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Summer registration begins
April 1
Lighting Design

Lighting Design

ACX-263

Explore lighting design through hands-on experimentation. In this course – which meets on campus and emphasizes a resourceful, innovative approach to materials, form and lighting technology - you will quickly make several experimental and functional lights. For the final project, you will develop a light – from drawing to mock-up, to final fabrication. Field trips, guest lectures and presentations will cover a variety of topics including LED, interactive and high-the lighting; neon and glass; an insider’s view of the lighting industry; and modern and contemporary lighting design. Previous coursework in spatial experience, environmental or product design is recommended, but not required. Meets on campus.

Image Credit: Student work from Lighting Design

work by Ricardo Rodriguez

Collage and Mixed Media

ACX-372

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.

 

Image Credit: Work by Ricardo Rodriguez

work by Yukie Funni

Intermediate Graphic Design

ACX-332

Integrate typography and images to editorial 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: Intro to Graphic Design and a typography course such as 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.
·       Spring 2024 and Fall 2024: class will meet in-person at ArtCenter's South Campus;
·       Summer 2024: class will meet remotely via Zoom.

 

Image Credit: Work by Yukie Funni

Head and Hands

Head and Hands

ACX-168

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: Intro to Figure Drawing or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Meets online.

Image Credit: Work by Samantha Li

Creative Sketchbook Workshop

Creative Sketchbook Workshop

ACX-356W

Develop creative ideas, imagery and your own personal style, all within a sketchbook format. The sketchbook is the most unintimidating place to explore and is the perfect vehicle for creating the seeds of future projects. It can also become a fascinating work of art unto itself. In this inspiring one-day workshop we will explore a variety of media and creative exercises, including collage, evidence journaling and collaboration. Great for beginners or beleaguered professionals longing for some creative fun. Bring a new sketchbook, pencils and a box lunch. Optional supplies: Collage materials/found papers,
acrylic paints, inks, brushes, pastels, glue sticks, aluminum foil and blow-dryers. Meets on campus. Offered Summer term only.

Image credit: Work by Cindy Hernandez

Online Registration

We've updated our online registration process. Browse through our catalog of courses on this page. During registration, follow the link below this message to start the registration process. See Calendar for registration dates.

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ACX-001L
0 Units $125
Printmaking Lab (additional)
Concurrent enrollment in ACX-367 Printmaking Studio is required. To purchase this optional lab time, first register for ACX-367 Printmaking Studio, then contact the ACX office for additional instructions.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-007
2 Units $830
Design 360
Interested in art or design but not sure where to start? Want to sample each major offered at ArtCenter? In this course, you can sample several of the art and design disciplines offered in ArtCenter's degree program-creative direction, graphic design, photography, filmmaking, contemporary art, illustration, product design, spatial experience 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 adults new to art or design or those seeking to expand their creative horizons.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-009
2 Units $830
Introduction to Figure Drawing
The ability to draw the human figure is a vital skill for academic and professional success in many areas of art and design. This course is an essential first step for those planning to study fine art, animation, illustration, costume design, character design and concept design. While working from a model and photo resources, examine the elements of drawing the human figure and the principles of composition; and develop observational drawing skills by investigating proportion, form and gesture. Charcoal, graphite pencil and various other mediums will be used.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-020
2 Units $830
Introduction to Painting
This course will provide an in-depth presentation of the fundamentals and motives of painting. Both traditional techniques and contemporary attitudes will be explored, with an emphasis on color, composition and form. Students will engage in a series of exercises using simple subject matter and will study the human figure to learn painting principles and develop creative approaches. Some prior drawing experience is recommended but not required.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-020W
0 Units $415
Direct Painting: Figure
This online workshop is designed for students with some painting experience who are seeking to reconnect with paint, color and composition. Working from live models as well as personal photo sources, students will develop compositions using various means and media. Short slide presentations will suggest a direction for the project and will cover some of the following artists: Richard Diebenkorn and Henri Matisse, Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas, Edward Hopper and Susan Lichtman. Demonstrations and group discussions round out the course.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-030
2 Units $830
Intro to Graphic Design
Explore the process of problem solving for graphics through realistic design projects. Please note that this is not a computer class but rather a course in which you will be introduced to the fundamental approaches to graphic design as you develop your conceptual process, design skills and presentation techniques. Logotypes and a range of other design projects will be assigned. Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that you have access to a computer and some experience using Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-060
2 Units $830
Intro to Spatial Exper. Design
This foundation course will introduce you to the broad range of possibilities within spatial experience design, a discipline that focuses on a holistic and experiential approach to designing spaces, objects and images. Class projects will range in scope from the design of overall immersive spaces to the detailed elements that define them, focusing on the design and integration of furniture, lighting, materials and graphics. Building of basic skills in concept development and visual communication (including drawings, models and other media) will be covered. Weekly presentations and lectures on significant artists, designers and architects will also take place. Visiting design professionals will provide tangible insight into career paths within spatial experience design.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-069W
2 Units $415
Digital Painting
Digital painting offers us a wide variety of tools. How should one use them? In this 7-week course, students will learn to approach their digital paintings with intentionality and fluidity. Using Photoshop, fundamentals of composition, color, light, and visual storytelling will be covered, along with techniques for a smooth digital workflow. Ideal for students interested in concept art or illustration. Prerequisite: some traditional painting experience plus previous Photoshop experience, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Required equipment: access to a computer with Photoshop, a Wacom tablet or cintiq, and a digital camera to take reference photos.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-070W
0 Units $495
Art 360
Interested in exploring contemporary art but not sure where to start? Dive into several methods of art production in this hands-on course designed to expand your conceptual development, technical skills, and awareness of the art-based processes offered in ArtCenter's undergraduate Art program. Explore principles and meaning as you experiment with a variety of disciplines including sculpture, painting, drawing, collage/mixed media, and installation. One or two field trips to local galleries will be included. An ideal course for those interested in exploring ArtCenter's approach to contemporary art, students developing portfolio projects, and anyone seeking ways to expand their creative horizons and develop an art practice.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-079W
0 Units $200
Procreate Workshop
Designed with creative professionals and aspiring artists in mind, Procreate, the leading creative app made for iPad and iPhone, is a portable art studio that allows you to create sketches, illustrations, animations, and paintings. This intensive workshop introduces you to Procreate's unique features and intuitive creative tools. An ideal workshop for anyone interested in fashion design, wearable product design, surface and textile design, entertainment, illustration and storyboarding. Prerequisites: painting and drawing skills; Photoshop skills recommended. Required: access to an ipad or iphone, Apple pencil, and current version of Procreate.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-086
2 Units $475
Product Design: Basics
Housewares, appliances, electronics, toys, soft goods, sporting goods, tools, lighting and other lifestyle products are just some of the items that product designers create. This seven-week crash course is designed for beginners looking to learn basic industrial sketching and fundamental design processes through hands-on projects and is ideal for anybody interested in exploring educational and career opportunities in product design fields.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-106
3 Units $960
Perspective
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

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-114W
0 Units $415
Plein Air Painting
Experience plein-air landscape painting and examine the technical and formal issues of the genre. Painting on location, you will see how landscape is more than subject matter-it is 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. Off-site 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.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-128
1 Units $415
Mastering Color, Art & Design
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.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-139
2 Units $830
Sketching for Designers
This course will develop your personal sketch style and confidence to communicate your ideas using a variety of media, including pencils, pens and markers. The class introduces sketch techniques for 2- and 3-dimensional subjects with projects ranging from type indication and logo design to form development and object design. Class is ideal for students interested in studying design and creatives who need to brush up on freehand drawing skills. The class will progress through many demonstrations and students will engage in a series of projects based on simple subject matter.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-142
2 Units $830
Basics of Digital Photography
Take command of your digital camera and get the results you want! Whether you're just beginning with photography or need a refresher, this course will get you started from the ground up. We will cover basic camera functions, proper exposure, depth of field, composition, lighting and the challenges of shooting in a digital world. We will spend a significant portion of the course focusing on the use of Adobe Lightroom for image adjustment, delivery and asset management. Note: This is not a Photoshop class. A digital SLR camera with manual exposure adjustment capabilities as well as access to a computer with Lightroom are required.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-175
2 Units $830
Essential Typography
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.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-200
3 Units $960
Intro to Interaction Design
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.*

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-229W
0 Units $525
Comic Book Illustration
Learn the ins and outs of comic books 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.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-256
2 Units $830
Introduction to Package Design
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.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-258W
0 Units $595
Surface Design 1
In this beginner level course, explore styles and techniques used in surface design and discover the limitless possibilities - and career opportunities - of this burgeoning arena! Review case studies, product categories beyond textiles, and themes in demand by manufacturers. Digitally scan hand-drawn artwork as well as digitally draw and paint patterns. Live demos by instructor include setting up accurate repeat patterns, changing colors, scale and textures. Assignments include developing coordinated surface design collections from concept through refinement, and applying designs to product mock-ups. The final outcome is a portfolio comprised of 9 collections. This is an ideal course for students seeking to pursue surface design professionally, as well as graphic designers, illustrators, interior designers or fashion designers expanding their skills. Prerequisites: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator (intermediate level proficiency); basic drawing, color theory, and design; or by permission of an Art Center advisor. (Formerly titled Intro to Surface Design.) NOTE: class will not meet September 25 and October 2, 2023 but will still meet for 12 sessions.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-367
2 Units $830
Printmaking Studio
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 a specific day. Please contact the ACX office for additional details or to purchase lab time.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-454X
2 Units $830
Intro to Wearable Product Des.
This new design course allows you to explore wearables, soft goods and fashion through the lens of product design. Projects can include: bags, footwear, fashion or functional apparel. Projects focus on all stages of the product design process: brainstorming, trend research, market research, fashion/product sketching, form/material experimentation, and problem solving with the final goal to create a finished sample. In-class discussions will cover careers and opportunities.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-463
2 Units $830
Introduction to Concept Design
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 the undergraduate Entertainment Design program at ArtCenter or for those interested in how concepts are created for entertainment-oriented projects. Prerequisites: Intro to Figure Drawing and Perspective, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Formerly ACX-045 Intro to Entertainment Design.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-466W
0 Units $495
Discovering the Artist's Way
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.  Kathleen is passionate about opening up inner pathways to potential and healing to discover the creative self, and the creative unconscious.  She excels at creating potential space, process and insight to nourish the inner landscape of self. Kathleen has a psychotherapy practice in Pasadena and teaches workshops on Dreams and The Artist's Way at ArtCenter.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-538
2 Units $830
Intro to Creative Direction
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.)

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-539W
0 Units $415
Still Life Painting Fast/Slow
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 ArtCenter counselor.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-561W
0 Units $220
Protect, Sell and License
You have 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.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-629
1 Units $415
Transportation Design: Basics
So you want to design cars? Learn fundamental design principles and procedures, industrial design drawing techniques, and presentation methods used in the transportation design field as you work on a luxury sedan project. This seven-week course is ideal for anybody interested in designing vehicles or exploring educational and career opportunities in transportation design.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-630
1 Units $415
Transportation Design: Process
Learn to apply more advanced design processes while working on an electric SUV project in this seven-week course designed for students who have completed Transportation Design: Basics. This is an ideal course for students interested in applying to ArtCenter's transportation design program-the class project will be suitable for use as part of an application portfolio. In-class demonstrations of more advanced rendering and presentation techniques will also be covered. Prerequisite: Transportation Design: Basics or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-640
2 Units $830
Blender for Designers
3D software has increasingly become a powerful concept design tool. This introductory-level course covers the basics of Blender, a free and open-source 3D creation tool, with a focus on transportation, product design, world-building and illustration. Weekly projects explore design foundations such as iconic shape, detail level, contrast, and hardware modeling based on real world references, Blender's ideation design process, and real-time rendering engine. Prerequisite: beginning to intermediate digital skills, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor. Students required to provide their own digital tools (PC laptop with 3-button mouse recommended; Mac is OK.)

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-659X
0 Units $960
Apparel Patternmaking 2D-3D
Learn the basic principles of patternmaking by flat pattern manipulation and draping on dress forms. Create a sample book of flat pattern manipulation for a variety of designs including construction of a basic sloper and selected samples. Course will culminate with an introduction to CLO, the 3D patternmaking software currently used in the industry. Prerequisite: successful completion of ACX-878X Sewing Lab, or test on machines for those with sewing experience.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-660W
0 Units $225
Letterpress for All
Whether you're a beginner, or you already have some ink under your nails, this course offers you an opportunity to design, hand-set and letterpress print your own unique broadsides, cards, notes or gifts using Archetype Press' extensive collection of wood and metal foundry type, ornaments, dingbats and decorative rules. If you're a novice, you will be introduced to the basics of hand-set typography and letterpress printing on the Vandercook proof press.For planning purposes, please register for this workshop Jan 23.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-699C
0 Units N/A
Designing Advocacy: Createca
Special course for Create CA students. Students will learn Procreate and Illustrator, drawing from their personal experiences in order to maximize community connection and apply their newfound design knowledge to advocate for arts education. The goal is to empower students with comprehensive knowledge of the design process and how to translate that into powerful visual messaging. The designs created will help to mobilize youth learning to speak for their own education. A virtual gallery will showcase student art as part of the program culmination. Students will meet virtually weekly from January through April 2023. Create CA will disseminate final student work across communications platforms, which includes 18,000 individuals on our newsletter list and 14,000 followers across our social media platforms.

Meeting Times: N/A

ACX-878X
0 Units $830
Sewing Lab
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. Required: ACX students will need access to a sewing machine at home.

Meeting Times: N/A

GPRT-406X
3 Units $1245
Font Design 2

Meeting Times: N/A

PHOT-104X
3 Units $960
Composition (Photo + Imaging)
In this class, you will examine the fundamental elements of pictorial construction and learn to apply them through a series of assigned projects. These projects will be based on one or more of the compositional problems examined in class and will give you an opportunity to exercise and apply these compositional concepts. Assignments will begin with simple principles and, as you learn to juggle more complicated material, increase in complexity. Subject matter will include still life and figural work. This course is part of ArtCenter's undergraduate Photography + Imaging program. Enrollment for ACX students is limited. Eligible for transfer credit for prospective Photography + Imaging majors with a grade of B or better. Not applicable to current ArtCenter students. Prerequisite: PHOT-102X Concept plus Basics of Digital Photography, plus previous experience and access to Photoshop and Lightroom, or by permission of an ArtCenter advisor.

Meeting Times: N/A

TDS-342X
3 Units $960
Portrait Recon
The Portrait Reconsidered course is designed to unpack contemporary portraiture's history, context, and nuances across various artistic mediums. We will discuss several themes, such as the selfie, surveillance, agency, and provocation, in relation to the portrait. Students will hear from various voices through workshops, lectures, field trips, and open dialogue. At the end of the 14 weeks, students should have gained the knowledge and skills to develop projects around critical concepts put forward in the class.

Meeting Times: N/A