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MAJORS Classes
Students choose one area of concentration from:
ANIMATION
The MAJORS Animation is an intense investigation of kinetic forms through the act of observational drawing, digital manipulation and pencil testing. This visual exploration begins with a concentration of kinetic objects and environments, and intensifies with further investigations of life forms. Students will experiment with non-traditional approaches toward animation by utilizing constructed sets and the human body as an animated object. The course stresses the importance of observing, comprehending and portraying the correct perception of motion and kinetics into an animated form. Critical animation principles will be covered through both investigations as participants create individual and group animated shorts. Each student will participate in a final screening and also transfer a portfolio of their work onto a DVD.
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ARCHITECTURAL EXPERIENCE
In the first two weeks, students interested in architecture or interior architecture benefit from the broad exposure to the design of the built environment. The course addresses issues related to building design and space planning. Students study existing architectural examples and gain first-hand knowledge of the design process through the design of small scale and human scale projects. Students are also introduced to standard drafting techniques, including computer-aided drafting (CAD), three-dimensional model-making and the basics of building construction. Located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward and near the downtown area, MIAD is ideally situated to take advantage of the city’s rich architectural heritage. Visits to local historic and modern buildings, and to professional architectural and interior design offices, serve to introduce students to the professional working environment.
The third week provides a unique cross-disciplinary experience. Students work with MIAD Professors and students from the Interior Architecture and Industrial Design Departments on a common project that will demonstrate the collaborative nature of these studio areas in the professional world.
DRAWING/PRINTMAKING
Drawing is the oldest and most immediate form of visual expression. This course will offer an intense exploration of the most fundamental issues found at the core of drawing practice. Students will receive a thorough instruction in the technical aspects of media, tools, and papers. Learning to “see with understanding”, will help develop the ability to read shape and value patterns correctly. An investigation of the drawing process and its priorities will be coupled with an exploration of formal concepts relevant to drawing such as composition, the relationship between the 3-D and 2-D space, gesture, and mark-making. Building upon the strong relationship that exists between drawing and printmaking, this course will offer a user-friendly introduction to printmaking techniques of intaglio and monotype. Together, drawing experience combined with the elements of printmaking, will give each student a rich and multileveled exposure to the art of drawing.
THE FIGURE IN SPACE
This course involves in-depth investigation of the figure and how the concept of space can affect the expressive qualities of the human form. With a multi disciplinary approach, a variety of genre/media will be explored which may include drawing, sculpture, photography, video and installation. The focus will be on concept development derived from working with models on a daily basis and the effective execution of ideas through skillful technique and imaginative probing. Discussions, daily critiques, slide presentations, field trips, and guest artist visits will broaden students’ visual and verbal vocabulary necessary to communicate effectively. All figure models are unclothed. Written parental consent is required.
View animation from Majors program: Small (1 mb) | Medium (56 mb)
GRAPHIC DESIGN (COMMUNICATION DESIGN)
This course is an introduction to fundamental elements of visual expression using both traditional design materials and the computer. Issues of line, shape, value, texture, space and form are investigated in both theoretical and practical terms. The course broadens student understanding of graphic design in terms of concept, methods and materials. With knowledge of basic graphic design principles, students learn to use the computer creatively as a design tool. Projects will evolve from experimentation with type and image, as well as concept-driven problem solving.
ILLUSTRATION
Students in this course use disciplined drawing and design skills to create images that convey specific messages to viewers. Using contemporary illustrative techniques, students create book, product and editorial illustrations. A variety of media is used including: watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, inks, dyes, collage, and computers. Ideas and methods that encourage talent development and higher levels of creative thinking are introduced. Students learn how to approach an actual work assignment, following the sequences necessary for the professional illustrator to complete a job.
PAINTING
This course in painting provides a professional foundation in techniques, methods and substances of the medium. All aspects of painting are introduced and explored: media, canvas preparation, alla prima and glaze techniques, as well as stain and mixed media techniques. Assignments emphasize color, composition and volume in both representational and abstract modes. Individual assignment parameters are expanded to provide appropriate outlets for self-expression, visual understanding and media competence. Class critiques, professional exhibition reviews, and slide lectures will augment class assignments.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The photography course is designed to develop personal vision and style while instruction in professional and advanced black and white darkroom techniques is explored. Students are intensely involved with the technical and aesthetic concerns of digital, and black and white photography. Students bring their own digital cameras to use, but are provided the use of 4x5 view cameras, the fundamental tool of the commercial studio photographer. Assignments emphasize personal visual statements, documentation, lighting and studio techniques. Computer technology and the electronic manipulation of photographic images through Adobe Photoshop are introduced.
PRODUCT DESIGN: TOY AND CHARACTER CREATION
In the first two weeks, students will learn the basics of product development through the creation of toy or character design. From initial concept to a final full-sized sculpted model, the design process will include drawn concepts, a full computer graphic layout of the proposed design solution, 3D model, and creation of the final toy or character design. Group and individual critiques will foster students' analytical thinking about work they have produced while acquainting them with "the critique" as a respected and fundamental part of design process at the college level.
A third week provides a unique cross-disciplinary experience. Students work with MIAD Professors and students from the Interior Architecture and Industrial Design Departments on a common project that will demonstrate the collaborative nature of these studio areas in the professional world.
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