Student Work
There’s a new path into the promising job market of health care—and it all begins with an art degree. By blending scientific knowledge with artistic and communication skills, students can prepare for a high-demand career with the potential to change lives, improve health, and educate people all over the world.
As the region’s first BFA in Medical Illustration, this program is made possible through an exclusive partnership with Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. Just a few blocks from the Kendall campus, the brand-new facility will give valuable opportunities to learn alongside MSU’s own medical students from its world-class staff, research, and laboratories. At the same time, students will benefit from the strong tradition of art and design education at Kendall. The Illustration program has always been one of Kendall’s greatest strengths, and we’re excited to build on it with this new subject area.
Download the brochure here, or click on the links below for more information on this exciting new degree.
How it works
Get the scoop on the advantages of this unique partnership.
What will I learn?
See how Medical Illustration combines equal parts art, science and communication.
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Supportive Studio
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Digital Foundation (3)
An introduction to the computer as a design tool using the industry standards in page layout and digital illustration, and photo manipulation software, the Adobe Creative Suite. File transport (PDF) and font management software will also be introduced.
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Introduction to Photography for Non-Majors (3)
An introduction to the fundamentals of photography using both manually adjustable 35mm film cameras and digital cameras. This course includes black and white film development and darkroom printing as well as digital camera use and basic image manipulation controls using PhotoShop. The aesthetics of photography will be discussed in terms of its history, and artistic and technical advancements. Students must own or have use of a digital camera (prosumer grade or above; camera phones are not acceptable).
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2-D Design (3)
A problem-solving course covering the principles of composition and modular design systems. Uses predominately 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.)
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Color (3)
A problem-solving course which studies the properties and interactions of color and its resulting perceptual effects in pictorial space.
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Introduction to Illustration (3)
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.
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Design Drawing I (3)
Freehand drawing using basic perspective principles and quick sketch techniques.
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Design Drawing II (3)
Advanced freehand drawing and sketching with the addition of color media.
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Major Studio
Also required:
MSU 350 - Human Gross Anatomy (3)
MSU 355 - Med. Illus. Human Gross Anatomy Lab (3)-
Illustration Techniques (3)
Exploration of color media and processes within specific illustration assignments.
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Medical Illustration Methods I (3)
Develops pen and ink skills and integrates traditional and digital media within the scope of monochromatic production. The goal will be to convey an aesthetically powerful illustration, which effectively provides a solution for a specific visual communication problem.
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Rendering (3)
A drawing and painting course in super realism using various media.
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Digital Illustration Painting I (3)
Develops an entry level of digital illustration painting experience using Adobe Photoshop, utilizing basic Photoshop concepts, principles, and tools applied to the sequential development of illustrations.
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Illustration Painting I (3)
Painting illustrative subject matter using fundamental water-based painting techniques.
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Head, Hands, and Feet (3)
Drawing the surface and structure of the head, hands and feet in a variety of different mediums, perspectives from direct observation.
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Medical Illustration Methods II (3)
The student will focus on in-depth human & anatomical based concepts and subject matter, dealing specifically with body systems investigation and narrative concepts associated with body processes. The execution processes in this course will utilize both traditional and digital media.
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Medical Illustration Digital Methods (3)
Advanced digital illustration experience using appropriate digital software. Students create digital illustrations for client specific print media: two-dimensional still image.
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Medical Illustration Animation I (3)
Covers concepts as an introductory course to digital 3D organic and inorganic model construction, whereby the virtual models designed are rendered and composited for 2D illustration purposes to solve specific conceptual problems.
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Medical Illustration Animation II (3)
This advanced course serves as a platform to investigate and discover human and natural science 3D animation to educate and instruct the viewer.
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Medical Illustration Digital Portfolio (3)
A capstone course focused on the creation of a professional, industry specific digital portfolio.
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Medical Illustration Methods III (3)
Advanced studio in medical illustration with emphasis on accuracy and realistic development of representations of directed anatomical content utlizing traditional and digital media to express visual solutions.
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Advanced Problems in Biomedical Art (Capstone) (5)
Advanced concepts and subject matter dealing specifically with medical, natural science subjects/topics, to serve as a basis for the development of a cohesive body of work. Exploration, Research and execution of thematic based work based on observation and visualization skills through diverse digital media in 2D and 3D. This course serves as a capstone to the Medical Illustration Program, the equivalent of 2 credits will be devoted to research/theme development and 3 credits will be devoted to development of the body of work.
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General Education
General Education Elective (3) - Must be 300 or 400 level
Math Elective (3)
Also required:
GRCC, BI 101 - General Biology (4)
FSU, MRIS 102 - Orientation to Medical Vocabulary
FSU, MRIS 103 - Medical Terminology
MSU, ANTR 211 - Introduction to Cells & Tissues (3)-
Critical Transitions: Adjust (1)
An inquiry into the academic expectations, resources, policies, and traditions of college life. Students are challenged to enhance their intellectual potential, understand their academic responsibilities, personal integrity, and appreciate diversity in a framework that develops the critical thinking, learning, and communication skills necessary to contribute successfully to the college's intellectual life. An experiential learning component engages students in the community at large.
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Written Rhetoric (3)
Focuses on using writing both to develop critical thinking skills and to express ideas clearly and appropriately according to audience and purpose. Students will engage in a variety of writing modes and will spend a portion of the semester engaging in scholarly research and the documentation of source-based materials. (Students who have earned credit for ENG 150, English I, may not use credit earned in KCHU 120 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Oral Rhetoric (3)
Presents concepts and develops oral and rhetorical skills appropriate for formal presentations, with emphasis on prepared, extemporaneous, and impromptu speaking. (Students who have earned credit for COMM 121. Fundamentals of Public Speaking, may not use credit earned in KCHU 121 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Visual Rhetoric (3)
Focuses on the analysis of numerous forms of visual discourse, including their rhetorical effectiveness, impact on audiences, and social/cultural influences.
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Art History
Art History Elective (6)-
Western Art I-Prehist-Renais (3)
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.)
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Western Art II-Baroque-Present (3)
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.)
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Studio Electives
Studio Electives (12)
Download the catalog for the most recent course listings and prerequisites.
David Gianfredi M.F.A.
Nancy Hart M.F.A.
Jon McDonald M.F.A.
Students in our Medical Illustration program have the use of a variety of classrooms and facilities designed for both traditional and digital illustration.
The human anatomy teaching laboratory at Michigan State University provides an environment which offers a comprehensive anatomy experience for those interested in medical illustration in a hands-on laboratory environment with exceptional natural lighting, artificial lighting, and environmental air control.
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