Illustration Level 1

The Illustration Level 1 certificate provides students with the necessary skills to create both traditional and digital illustrations focusing on visual communication and narration. Utilizing industry standard techniques, students will generate a professional portfolio for advancement in the field and employment. The certificate requires a total of 18 units and courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Total projected annual completers:  30

The goal of the Illustration Level 1 certificate is to prepare Illustration students to successfully communicate their ideas visually. Upon completion of the Illustration Level 1 certificate, the student is prepared to illustrate and design successful narrative illustrations utilizing the elements and principles of design. The courses required for this certificate are designed to provide students with the skillset necessary to successfully enter the Illustration field.

The course of study includes traditional and digital techniques focused on visual storytelling that prepare students to work in a variety of styles for employment in multiple fields. The program will provide business insights on how to price, market, and promote their illustrations to gain the necessary skills to work as a freelance illustrator.

The Illustration Level 1 certificate provides students with the necessary skills to create both traditional and digital illustrations focusing on visual communication and narration. Utilizing industry standard techniques, students will generate a professional portfolio for advancement in the field and employment. The certificate requires a total of 18 units and courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Students who successfully complete the program will be able to:

Synthesize elements and principles of design with illustration skills and techniques in varying pictorial formats that range from simple to complex in achromatic value and color.

Develop skills in the use of tools and materials, which are common to the field

Recognize, analyze and interpret the expressive and creative qualities of art media in a work of art as it affects compositional decisions.

Use value to describe form and express light logic.

Utilize quick study drawing skills through visual notes and personal studies as a basis for planning larger extended works of art.

Create original illustrations that interpret the visual world.

With this certificate, students will have gained the skillset necessary to pursue entry-level employment for a career path within the following job descriptions:

1) Advertising illustration

2) Technical Illustration

3) Cover artist

4) Character Designer

5) Fashion Illustration

6) Publishing

7) Toy design

8) Poster and print media

9) Caricature/portrait artist

10) Packaging design

The Illustration program recently joined the CEA department and became a part of the Graphic Design and Illustration program (GD&I). The program currently offers 4 courses including Illustration, Illustration 2, Visual Development, and Dynamic Sketching. The program collaborates with several disciplines within CEA as well. It shares Visual Development with Animation as it is a cross-listed class.

Los Angeles City College

Pasadena City College

Rio Hondo College

Citrus College

Long Beach City College

Total projected annual completers:  30

This is not a program modification.