In this intermediate-level course students will explore graphic storytelling in a variety of forms: picture-books, comics and illustrated texts designed for distribution via print and online. Working with traditional and/or digital media, students will build upon the technical skills learned in Core 2D to produce self-initiated work in the field of graphic narrative. Through critiques. lectures and writing assignments, students will learn to situate their own work within the history of graphic narrative as well as reflect upon the aesthetic decisions that go into the development of a unique authorial voice and sophisticated approach to text and image based storytelling..

In Interactive Animation and Game Design for Illustrators, students will explore a wide range of approaches to the design of 2D and 3D animation, games, apps and interactive narrative experiences. Using Unity 3D, Blender and Photoshop students will design interactions, develop basic coding skills, refine their 2D and 3D animation skills and learn to export their work to multiple platforms. Screenings will introduce students to the latest and most innovative work in games and digital storytelling. Emphasis will be placed on cultivating a unique authorial voice and sensibility as a director/writer/animator. In a series of projects students will experience the creative process from conception to realization. Questions of visual style and sound design will be studied. Students will gain the hands on skills necessary to produce complete interactive narrative experiences.

In this intermediate-level course students will build upon the skills learned in Core 3D to work on a variety of complex projects that explore the possibilities of moving visual storytelling beyond the printed page into the physical realm of three-dimensional objects. Projects will include toy design, paper sculpture, textile and needle arts, the book as object and surface decoration -- all using hand tools and traditional media along with laser cutting, 3D printing and other fabrication techniques. Students will learn to apply the skills of an illustrator to the creation of three-dimensional objects and environments that tell compelling stories. Emphasis will be placed on creating work geared for reproduction and sale.

In this intermediate-level animation course students will explore a wide range of approaches to animation including hand-drawn images, digital 2D and 3D images, and stop-motion. Emphasis will be placed on cultivating a unique authorial voice and sensibility as a director/writer/animator. In a series of projects students will experience the creative process from conception to realization. Questions of visual style and sound design will be studied. Students will gain skills in both storytelling and animation techniques to enable them to produce complete short animated videos.

Topics are a unique type of studio course focusing on various facets of the Illustration industry, conceptual scenarios or techniques associated with the curriculum. These studios are a more intense and focused environment immersing the student in a deeper look at the subject matter and are a logical precursor to the upcoming Thesis in Senior year.