Visual Communications Courses

Much of the artwork produced worldwide is made for commercial purposes. This art is sometimes called commercial or applied art. Students learn the concepts and techniques of this type of art in the Visual Communications area of the Palomar College Art Department.
Design and drawing classes in this area are tailored toward the practical and efficient production of imagery intended for commercial uses.
Graphic design curricula include the concepts and skills needed to design, layout and produce images to be printed, used on the web, or in video contexts. Typographic development is included in this part of the program.
Illustration courses prepare students to draw and paint images to be used for editorial and product illustration.
Both Graphic Design and Illustration programs incorporate digital media in their courses of study. Software applications that are used include Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and AfterEffects, Corel Painter, Autodesk Maya, and Pixologic ZBrush. Courses in digital arts are meant to supplement, not replace, hand fabrication concepts and skills, and the prerequisites and/or recommended preparations reflect the skills needed to succeed in the variety of digital courses offered in our programs.

Class schedule and catalog information

Since schedules and courses change on a regular basis, please use the links below to get the most recent information on our degree programs, class schedules, and course descriptions
Degrees offered Degree programs in Art
Class scheduleClass schedule

Course offerings in Graphic Design

Please note that courses in Graphic Design and Illustration, which include our digital coursework, use an D or a I after their number to distinguish them from other Art courses. They are listed under Art-Design and Art-Illustration in the Class Schedule.
Suggested Course Sequence

ARTD 100 Graphic Design I (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Design principles as they apply to graphic communication. Abstract and pictorial design for the printed media. Film and architectural signage. Lettering is applied as an abstract design element.
ARTD 150 Digital Concepts and Techniques in Art (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Prerequisite: ARTD 100
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
An overview of vector based and pixel based computer applications, and how they are used in a creative environment. Understanding of the underlying logic of computer software will be taught with an emphasis on the role of the computer in all forms of modern art-making. Students will learn how to use the computer as a tool effectively while developing their own method of creating digital artwork.Cross-platform issues will be addressed, as well as file preparation for various output media.
ARTD 200 Graphic Design II – Lettering and Layout (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Prerequisite: ARTD 100
Recommended preparation: ARTD 150
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
The study of the historical roots and nomenclature of lettering forms and the development of grid systems to aid in the development of successful layout designs. Design and assembly utilizing both hand skills and computer software will be taught.
ARTD 210 Typography Design (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Recommended preparation: ARTD 150
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Introduction to the historical roots and contemporary technology of typography. Provides a critical analysis of technical processes and elements through assignments that define its symbolic and communicative aspects.
ARTD 220 Motion Design (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Recommended preparation: ARTD 150
Note: May be taken 3 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
An introduction to the concepts and techniques of animation and multimedia for personal computers using After Effects. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the artist and in the development process and as a key link in determining the success of the final project.
ARTD 250 New Media Studio (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Prerequisite: Enrollment based on portfolio review with list of criteria
Note: May be taken 3 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
An advanced class using digital tools that focuses on collaborative creative projects. Joint concept development, communication, critical thinking and creative teamwork will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of graphic design, illustration. 2-D and 3-D animation and fine art components into professional quality multimedia projects. Students from the Art Department will have the opportunity to collaborate with students from music and computer science.

Course offerings in Illustration

Please note that courses in Graphic Design and Illustration, which include our digital coursework, use an D or a I after their number to distinguish them from other Art courses. They are listed under Art-Design and Art-Illustration in the Class Schedule.
Suggested Course Sequence

ARTI 100 Introduction to Illustration (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Transfer acceptability: CSU
A course on proportion and structure, quick sketching, gesture, and contour drawing. Included is the study of perspective and drawing of mechanical and natural forms by the use of line and value. Emphasis is placed on the evolutionary development of visual ideas.
ARTI 200 Rendering (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Recommended preparation: ART 103, ARTI 100
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Application of various media and techniques for illustrating known products and services or the illustration of design ideas for students in design and architecture. Emphasis is on the development of proficiency and the encouragement of comparison of student work with current professional work.
ARTI 210 Illustration I - Traditional Techniques (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Prerequisite: ARTI 100
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Course work that reflects the types of assignments an illustrator may encounter in the industry, using a variety of traditional media and techniques. Contemporary principles of concept development and problem solving will be explored, using stylization, design, composition and color as methods of communication. Accurate analysis, historical reference, oral and graphic presentation of ideas, sketches and finished art will be stressed.
ARTI 220 Illustration II - Digital Techniques (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Prerequisite: ARTI 200 and ARTI 210
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
A course for advanced illustration students that focuses on creating non-traditional professional level commercial artwork. Media experimentation, and combination of traditional methods with digital applications is used to create finished pieces that are conceptually and visually interesting and strong. Students are encouraged to develop and strengthen personal and distinctive approaches to Illustration. Portfolio preparation for admission to high quality 4-year art and design programs, or for entry into to the work force will be examined and applied. Students will also gain insight into self-promotion and marketing strategies. Contracts, self-employment issues and billing procedures will be explained.
ARTI 230 Illustration II – Experimental Techniques (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Prerequisite: ARTI 220
Note: May be taken 3 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Coursework will reflect advanced illustration concepts, conceptually and technically. Students will combine experimental traditional and digital techniques to create projects that reflect a professional level of finish and format. Projects will focus on conceptual content and process, and represent a range of possible industry application, such as entertainment design, editorial illustration and illustrations for an interactive environment.
ARTI 246 Digital 3D Design and Modeling (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Recommended preparation: ARTD 150
Note: May be taken 3 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Fundamentals of computerized 3-D modeling and Design. Hands on experience with modeling, lighting, developing texture maps and rendering.
ARTI 247 Digital 3D Design and Animation (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratory
Recommended preparation: ARTD 220
Note: May be taken 3 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Concepts and techniques of 3-dimensional animation using Maya software. The course will provide an understanding of the production, animation and postproduction process.