Animation, Ages 14-18
Design your own characters and learn how to animate them in this interactive studio. In this course, students create original characters, develop their visual storytelling skills, and learn basic principles of animation. The class will look closely at the relationship between movement, time, and animation, unpacking frame rates, principles of animation, and walk cycles. Working with an expert animator, students experiment with both hands-on and digital animation approaches, explore the history of animation, and learn about animation as a career. Students will experiment with finding their own voices and styles through the medium of animation, creating many short pieces and a final short animation. This course requires access to an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (not included).
Fashion Design, Ages 14-18
Design and visually communicate your original ideas for fashion in this design studio. An expert in the field of fashion guides you in developing and interpreting your research and concepts to the creation of drawings and presentations at an introductory level. You’ll explore a variety of making skills to interpret original ideas for fashion from 2D to 3D using traditional and non-traditional techniques and materials such as paper draping, material handcraft manipulations, and basic hand or machine sewn mockups. A sewing machine is not required. The creative process, trends, and careers are further explored in virtual visits by industry professionals.
Illustration, Ages 14-18
Learn the fundamentals of illustration in this design studio. Illustrators are visual thinkers who create comics, graphic novels, computer and film animation, video games, children’s books, graphics for skateboards, images for magazines and newspapers, and many other kinds of visuals. This course introduces students to the types of projects contemporary illustrators work on and guides them to develop and hone their illustration skills and style. Students may use Adobe Creative Cloud (subscription not included) or free/inexpensive graphic design apps (to be suggested in class) for course projects that may incorporate a digital component.
Portfolio Development, Ages 14-18
This course focuses on portfolio development strategies for students who are in the process of applying to colleges of art and design. We will explore what a portfolio is, share examples, and discuss how it can be a powerful tool to convey your creative voice. Through skill-building exercises, experimentation, and research-based projects, students develop a personal vision and learn what is expected in a portfolio. Workshops and critiques inform students about best practices for documenting and presenting finished projects. Students gain skills in communicating about their work in group discussions and learn to offer feedback to peers through critique. Course projects will allow students to iterate on previous work and/or to create new pieces. This course will help boost your confidence as you prepare to click submit on your college application. Prerequisite: previous art and design experience.