DS210 Illustration I
In this basic introduction to the broad field of illustration, problem solving, creativity, effective communication and aesthetics are explored through the working process common to the professional. Drawing and other visual skills are defined and refined through exploration of various media and style solutions. Visual solutions will emphasize appropriate and inventive application of formal elements.
The field of illustration is a unique amalgamation of ideals from fine art and design. Like the designer, the illustrator’s duty is problem solving – solving someone else’s problems. Illustrators work with editors and art directors to create imagery that visually communications a specific message clearly. Like fine artists, illustrators seek to find their personal artistic voice with which to communicate, developing style from their own aesthetic concerns, personal experience or political conviction.
This course will provide students with the skills necessary to solve complex visual problems and develop a personal approach to concept and image. Daily lectures and exercises will focus on the illustration process, tracts within the field of illustration, professional practices of illustrators, media techniques, drawing and analysis of successful student and professional work.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: F113/F115

DS211 Illustration II
In this further journey into the world of illustration, students will start to streamline and refine their work ethic, using the working process they were introduced to in Illustration I. As before, drawing and other visual skills are defined and refined through exploration of various media and style solutions. Visual solutions will emphasize appropriate and inventive application of formal elements. Professional presentation of work will be emphasized.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS210

DS212 Illustration Media
Illustration Media is a comprehensive exploration of medias and their application to the process of 2D and 3D communicative illustration. Emphasis is placed on the development of technical skills and the creative concepts related to traditional and emerging media. Student gain the ability to analyze applications, media and techniques, assess and develop a working process that will produce the desired effect and be able to execute the selected technique to successfully solve the original problem.
Attention is paid to the sharpening of technique and conceptual skills. Media to be explored are: pen and ink, watercolor, gouache, inks, dyes, pastel, colored pencil, acrylic paint, linocut, collage, in addition to other selected media.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: F113/F115

DS213 Illustration Media
Illustration Media is an exploration of media and their application to the process of communicative illustration. Emphasis is placed on the development of technical skills, creative concepts, and experimentation with traditional and non-traditional media.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: None

DS214: Figure Drawing for Illustrators
Figure Drawing for Illustrators is an in depth study of the figure and it’s relationship and application in contemporary Illustration. Course work and assignments will focus on a thorough understanding of anatomy through observation, personal expression, and practical application to Illustration. Traditional and non-traditional drawing methods will serve as the vehicle for exploration.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisties: F113/F115

DS215: Advanced Figure Drawing for Illustrators
Advanced Figure Drawing for Illustrators is an in depth study of the figure and it’s relationship and application in contemporary Illustration. Course work and assignments will focus on a thorough understanding of anatomy through observation, personal expression, and practical application to Illustration. Traditional and non-traditional drawing methods will serve as the vehicle for exploration.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisties: DS214

DS230 Computer Studio I
This course is an introduction to the use of the computer and essential software as tools for the visual communicator. In Computer Studio I, students become acquainted with the Macintosh computing platform by engaging in an intensive and thorough exploration of the software/hardware commonly used by designers and artists. Through demonstrations and experimentation, students will learn the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop (as well as other design/utility applications) and their roll in print media and digital pre-press.
This one semester, three credit course is designed to introduce sophomore level communication design students to the Macintosh computing environment as a tool, and perhaps as a medium, for concepting and composing visual communications. An introduction to basic computer functionality will take place, followed by directed projects which will introduce students to working with Quark Xpress and Adobe Illustrator software to produce communication design solutions that may be successfully taken to press. The incorporation of the graphics applications platform as a foundative element in the process of design will be explored. This course has not been conceived and will not be taught merely as a means by which students will learn these two software applications. Rather, the course structure will stress me use of this software as a means to engaging in the design process, as a method for creating graphic communications that may be output as press ready film, laser comps, or output directly to a digital press.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: None

DS231 Computer Studio II
Computer Studio II will build upon skills and techniques developed in Computer Studio I. Through demonstrations and exploration of tools available in Photoshop, students will develop a thorough understanding of photo manipulation software and some of its uses for the visual communicator. In addition to Photoshop, students will learn basic skills associated with Flash and ImageReady.
The course will include demonstrations, exercises, quizzes, and projects. Though texts will be used to supplement student learning, this course is not a self¬-guided tour and instruction on a day to day basis is a necessary component of the class.
Along with the teaching of the software application, course content should allow for the integration of basic design principles, including hierarchy, compositional arrangement and typographic form. Critiques will be an integral component of these classes and grading should consider how the students integrate the design principles discussed.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS230

DS310 Illustration III
Illustration III expands on the skills learned in Illustration I and II while stressing the importance of the professional working process. Visual thinking as it applies to the field of communication is explored, with an emphasis on creative problem solving.
The primary focus of this course will be to develop your personal sensibilities regarding the field of illustration and how these sensibilities can best be applied. In addition to focusing on conceptual growth and technique, we will also address issues of professional practice, including portfolio development, markets, contracts, copyright, freelance business practices, self promotion techniques, production requirements and ethical guidelines.
Students will be required to develop a self directed series of at least 6 pieces during the semester. This series must have some conceptual link. This series will provide the student with a forum to work with one idea over an extended period of time, and hopefully influence the student's perception and practices as an illustrator.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS211

DS311 Illustration IV
Illustration IV expands on the skills learned in Illustration I, II and III while stressing the importance of the professional working process. In Illustration IV, you will refine individual approaches to problem solving and visualization and bridge the gap between student and professional illustration.
Emphasis is put on conceptual and critical approach to the visualization process. A continuous exploration of media and techniques will strengthen and individualize a student’s formal skills.
The focus of this course is to refine your personal sensibilities regarding the field on illustration and determine how these sensibilities can best be applied. The aim is not to acquire standard styles but to find areas of interest and media forms that best complement your idiosyncratic conceptual and formal “handwriting.”
The course will again integrate image and text within a design context to promote a comprehensive understanding of the role of the illustrator, the art director, and the designer. You are required to think beyond the content and aesthetics of an image and consider the formal and conceptual context of its application.
Projects in class will mimic the diversity of the profession and require you to develop flexibility and sensitivity to the needs of a particular client. Issues of professional practice will be addressed, including portfolio development, markets, contracts, copyright, freelance business practices, self-promotion techniques, production requirements and ethical guidelines.
To broaden your knowledge in the field of illustration and to better understand trends and demands of the market, you are required to give a presentation either on a contemporary or a historical illustrator that has excelled in the field of illustration.
To investigate the illustration market and determine your individual strengths and their suitability to specific fields, you are required to develop a client list that is appropriate to your illustration style and interest.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS211

DS313/412/413 Illustration Seminar I, II, III
The seminar offers an overview of the illustration field. Each semester consists of a series of seminars presented by practicing professionals representing a cross-section of the field. Specific deadlines, one-on-one interaction and an evaluation of performance by outside professionals prepare students for entry into the illustration field.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS310 and DS311

DS410 Illustration V
This course is presented to those students exhibiting a solid understanding of technical skills, creative attitude and high motivation. Its goal is to prepare students to enter the field of professional illustration by ensuring that they are well versed in all necessary marketable skills. Each student is required to begin to develop a professional portfolio. Preparation, selection of work and overall portfolio organization are dealt with individually.
This is a final step in breaching the wall between the art student and the Professional Illustrator.
Projects will cover a wide variety of illustrative assignments; emphasis is given to the contrast of needs, which presently exist in the illustrative marketplace. Students are required to address this issue through the diversity of projects assigned. Additionally, students will be presented with the opportunity to illustrate assignments for clients outside of the Institute.
Coursework emphasis will assist the students’ comprehensive understanding of the communication process. Verbal communication skills along with visual communication skills enhance the professional relationship established between illustrator and client.
First semester coursework will focus primarily on the evolution of a personal portfolio for each illustration student, revealing all facets necessary for a clean, precise presentation of artwork.
Supplementary studies shall include review of: contracts and negotiations, copyright and ownership of original art, artist’s representatives, freelance business practice, and discussion of ethical guidelines within the field of illustration.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS311

DS411 Illustration Thesis
Illustration Thesis is the final course of study in the Illustration program at MIAD. Each student is required to submit a written proposal and timeline for an Illustration Thesis project reflecting the primary interests and career goals of the illustrator. The thesis proposal will encompass a specific project utilizing the student’s skills and knowledge with the intention of fully exploring the student’s abilities within a specific field of illustration. Course work and assignments will focus on the execution and completion of the thesis project and a portfolio of the student’s illustrations for professional presentation and final review at the Senior Exhibition. Participation in the Senior Exhibition is required.
Projects will offer a variety of assignments geared toward production of promotional materials employed in the production of a professional illustration portfolio. Additionally, a major Illustration Thesis project, counting has one half of the student's grade, will be chosen by the student with emphasis on the individual strengths, interests and direction of the student's artwork. Students will be expected to execute the Illustration Thesis project for theoretical clients gathered through research of the potential market for their art.
Coursework will emphasize the student's facility for research, comprehension, understanding, and execution of visual communication between the artist, client, and the prospective audience.
Upon completion, students will be required to submit a portfolio for review, to no less than three actual clients, art buyers, advertising agencies, art studios, or publications. In addition, students will organize and direct market no less than ten packages promoting their illustration to potential out of town clients.
Supplementary coursework shall include production of promotional materials with attention to both content and style. Practices will be reviewed as pertain to contracts and negotiations, billing, copyright and usage rights, artists' representatives, stock illustration issues, and discussion of ethical guidelines pertaining to the business of illustration.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS410

DS490/491 Intern Elective
This internship is an off-campus learning experience which provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge, theories, skills, and techniques learned in the classroom to the working environment.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: None

DS499 Visual Resources and Applications
In this course, students will encounter diverse opportunities to apply their theoretical and practical training as communication designers and illustrators to professional projects. The projects intended for actual publication (print and digital) are completed for a variety of non-profit client organizations. Students who wish to enroll in this course must apply to the Dean of Design.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Prerequisite: Second-semester junior or senior standing.