental activism on the land, oceans and atmosphere. Topics include endangered species, biodiversity, human overpopulation, animal rights,
deforestation, desertification, toxic waste, global warming, ozone depletion, wetland destruction, ocean threats and overgrazing. Learn to interpret complex environmental issues and be better prepared to have your work, whether fine art or
design, reflect the urgent nature of global concerns. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Visual perception—both observation and interpretation—ranges from the mere detection of objects to the construction of reality and assessment of meaning. In this course, we will study the anatomical structures involved in seeing—the eye and the visual cortex—and the neuropsychological aspects of visual perception related to “normal” seeing, including characteristics of the visual field, the perception of color and brightness, the recognition of faces and the perception of depth. We will also look at the psychological processes relevant in visual perception, including attention and selection, seeing emotional content and the relation between seeing and thinking. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Explore how the aesthetic and technical development of the cinema (from 1941 to the present) defined, refined and changed the nature of the medium and the way we see in the context of historical, cultural, political and socio-economic determinants/influences. This course will also examine the ideas, implications and ramifications of important trends, movements, styles, genres, theories and directors. Finally, through intensive analytical analyses of the ways in which the formal elements of design of the image are manipulated for expressive purposes, learn how to really "see" and more fully
experience the full potential of cinema.

Prerequisite: Writing Studio or completion of a college-level English composition course with a grade of B or better. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Dreams create an experience of meaning. In this multidisciplinary course, we will explore the science of dreaming, the structure of a dream, and the way “dream logic” informs the work of writers, artists and filmmakers. Learn about the physiology of sleep and sleep disorders and the neurology and phenomenology of dream content. We will discuss earlier ways of analyzing content (i.e. Freudian analysis) as well as the contemporary scientific understanding of the narrative structure of dreams. We will also explore how artists translate dreams into artistic expressions and how artistic works can be accessed through the methods used in making meaning in dreams. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Over the next 100 years, mankind will find itself in a life or death race. Can we develop the technology
needed to achieve a sustainable society before we either deplete the Earth’s resources or irrevocably
damage the environment? In this course, we will explore the science of sustainability, including topics
such as climate change, alternative energy, relationships between poverty and sustainability,
and the future of the car. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Explore intermediate/advanced techniques of 2D/3D motion graphics using Cinema 4D and Adobe's Creative Suite of applications (i.e., After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator). Develop a stronger understanding of the importance of generative
animations through key framing, coded animations and storytelling. This course is part of ArtCenter's undergraduate Graphic Design program. Enrollment for ACX students is extremely limited. Seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Prerequisites: Motion Design 1 and 3D Motion Graphics, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Videography and
a strong foundation in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is also required. Transferable for prospective Graphic
Design and Illustration/Motion students.*

If cities are collections of spaces and places shaped by human activity, are 21st-century cities the cure for today’s challenges? Or the cause? In this course, we will examine key issues of urban life, both past and present. We will explore the forces determining the proliferation, expansion, and even the decline of the urban form; study the connections between housing, transportation and urban politics; and spotlight the modern city in the global context by linking the urban to processes of migration, investment and environmental impact. We will also examine how people studied cities in the past and explore how might we study them now. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Learn to sew, advance your current sewing skills, or get help with your apparel and soft goods projects in this multi-level course. By the end of week 14, you will have completed one or more projects. Come to the first class with a proposal and sketches of your idea. This course is part of ArtCenter’s undergraduate Product Design program. Enrollment for ACX students is limited. ACX students will have access to the home sewing machines in class. Access to industrial machines will only be considered upon successful completion of all training.

** Please note: The first class meeting of this course will be JANUARY 18, 2020.**

The dictionary defines an entrepreneur as “a person who organizes, operates and assumes the risk for
a business venture.” However, an entrepreneur is also a true innovator who recognizes opportunities
and organizes resources to take advantage of those opportunities. This course will provide you with all
the necessary tools to complete a fully integrated business plan. Harvard Business School case
studies will be reviewed and referenced so that you can learn from the challenges that real companies
faced on the road to success. At the end of the course, you will present your business plan to an
invited group of venture capitalists during a special presentation. Transferable* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Go beyond the normal curriculum and discover where creativity and mathematics meet in this informative exploration of higher mathematics and theoretical physics. Under the direction of a supervising instructor, study Cantorian infinity, group theory, algebraic and geometric topology, and black holes. This "Alice in Mathematics Land" journey ends with a study of two of the richest, most exciting current research areas today—string theory and hologram theory. Grades will be based on a series of reflection papers and a final PowerPoint presentation based on a mathematics topic of the student’s choosing. Prerequisite: high school algebra. Transferable.* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.

Seeing, visualizing and dreaming are closely related—they are all perceptual experiences. In this course, we will explore visual imagination and its related neurological mechanisms. We will compare imagination with other visual experiences; via brain scan and brain lesion studies, examine visualizing, both in its normal state and in its disorders; and, through psychological studies, investigate the role of visualizing and other forms of imagination in cognition. And since visualizing is a private experience, we will look at phenomenological analyses and compare them with first-person knowledge. This course will also explore what happens when we externalize the visual imagination in sketching, drawing or painting. Transferable.* *Not applicable to current ArtCenter degree students.