Art Degrees Online

Illustration is an art form. It’s a demanding medium of expression and communication. CVA illustration majors direct their creative intentions within a demanding curriculum that prepares them for professional practice and a lifetime of art making.

A sequence of six successive courses defines the illustration core curriculum. A three-semester immersion in digital, interactive and new media technology compliment these offerings and bring illustration majors up to speed with an ever-changing profession. Each illustration course builds on the skills and knowledge developed in its predecessor.

After completing their foundation year, illustration majors begin a specialized study of the basics. Emphasis is placed on improving drawing skills and exploring a variety of traditional and digital media. Process is stressed and students are challenged to find creative solutions to problems involving space, medium and content.

Advanced, digital and applied illustration courses encourage students to experiment in many disciplines and to become innovators with their own art making. They explore the connections between illustration and graphic design, typography and printmaking, painting and photography, and personal expression.

A studio practicum, internship opportunities, and a course in professional practice augment the curriculum. Combined with liberal arts coursework in illustration history, art history, aesthetics, math, humanities, and the natural and social sciences, these courses anticipate a final year capstone experience that includes a demanding studio and seminar thesis and professional portfolio development.

Students can customize advanced course content and the capstone experience to reflect their interest in a variety of creative mediums, among others, that include cartooning and character development, graphic novels, merchandising, animation, and editorial, publication, and book illustration.

Graphic design at CVA embraces traditional and new media practice, theory, and technology in the pursuit of crystal clear information management. Students express their conceptual talents within a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes typography, information architecture, and cutting edge interactivity.

Students begin by mastering the foundations that define all higher education and professional graphic design. These classes prepare students for a unique three-course immersion in the fine art and craft of typography and three courses in applied graphic design practice. Computer hardware and software proficiency training wraps around these classes and progresses through a separate five-course sequence of study and practice in new and emerging digital mediums including interactive usability.

A studio practicum, internship opportunities, and a course in professional practice augment the curriculum. Combined with liberal arts coursework in graphic design history, art history, aesthetics, math, humanities, and the natural and social sciences, these courses anticipate a final year capstone experience that includes a demanding studio and seminar thesis and professional portfolio development.

All graphic design course content is cumulative and successive. Each class builds on the strengths and skills developed in its predecessor. Early sequential courses are structured to stress advanced craft, theory, process, and technical skills designed to ensure refined success in a student’s advanced application-based project work. Advanced courses and the capstone experience may be customized to reflect individual interests, among others, in package design, publication design, advertising, signage and exhibition design, new media, web and interactivity, motion graphics, and corporate branding identity.

The photography curriculum is intended to prepare students for careers in photography—industrial, commercial, portrait, lab technician—and management of photographic services. The curriculum provides a balanced aesthetic and technical foundation for entry into the professional field or for further study. Completion of the curriculum requirements leads to the award of the A.A.S. in photography

A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows; part-time students should consult an adviser.First Semester
EN 101 Techniques of Reading and Writing I 3
Health foundation 1
PG 150 Photography I
OR
PG 161 Introduction to Digital Photgraphy 3
TR 104 Media Appreciation 3
Natural sciences lab distribution 4

Second Semester
AR elective 3
English foundation 3
Mathematics foundation 3
PG 201 Photography II 4
PG elective* 3

Third Semester
PG 214 Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4
PG 265 Color Materials and Processes 3
PG elective* 3
Speech foundation 3
Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3

Fourth Semester
AR, GD, or PG elective* 3
PG 260 Black-and-White Materials and Processes 3
PG 275 Business Practices and Portfolio Development 3
PG elective* 3
Elective 3

Total credit hours 61

* Choice of electives must be approved by a photography adviser.

Program Outcomes for the Photography A.A.S. Degree

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
Utilize current digital imaging technology to produce photographic images for use in commercial or academic applications.
Use and/or understand traditional photographic applications that include film and print processes.
Utilize a wide variety of lighting applications for use in studio, architectural, fine art, and varied commercial environments.
Pursue academic research that involves complex evaluations of photographic ideas and applications for commercial and/or fine art purposes.
Consciously employ complex aesthetic strategies as applications in visual problem solving methodologies.
Design and implement a business development strategy appropriate to the student’s desired field of expertise in photography.
Develop advanced testing methods for traditional film and print processes including the production of archival, black and white portfolios.
Create and implement complex production strategies that require interdisciplinary applications of image production. These interdisciplinary applications with photography may include television production, web design, computer graphics, or gaming.
Demonstrate an understanding of the complex, inter-relationships of interdisciplinary applications of education including a project related appreciation for global culture.

Electronic Photography Certificate (R): 193
Revised: Effective Semester – Spring 2009

This certificate curriculum is intended to upgrade skills for currently employed individuals or to provide new skills for a change in job specialization. It provides basic black-and-white and color photography skills, and techniques in electronic photography and digital imaging as they apply to the modern business of professional photography.PG 150 Photography I 3
OR
PG 161 Introduction to Digital Photgraphy 3
PG 201 Photography II 4
PG 214 Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4
PG 230 Advanced Image Editing and Correction 4

Total credit hours 15

Program Outcomes for the Electronic Photography Certificate

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
Utilize current digital imaging technology for image capture and editing and advanced image output for both print and web applications to produce photographic images for use in commercial, fine art or academic environments.
Utilize a wide variety of lighting applications for use in studio, architectural, fine art and varied commercial environments.
Pursue academic research that involves evaluations of photographic ideas and applications for commercial and/or fine art purposes.
Consciously employ aesthetic strategies as applications in visual problem solving methodologies.

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Photographic Techniques Certificate (R): 194
Revised: Effective Semester – Spring 2009

This certificate curriculum is intended to upgrade skills for currently employed individuals or to provide new skills for a change in job specialization. It provides basic and advanced black-and-white and color photography skills, covering both the technology and image production used in professional photography.PG 150 Photography I
OR
PG 161 Introduction to Digital Photgraphy 3
PG 201 Photography II 4
PG 260 Black-and-White Materials and Processes 3
PG 265 Color Materials and Processes 3

Total credit hours 13

Program Outcomes for the Photographic Techniques Certificate

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
Use traditional photographic techniques that include black and white film and print processing.
Develop advanced testing methods for traditional film and print processes including the production of archival, black and white portfolios.
Demonstrate advanced expertise with traditional camera formats that include medium and large format film cameras.
Demonstrate advanced expertise in the development and execution of complex color strategies for use in commercial or fine art photographic applications.
Create an advanced color image portfolio in either print or electronic form for use in commercial or fine art applications.
Utilize a wide variety of lighting applications for use in studio, architectural, fine art and varied commercial environments.

Photography Master Certificate (R): 196
Revised: Effective Semester – Spring 2009

This certificate curriculum is intended to prepare students for careers in photography—industrial, commercial, portrait, lab technician—and management of photographic services. It provides a balanced aesthetic and technical foundation for entry into the professional field or for further study.PG 150 Photography I 3
OR
PG 161 Introduction to Digital Photgraphy 3
PG 214 Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4
PG 201 Photography II 4
PG 260 Black-and-White Materials and Processes 3
PG 265 Color Materials and Processes 3
PG 275 Business Practices and Portfolio Development 3
PG electives* 9
Elective selected from advertising art, art, computer applications, computer graphics, physics, printing, or television/radio disciplines* 3

Total credit hours 32

* Choice of electives must be approved by a photography adviser.

Program Outcomes for the Photography Master Certificate

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
Utilize current digital imaging technology to produce photographic images for use in commercial or academic applications.
Use and/or understand traditional photographic applications that include film and print processes.
Utilize a wide variety of lighting applications for use in studio, architectural, fine art and varied commercial environments.
Pursue academic research that involves complex evaluations of photographic ideas and applications for commercial and/or fine art purposes.
Consciously employ complex aesthetic strategies as applications in visual problem solving methodologies.
Fully design and implement a business development strategy appropriate to the student’s desired field of expertise in photography.
Create and implement complex production strategies that require interdisciplinary applications of image production. These interdisciplinary applications with photography may include television production, web design, computer graphics, or gaming.

Portrait, Fashion, and Photojournalism Certificate (R): 172
Revised: Effective Semester – Spring 2009

This certificate curriculum is intended to upgrade skills for currently employed individuals or to provide new skills for a change in job specialization. It provides basic black-and-white and color photography skills, and advanced skills in the photography of people in the photojournalism, portrait, fashion, and illustration professional fields of photography.PG 150 Photography I
OR
PG 161 Introduction to Digital Photgraphy 3
PG 201 Photography II 4
PG 210 Photojournalism 3
PG 251 Portrait and Fashion Photography 3

Total credit hours 13

PHOT 030—Beginning Photography 3
PHOT 053—Introduction to Color Photography 3
PHOT 151—Professional Photography: Intro. 4
PHOT 152—Professional Photography: Portraiture 4
PHOT 153—Professional Photo: Product & Advert. 4
PHOT 154—Professional Photo: Interior & Exterior 4
PHOT 156—Portfolio Development 3
PHOT 170—Beginning Digital Imaging 3
ART 006—Design Principles in 2-Dimensions 3
Select 3 units from one of the following 3
PHOT 056—Photojournalism & Documentary Photo.
PHOT 031—Intermediate Photography
PHOT 057—Special Projects
PHOT 155—Professional Photo: Travel Photo.
Total Required Units: 34

As of Fall 2008 we will be offering a total of six skill sets in the following areas, three of which are currently being rolled out:

Active – spring 2008:
Motion Graphic Design (2d digital animation)
3d Digital Modeling
3d Texturing

To be added – Fall 2008:
3d Character Setup
3d Character Animation
Digital Sculpture

Industry professionals will be teaching classes in all areas. Yes, the cost of a single semester long course is $60.00!! All skill sets are intended to be taken over a 4 semesters (for most students two years) and are aimed ad providing students with entry level artist skills. Please download this .rtf which provides a detailed description of each course.
Motion Graphic Design Sequence
Semester 1 – Photo 121: Imaging with Photoshop 1
Semester 2 – Art 220: Introduction to Motion Graphics, Photo 125: Special Effects with Photoshop
Semester 3 – Art 221: Advanced Motion Graphics
Semester 4 – Art 247: Portfolio Development

Digital Modeling Sequence
Semester 1 – Art 230: Introduction to Maya
Semester 2 – Art 231: Inorganic Modeling
Semester 3 – Art 232: Organic Modeling
Semester 4 – Art 247: Portfolio Development

Texturing Sequence
Semester 1 – Art 230: Introduction to Maya, Photo 121: Imaging with Photoshop I
Semester 2 – Art 237: Texturing I, Photo 125: Special Effects with Photoshop
Semester 3 – Art 238: Texturing II
Semester 4 – Art 247: Portfolio Development

Character Setup Sequence
Semester 1 – Art 230: Introduction to Maya
Semester 2 – Art 233: Kinematic Set-Up of Digital Characters
Semester 3 – Art 234: Advanced Character Set-Up
Semester 4 – Art 247: Portfolio Development

Character Animation Sequence
Semester 1 – Art 230: Introduction to Maya
Semester 2 – Art 235: 3d Character Animation
Semester 3 – Art 235: 3d Character Animation (repeatable)
Semester 4 – Art 247: Portfolio Development

Digital Sculpture Sequence
Semester 1 – Art 230: Introduction to Maya
Semester 2 – Art 245: Digital Sculpture I
Semester 3 – Art 246: Advanced Digital Sculpture
Semester 4 – Art 247: Portfolio Development

ANIM 103 Introduction to Video Art 3 CR
In this film video art course, students will learn basic video operation, cinematography, and non-linear editing with Mac, Final Art, Movies, DVD, and DVD Studio programs. Emphasis will be on comprehensive understanding in the art of the movie image. Students will be challenged to develop their own ideas and showcase skills and techniques. Lab Fee
ANIM 104 Introduction to Sound, Recording, and Editing 3 CR
This sound, recording, and editing class will teach basic studio sound recording, on-site sound recording, composing sound, and digital sound editing. Lab Fee
ANIM 233 Introduction to 2-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
Students will study the basic principles of animation with an emphasis on the analysis of motion. An overview of the evolution of animation techniques will provide the student with examples of independent film work from early productions to the present day. Students will develop an understanding of basic animation terminology and will complete several individual animation exercises, as well as work on a group project. Appropriate software will be discussed and introduced within the context of each exercise. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 233E Introduction to 2-D Animation Techniques 0 CR
Same description as ANIM 233. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 234 Introduction to 3-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
This course will explore the foundations of 3-D animation environments, as well as animation techniques unique to digital imagery. Students will develop a series of projects using software designed for the Internet, as well as other 3-D computer-based platforms. Projects will explore a variety of possibilities for 3-D interactive design. Special regard will be given to portfolio development. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 234E Introduction to 3-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
Same description as ANIM 234. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 235 Intermediate Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 234. Character development in a variety of methods will be explored by students in this course in order to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation for the effect of strong visual techniques, Further depth in the concepts of storyboards and production design will be explored. Students will learn layout scenes around character action, work with camera fields, deal with issues of composition, and create mood. While advance instruction on the principles and concepts of character development will be used, students are encouraged to develop their own aesthetic. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 235E Intermediate Animation 0 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 234 or 234E. Same description as ANIM 235. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 236 Advanced Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 235 or 235E with a grade of “C” or higher. Using the techniques developed in the first three animation courses, the student will complete an animated project demonstrating knowledge of both 2-D and 3-D animation techniques, through motion studies, storyboard composition, character development, refinement of timing, use of exposure sheets, and basic lip-synch techniques. Final projects will be retained electronically for portfolio development. Other current technology will be introduced to direct the shooting, digitization, and efficient inclusion of the project into interactive formats. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 236E Advanced Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 235 or 235E with a grade of “C” or higher. Same description as ANIM 236. [48-48-96] Lab Fee