Students in our BFA in Illustration program have the use of a variety of classrooms and facilities designed for both traditional and digital illustration.

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Editorial illustrator, art director, cartoonist, storyboard illustrator, mural designer, fashion illustrator

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• Supportive Studio

  • 2D Design (3)

    KCPA 110

    A problem-solving course covering the principles of composition and modular design systems. Uses predominantly abstract shapes, and black, white, and achromatic gray ranges. (Students who have earned credit for VISC 110, Design I, may not use credit earned in KCPA 110 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • 3D Design (3)

    KCSF 111

    To explore the elements, principles and aesthetic concepts integral to three-dimensional design and to consider relationships between concept, process, materials, tools and technical skills. (Students who have earned credit for ARTS 120, 3-D Design, may not use credit earned in KCSF 111 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Color (3)

    KCPA 112

    A problem-solving course that studies the properties and interactions of color and its resulting perceptual effects in pictorial space.

  • Drawing I (3)

    KCDR 131

    The process of drawing as observation and conceptualization through eye-hand coordination. Emphasizes linear construction with concern for accurate proportion and simple positive-negative/figure-ground relationships. Includes an in-depth study of linear perspective. (Students who have earned credit for VISC 112, Drawing I, may not use credit earned in KCDR 131 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Drawing II (3)

    KCDR 132

    Emphasis on development of convincing illusion of three-dimensional objects, through the combined use of line, value, proportion, and composition. This course focuses on the further refinement of the concepts, processes, and techniques introduced in Drawing I. Expanded exploration of perspective, composition, color investigation, media exploration, and idea development within traditional subject matter will be emphasized.

  • Figure Drawing I (3)

    KCDR 221

    Emphasizes precise linear construction and structural aspects of the figure. Anatomical focus is on skeletal structure and its effect on surface form. Tonal construction introduced late in the semester.

  • Figure Drawing II (3)

    KCDR 222

    Continued reinforcement of concerns introduced in life drawing I. Additional emphasis on developing the illusion of volume and mass through structural application of line and value (tonality). Hands, feet and heads/faces are explored in greater depth. Simple compositional environment is introduced. Anatomical focus is on the study of musculature and its effect on surface form.

  • Introduction to Digital Imaging (3)

    KCDM 241

    Students will create digitally manipulated images using both vector and bitmap imaging techniques for print media as it relates to their major area of study. Formerly KCIL 241

  • Introduction to Photography (3)

    KCPH 120

    An introduction to the fundamentals of photography and 35mm adjustable camera operation. This course includes beginning black and white film development and darkroom printing, as well as an introduction to digital capture and basic image manipulation controls.. The aesthetics of photography will be discussed in terms of its history, and artistic and technical advancements. (Students who have earned credit for VISC 212, Photography, may not use credit earned in KCPH 120 to meet graduation requirements.) Formerly KCFA 261

• Major Studio

  • Introduction to Illustration (3)

    KCIL 120

    A survey of contemporary and historical illustration techniques and movements. Career options will be covered, along with the fundamentals of composition and color, the application of media, and the basic elements of picture making.

  • Illustration II (3)

    KCIL 234

    Exploration of color media and processes within specific illustration assignments. Problem solving is encouraged through creative investigation.

  • Rendering (3)

    KCIL 242

    A drawing and painting course in super realism using various media.

  • Illustration Painting I (3)

    KCIL 291

    Painting illustrative subject matter using fundamental water-based painting techniques.

  • Illustration Painting II (3)

    KCIL 292

    A more advanced course in water-based painting media whose subject matter will include various illustration genres: editorial, advertising, corporate and institutional, book, and scientific.

  • Illustration Professional Practices (3)

    KCIL 305

    Students will study current illustration markets, learn essential business practices and create the printed collateral necessary for doing business as an illustrator.

  • Illustration Live Drawing III (3)

    KCIL 323

    Advanced study of the human figure, especially in relation to the needs of the illustrator, with emphasis on construction, composition, movement, and interpretation of the clothed and costumed figure in various media.

  • Illustration Life Drawing IV (3)

    KCIL 324

    Personal expression as a means of figurative illustration. Color, form, and light will be explored through various media and methods.

  • Illustration III (3)

    KCIL 335

    Concept development and creative problem solving using relevant illustration media and techniques.

  • Illustration IV (3)

    KCIL 336

    The creation of illustrations based on research of professional styles and markets.

  • Graphic Design for the Illustrator (3)

    KCIL 442

    Students will learn graphic design and production processes for print media, using a combination of traditional and digital techniques.

  • Illustration Portfolio I (3)

    KCIL 460

    Preparation of a professional quality illustration portfolio based on individual style and market research.

  • Illustration Portfolio II (3)

    KCIL 461

    A continuation of the development and refinement of the student’s graduation portfolio.

• Art History

  Art History Elective (6)

  • Western Art I: Prehistoric through the Renaissance (3)

    KCAH 111

    An overview of the Western Art tradition from prehistory through the Renaissance using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 110, Prehistoric through Middle Ages, may not use credit earned in KCAH 111 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Western Art II: Baroque to the Present (3)

    KCAH 112

    A survey of Western art from the Baroque to the present, this course will continue building upon the foundation of Western Art I; prehistoric through the renaissance, using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 111, Renaissance through 20th Century, may not use credit earned in KCAH 112 to meet graduation requirements.)

• Liberal Arts and Sciences

  Science Elective (3)
  Math Elective (3)
  Humanities Elective (6)
  300/400 Humanities Elective (3)
  Social Science Elective (3)
  300/400 Social Science Elective (3)

  • Written Rhetoric (3)

    KCHU 120

    Written Rhetoric provides students with practice in the art of writing well. Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate competence in critical thought and expression and in the composition of expository prose. They will use writing both as a tool for discovery and communication, and they will shape their communication in response to audience and purpose. (Students who have earned credit for ENGL 150, English I, may not use credit earned in KCHU 120 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Oral Rhetoric (3)

    KCHU 121

    Oral Rhetoric provides students with the skills and confidence needed to speak effectively in formal presentations. Course concentrations include the examination and practice of oral rhetoric, building on skills in common with Written Rhetoric. (Students who have earned credit for COMM 121, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, may not use credit earned in KCHU 121 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Advanced Rhetoric (3)

    KCHU 320

    Advanced Rhetoric provides students with practice in analyzing, developing, and organizing various forms of persuasive discourse, including written, oral, and visual. Building on the skills developed in the two prerequisites, students apply their understanding of rhetorical concepts to the study of various social issues and cultural texts.

• Studio Electives

  Studio Electives (12)

Download the catalog for the most recent course listings and prerequisites.