Course Descriptions

This immersive program is designed for aspiring animators who want to delve into the world of 2D animation. Over the course of several weeks, students will utilize Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Photoshop, Animate, or After Effects to explore the essential techniques and principles that bring stories and ideas to life through motion. The course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to create engaging animations from start to finish.

Students will work with industry-standard software to develop their animation skills, focusing on key areas such as character design, timing, motion, and storytelling. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on workshops, and project-based learning, participants will build a strong foundation in 2D animation, preparing them for more advanced studies or entry-level work in the animation industry.

Students will be introduced to the exciting world of 3D modeling and animation through hands-on projects and industry-standard software, such as Maya and Blender. Introduce the fundamentals of creating 3D assets, from initial concept to final animation. The course is designed to equip students with the skills to model, texture, and animate 3D characters or objects. By combining technical instruction with creative problem-solving, students will gain a deeper understanding of how 3D models come to life in games, films, and other media. Students will leave the course with a portfolio-ready 3D animation project, as well as a foundational understanding of how 3D modeling and animation are used in various creative industries.

A foundational course designed for students who are new to drawing or wish to strengthen their basic drawing skills*. This summer course guides students through the essential techniques and principles of drawing, offering a comprehensive introduction to the art of seeing and translating what is observed onto paper.

The course covers a range of topics, including the use of linework, shape, form, texture, and shading to create depth and dimension in drawings. Through a series of hands-on exercises and projects, students will learn how to represent objects from life, explore different drawing techniques, and develop a strong foundation in visual perception. The course emphasizes seeing the world through an artist’s lens and expressing it effectively on paper. Students explore various drawing mediums, such as graphite, charcoal, and ink, and will practice drawing from life and imagination. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the basic elements of drawing and the confidence to pursue further artistic stud as well as a solid portfolio of pieces.

*Note this is comparable to a college-level beginning drawing course

Students will be introduced to hands-on learning as they explore the expressive and technical aspects of ceramics and sculpture. Over the course of several weeks, students explore various methods of working with clay, including hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing.. There will be emphasis on both the artistic and practical dimensions of ceramics and sculpture, allowing students to develop an understanding of 3D design, form, and space while refining foundational skills.Through creative projects and demonstrations, students gain practical experience and develop their skills in creating both functional and decorative ceramic and sculptural pieces.

This introductory class is designed to immerse students in the fundamentals of creating compelling, original characters for animation. This course focuses on the art of character design, exploring the essential elements that bring animated characters to life. Through hands-on projects, students learn how to develop unique characters with distinct personalities, visual styles, and narrative purposes. Although there will be an option to work with digital tools, this course will work primarily with traditional media (paper, pencils, brushes and acrylic paint). By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in character design, equipping them with the skills needed to create memorable characters that resonate with audiences.

A continuation designed to build upon the foundational skills acquired in the first course, Character Development and Design for Animation and Entertainment I. This course delves deeper into the intricacies of character design, focusing on complex character creation, advanced design techniques, and the integration of characters into detailed environments, storyboards, and scenes. Students explore how to design characters that not only look compelling but also interact meaningfully within a narrative context. By the end of the course, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of how to bring fully realized characters to life in a variety of animation settings.

Concept art delves into the development of characters, environments, props, and overall mood in various creative projects, such as video games, animation, films, and other visual media, while guiding students through the creative process of visual storytelling. Students explore the essential skills required to bring imaginative ideas to life, from initial sketches to fully rendered concepts.. Concept art helps to explore different design options, styles, and aesthetics before finalizing any element for production. It focuses on conveying the overall atmosphere, tone, and storytelling elements visually, allowing students to communicate ideas effectively. By the end of the course, students will have a creative portfolio of concept art pieces that showcase their ability to translate ideas into visual form. This course is perfect for students interested in visual storytelling and the art of concept design, providing a solid foundation for further study or professional development in the field.

This class is designed to develop students' observational drawing skills, focusing on the complexities of the human figure clothed in various fabrics and costumes. This course emphasizes the study of anatomy, proportion, and the way clothing interacts with the human form. Students work from live models, exploring the forms of drapery, texture, and the dynamic movement of fabric. Students practice both traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing, allowing them to refine their skills and practice stylistic approaches.

This class builds on the foundational skills developed in the first course, Drawing From the Costumed Model I. Taking students deeper into the complexities of drawing the human figure clothed in intricate and dynamic costumes. This advanced course emphasizes capturing movement, character, and the interplay of light and fabric. Students work from live models, focusing on more challenging poses and compositions, and explore advanced techniques for rendering different materials and textures. They are encouraged to push their creative boundaries and refine their unique artistic voice. This course is designed for students who want to take their figure drawing skills to the next level, focusing on the challenges of drawing costumed models in more dynamic and expressive ways.

This introductory course immerses students in the foundational concepts and skills of fashion design. Students learn the entire design process, from initial inspiration to finished garment, emphasizing creativity, technical skills, and industry knowledge. They explore fashion history, textiles, sketching, pattern making, and garment construction, gaining a thorough overview of what it takes to bring a fashion idea to life. By the end of the course, students create design concepts and develop several pieces that showcase their emerging style and skills. This course is perfect for those new to fashion design, offering essential skills and knowledge for further study or a career in the fashion industry.

An advanced course designed for students who have a foundational understanding of fashion design and are ready to take their skills to the next level. This course builds on the foundational skills learned in Fashion Design I, focusing on refining design concepts, enhancing technical abilities, and exploring more complex aspects of fashion creation. Students will delve into advanced pattern making, draping, tailoring, and fabric manipulation techniques. They will also learn about the business side of fashion, including trend forecasting, branding, and preparing a collection for presentation. By the end of the course, students will have developed a cohesive fashion collection and a professional portfolio that showcases their unique design perspective. This course is ideal for students who want to advance their fashion design skills and develop a professional portfolio for the fashion industry.

A comprehensive course that introduces students to the fundamentals of creating engaging and innovative video games. This class will cover the basics of the game development process, from conceptualization to the final product, with students learning about game mechanics, storytelling, level design, and user experience. Students learn how to design game concepts that are not only fun and challenging but also meaningful and immersive. By the end of the course, students will have created a playable game prototype, showcasing their design skills and creativity. This course is perfect for those interested in game design, providing essential skills and hands-on experience in creating original video games.

This summer program combines the fundamentals of graphic design with hands-on screen printing techniques. Students explore design principles, including composition, typography, color theory, and branding, while learning to apply these concepts to create impactful screen-printed artwork. The course offers a blend of digital and manual techniques, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the design process from initial concept to final printed product. By the end of the course, students will have produced a series of original screen-printed designs, including posters, t-shirts, and other print media.

This class provides a comprehensive introduction to illustration, covering fundamental techniques, creative processes, and professional practices. Students explore various styles and media, develop their unique artistic voice, and gain hands-on experience producing high-quality illustrations. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue further studies or exploration in illustration.

This drawing course is designed for students who have a foundational understanding of drawing and wish to refine their skills and explore more advanced techniques. Students focus on enhancing technical abilities, deepening artistic expression, and developing a more sophisticated understanding of drawing as an art form. By the end of the course, students will have advanced their drawing skills, developed a personal artistic style, and have finished pieces that reflect their growth and readiness for more advanced study and a strong portfolio.

This foundational drawing class is designed to equip students with the essential skills and techniques to accurately and expressively draw the human figure. Students focus on observational drawing from live models, emphasizing the study of anatomy, proportion, gesture, and the effects of light and shadow on the human form. Through a combination of structured lessons and hands-on practice, students learn to translate their observations into dynamic and life-like drawings. With an introduction to various drawing media and techniques, they are encouraged to explore different approaches to figure drawing. By the end of the course, students will have a foundation in life drawing, showcasing their ability to accurately and expressively represent the human figure. They will have developed technical skills, refined their observational techniques, and finished drawings highlighting their progress and artistic capabilities.

This is an advanced course that builds on the foundational skills acquired in Life Drawing I, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and mastery of figure drawing. The focus is on refining techniques, exploring more complex poses, and developing a personal style in depicting the human figure. Students engage in more challenging studies, such as dynamic gestures and foreshortened perspectives, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on anatomy and proportion. Students are encouraged to experiment with different techniques to push their creativity and understanding of gesture drawing to the next level. This course is ideal for students who have completed "Life Drawing I" and want to refine their figure drawing skills, develop a personal style, and tackle more advanced challenges in depicting the human figure. It provides the necessary skills and experience for pursuing further education in the visual arts or preparing for more advanced studies.

This introductory course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamental techniques, concepts, and painting materials. Through hands-on practice and guided instruction, students explore various painting styles, mediums, and methods, focusing on developing their artistic voice. They approach painting with experimentation and creativity while building a foundation in color theory, composition, and brushwork. This course provides a strong foundation for students interested in furthering their studies in painting or other visual arts disciplines.

This intermediate-level course builds upon the foundational skills acquired in Painting I. Students delve deeper into advanced painting techniques, composition, and the development of a cohesive body of work. They approach painting with experimentation with various painting styles and subject matter, refining their technical abilities while further developing their personal artistic voice. Emphasis is placed on the creative process, from concept development to the execution of finished works. This course is ideal for students looking to deepen their painting practice and work towards developing a professional portfolio for college admissions.

This summer course delves into the art and technique of photography and film, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of visual storytelling. Students will explore the fundamentals of photography, including camera operation, composition, and lighting, and then expand their skills into the realm of filmmaking, covering topics such as cinematography, editing, and narrative structure. The course emphasizes the creative and technical aspects of both mediums, encouraging students to develop their unique visual style while mastering the tools of the trade. By the end of the course, students will have created a portfolio of photographs and a short film project that showcases their ability to convey stories through imagery.

This introductory course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of designing products and toys. The course covers the entire design process, from concept development to prototype creation, focusing on creativity, functionality, and user experience. Students explore various design techniques, materials, and manufacturing processes, gaining hands-on experience creating innovative and marketable products and toys. This course provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing college studies in product design, industrial design, or toy design. It prepares them for more advanced studies in these fields.

This is an advanced course that builds upon the foundational skills acquired in Product and Toy Design I. This course delves deeper into the design and development process, focusing on creating market-ready products and toys. Students engage in advancing concepts, refining design techniques, and exploring the business aspects of bringing a product to market. The course will emphasize innovation, user experience, and sustainability, guiding students through the complete cycle of product and toy design from concept to final prototype. This course is ideal for students who are serious about pursuing further education in the product and toy design field.

This in-depth course teaches students the art of visual storytelling through the creation of storyboards and animatics. Students learn narrative development such as location, character design, storyboarding, timing, pacing, and the technical skills needed to bring a story to life in animatic form. They explore the key elements of compelling storytelling and learn how to translate written narratives into visual sequences that effectively convey emotion, tone, and action. This course is ideal for aspiring animators, filmmakers, and storytellers who wish to develop their skills in visual storytelling and animatics, preparing them for college studies in animation and film production.