Skip to Section
Submitter's Information
Randy Bryant
Dean of CTE and Workforce Development
Bay Area
De Anza College
CTE Dean
Randy Bryant
Log in to view CTE Dean's Email.
Program Details
Illustration
New Program
Graphic Art and Design (103000)
09/20/25
Our Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Illustration, meticulously designed to immerse you in the
captivating world of visual storytelling. At our community college, we recognize the intricate
interplay between traditional and digital mediums, offering a comprehensive program that
seamlessly integrates both realms to equip you with the following skill sets. Foundational
Techniques: Begin your exploration with fundamental techniques in drawing, painting, and
composition, laying the groundwork for your artistic endeavors. Delve into the principles of
design, color theory, and perspective, mastering traditional mediums such as pencil, ink,
watercolor, and acrylic. Digital Illustration: Transition into the digital sphere as you learn to
harness the power of industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and
Procreate. Discover the versatility of digital tools in creating illustrations with precision and
efficiency, from concept sketching to final rendering. Narrative Development: Dive deep into the
art of visual storytelling, honing your ability to craft compelling narratives through imagery.
Explore cultural relevancy, character development, sequential art, and storyboarding
techniques, cultivating your unique voice as an illustrator. Mixed Media Integration: Embrace the
synergy between analog and digital mediums as you experiment with mixed media approaches.
Blend traditional hand-drawn elements with digital enhancements, pushing the boundaries of
creativity to new heights. Professional Practices: Navigate the professional landscape of
illustration with confidence, learning essential business skills such as portfolio development,
client communication, and self-promotion. Gain insights into freelance opportunities, illustration
markets, and industry trends, preparing yourself for a successful career path.
Course ID Annual # Sections
Annual Enrollment
Total
Annual # Sections Annual Enrollment Total
2021-22 22-23
D001A INTRO TO VISUAL ARTS 26 1317 26 1318
D004A BEGINNING DRAWING 15 398 17 428
D004B INTERMEDIATE DRAWING 3 80 2 53
D004C LIFE DRAWING 2 56 2 54
D008. TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN 7 193 7 187
D012. DESIGN AND COLOR 5 117 4 99
D053. INTRO GRAPHIC DESIGN:
VECTOR
6 188 6 180
D054. INTRO GRAPHIC DES: DESIGN
IMAG
3 90 3 90
D086. GRAPH DES: DIGIT ILLUST
TECHNQ
1 35 1 28
D063. GRAPH DES: PORTFOL/BUS
PRACT
1 39 1 29
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
- A.A. Degree (A)
Prepare students for careers as professional illustrators in a variety of industries by providing comprehensive training in both traditional analog and
digital illustration techniques.
Objective 1: Mastery of Technical Skills
Students will develop proficiency in traditional analog illustration techniques, including drawing, painting, and printmaking, as well as digital
illustration tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate.
Objective 2: Creative Expression and Visual Storytelling
Students will cultivate their creative voice and narrative skills, learning to effectively convey concepts, emotions, and stories through their
illustrations.
Objective 3: Integration of Analog and Digital Mediums
Students will learn to seamlessly combine analog and digital mediums to enhance their artistic versatility and meet the demands of modern
illustration projects.
Objective 4: Career Readiness and Professional Development
Students will gain practical skills in portfolio development, client communication, and project management, preparing them for entry-level positions
as illustrators or freelance artists.
Objective 5: Adaptability and Innovation
Students will stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in illustration, fostering a mindset of adaptability and innovation to remain
competitive in the evolving industry landscape.
Objective 6: Collaboration and Communication
Students will develop effective collaboration and communication skills, essential for working in multidisciplinary teams and effectively interacting
with clients and colleagues.
Objective 7: Ethical and Cultural Awareness
Students will explore ethical considerations in illustration, including issues of representation, diversity, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring their work
reflects social responsibility and respect for diverse perspectives.
Objective 8: Portfolio Development and Presentation Skills
Students will compile a professional portfolio showcasing their best work and develop presentation skills to effectively market themselves to
potential clients or employers.
By achieving these objectives, students will be well-equipped to pursue careers as professional illustrators in fields such as publishing, advertising,
digital media, and entertainment, with the necessary skills and competencies to succeed in a competitive industry environment.
Course Units and Hours
51-52
51-52
90
Course Report
Complete all of the following
ARTSD001A - Introduction to the Visual Arts 4
ARTSD004A - Beginning Drawing 4
ARTSD004B - Intermediate Drawing 4
ARTSD004C - Life Drawing 4
ARTSD008. - Two-Dimensional Design 4
ARTSD012. - Design and Color 4
ARTSD053. - Introduction to Graphic Design: Vector Illustration 4
ARTSD054. - Introduction to Graphic Design: Digital Imaging 4
ARTSD063. - Graphic Design: Portfolio and Business Practices 4
ARTSD086. - Graphic Design: Digital Illustration Techniques 4
List A: (Total 7-8)
Complete the following number of units: 7-8
ARTSD004D - Representational Drawing 4
ARTSD014A - Watercolor Painting I 4
ARTSD015A - Acrylic Painting I 4
Program Distance Education
No Value
Program Apprenticeship
No Value
Program CDCP Eligibility Criteria
No Value
Program Employment Potential
No Value
Program Code
No Value
Curriculum Office Notes
No Value
ARTSD016A - Oil Painting I 4
ARTSD057. - Graphic Design-Visual Communication: Typography 4
F/TVD017G - Introduction to 3D Computer Animation: Modeling 4
F/TVD067A - Principles of Animation: 2D Media 4
F/TVD070A - The Storyboard and Visual Development for Animation 3
List B: (Total 4)
Complete the following number of units: 4
HUMID001. - Creative Minds 4
HUMID006. - Popular Culture 4
HUMID016. - Arts, Ideas and Values (Being Revised)
n/a
Supporting Documents
Bay Area Regional Questions
CTE & Transfer
None
We contacted the deans and faculty of our neighboring colleges and received no objection.
Submission Details
04/23/25 - 09:15 AM
Recommended
Return to Drafts
Please list the reason(s) for returning "Illustration". to Randy Bryant's drafts. This message will be sent to bryantrandy@fhda.edu
Comments, Documents, Voting
Comments
All Comments
Jeff Pallin · 05/27/25
I may be confused - the units seem very high for both the certificate and the degree.