The Course List displayed here is for the most recent version of the program only.
Current students should always consult their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) on myDawson.
Term 1
Course Number
Course Name
C - L - H
Hrs
Concentration
574-101-DW
Drawing Fundamentals
1 - 2 - 0
45
Description:
The focus of this course will be to marry theoretical understanding with practical experience to help students visualize and draw with confidence. Students will work from the live model (nude and clothed) to sketch and draw the figure in various contexts, as well as working from memory and visual references. They will demonstrate introductory level skills in order to progress successfully to the next term.
574-141-DW
Illustrative Drawing 1
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course is an introduction to anatomical drawing for both human and animal subjects. Particular attention will be given to skeletal and muscular structures and how they shape surface appearance. Students will examine the mechanics of movement and structural aspects of drawing the figure, while developing associated drawing skills that include gesture drawing, precise linear construction, shading and composition. Hands, feet, and heads/faces will be explored in depth. By using both traditional and digital methods, students will recognize how various drawing techniques can serve for future applications in animation and medical illustration, as well as other segments of the illustration field.
574-151-DW
Design Concepts for Illustration 1
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This is an introduction to visual communication design, using both traditional and digital techniques. Students with learn the principles and elements of design, such as composition, balance, value, colour, pictographs, icons and typography. They will follow the standard process from research and concept to execution and presentation. An overview of the technical requirements for print and screen will be addressed.
574-162-DW
Technical Illustration 1
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course is an introduction to technical illustration. Students will produce orthographic and isometric projections based on correct proportions and format, appropriate choice of viewing angles and positions, appropriate choice and execution of projections, observing proportions, scales and rules of composition, using traditional or digital illustration techniques.
574-171-DW
Illustration Techniques 1
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course aims to apply basic principles of visual language through black and white exercises and projects. Students will have to reproduce images as well as create their own compositions. Students will use various media and techniques, both traditional and digital, to produce illustrations with a range of tonal values.
574-711-DW
Introduction to Illustration Practice
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course initiates students into the objectives and expectations of a professional illustrator. Process and techniques will be explored through the study of historical and contemporary illustrations.
574-712-DW
Introduction to Digital Illustration
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course is a basic computer course that explores image editing, image creation and production workflow. Students develop an understanding of computer principles such as file management, operating within a network and in a team environment. They are also introduced to the basic components of digital art and design tools—vector, pixel, digital drawing, type, color, compositing and image manipulation techniques for both print and digital delivery systems.
This course is a continuation of Drawing Fundamentals, with enhanced treatment of the human figure and experience with sketching and drawing inanimate objects and environments, including landscape and architecture. Human figures will be engaged in a range of actions, seen from different points of view and placed in various contexts. There will be some sketching on location. Students will develop freehand drawing skills with an understanding of linear perspective. A range of traditional media will be used. Students will demonstrate intermediate level skills in these areas in order to progress successfully to the next term.
574-242-DW
Illustrative Drawing 2
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course is a continuation of Illustrative Drawing I, anatomical drawing for both human and animal subjects, with enhanced anatomy components, proportions, balance, and movement. Students will sketch, draw and render subjects in organic or architectural environments observed and composed at different angles and viewpoints. Emphasis will be placed on drawing sequential kinetic actions in context, as used in game design, graphic novels and storyboards. By using both traditional and digital tools, students will understand the practice of illustration for concept art applications and demonstrate an intermediate level skill in order to progress successfully to the next term.
574-252-DW
Design Concepts for Illustration 2
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
The focus of this course will be concept development and creative problem solving using relevant illustration media and techniques, while practicing the representation of three-dimensional forms in two-dimensional space. Students will further develop and practice design, layout and visual skills, while reinforcing the standard process from research and concept to execution and presentation of their projects for the target audience.
574-263-DW
Technical Illustration 2
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course is a continuation of Technical Illustration 1. Perspective terminology is explained and exercised through object and environmental drawing. Illustrations are based on observation of reference material and created from conceptual designs developed through sketching and orthographic plans, as practiced in Technical Illustration 1. Students practice traditional colour rendering with markers and watercolour.
574-272-DW
Illustration Techniques 2
1 - 3 - 2
60
Description:
This course is a continuation of Illustration Techniques 1, with an exploration of light and colour, traditionally and digitally. Students will learn essential basics of wet media - watercolour and acrylics - as well as Photoshop painting techniques. The course will start with drawing and painting from assigned photo references and will prepare for developing conceptual illustrations. Emphasis will be placed on a realist approach to picture making, respecting light, volume, colour and values, which will then lead to to a final project; the creation of imaginative illustrations with a thematic subject. Various surfaces and brushes will be demonstrated and exercised to give students a sense of how working illustrators practice their craft. Digital tools will be introduced to help ease the students into using Photoshop as a fundamental painting medium. These techniques will prepare the student for Illustration Techniques 3.
574-281-DW
3D Illustration 1
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course is an introduction to 3D modelling for illustration and visualization purposes. Students will learn the terminology and workflow of 3D modeling to produce objects and scenes for use in illustrations and for the purpose of visualization.
574-721-DW
Photography for Illustration
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course aims at gathering appropriate reference material for illustration purposes and integrating photographic images in final illustrations, using a camera and relevant digital image-editing software.
General Education
603-102-MQ
Literary Genres
2 - 2 - 3
60
Please see the English Department's offering of Literary Genres (603-102-MQ) courses.
109-10x-MQ
Phys Ed 101 or 102
Please see the Physical Education department's offering of courses for:
This course will provide students with a solid background in the rich histories of art and design that contribute to current practices in the field of Illustration. The visual expression of past ideas will be connected to current visual culture and trends in illustration and visual art production, and will focus on illustration history that will extend from the magical Golden Age of 19th century book publication to the dynamic and diverse illustrators and illustration landmarks of the 20th and 21st centuries.
574-343-DW
Illustrative Drawing 3
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course continues the exploration of figure construction and animal anatomy. The students will develop a human and an animal character to be included in a preproduction for a film, game, and other motion-based media presentation, leading to a rendered keyframe - an illustrated colour story panel. Students will develop ideas through research, sketching, colour studies and digital renders. Composition of storyboard framing, lines of action, continuity of design and visual dynamism will be explored. The students will rely on visual cinematic storytelling principles throughout the project, emphasizing attention to detail in refinement of anatomy, perspective and pictorial composition.
574-353-DW
Design Concepts for Illustration 3
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will incorporate illustration and typography in page design. It will reinforce concept development and creative problem solving using relevant illustration media and techniques.
574-364-DW
Technical Illustration 3
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
The course will focus on developing the technical illustration skills already acquired, to produce architectural and product illustrations. Students will study lighting, shadow casting and reflections to produce projects rendered realistically using various media.
574-373-DW
Illustration Techniques 3
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course will focus on developing illustration projects using painting techniques. Students will study current illustrative watercolour and acrylic techniques and they will experiment with both transparent and opaque techniques on various surfaces for illustration. Exploration of colour choices, media, and processes of past and contemporary illustrators will guide specific assignments. Students will develop an evocative and personal palette for their illustration projects.
574-382-DW
3D Illustration 2
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This is an intermediate course where students will build on their technical skills acquired in 3D Illustration. Using the modeling and rendering tools of an advanced 3D software package, a high resolution base image of an architectural environment will be generated for use in a digital environment concept painting. Digital painting tools and techniques will be revisited and expanded upon in the second phase of this project.
574-391-DW
Visual Storytelling and Sequential Art 1
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course will introduce students to story structure and the visual development of a short animated film. Students will engage in story building exercises and processes for illustrating beat boards, distilling narrative points for pitch purposes. These beat boards will be developed into storyboards and animatics, that focus on cinematic storytelling principles and film language. Finally students will utilize perspective and composition techniques to create background artwork for animation.
General Education
603-103-MQ
Literary Themes
2 - 2 - 3
60
Please see the English Department's offering of Literary Themes (603-103-MQ) courses.
345-101-MQ
Knowledge
3 - 1 - 3
60
Please see the Humanities Department's offering of Knowledge (345-101-MQ) courses.
New Directions in Illustration: Alternative Techniques
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This is mixed media studio course that embraces the cross-pollination between contemporary illustration and fine art. Printmaking and assemblage will be used as the vehicles for the dissemination of contemporary imagery and practices in illustration such as the production of posters, t- shirt designs, zines and graphic novels. Students will engage in printmaking and assemblage processes within the context of print as a means to generate multiples and sustain the production of a small edition. Printmaking techniques will be explored for their graphic and reproducible qualities. Students will be asked to consider their relationship to society and culture through a set of projects that require experimentation and the questioning of conventions.
574-444-DW
Illustrative Drawing 4
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
In this course, students will build on previous skills learned in relation to animation, storyboarding, and character and environment design. Emphasis will be placed on environment design and realistic perspective rendering within concept art and matte painting. They will also be introduced to gaming pipeline and techniques. They will continue to develop skills necessary for concept artists to function in gaming and animation, as well as imaginative illustration.
574-454-DW
Design Concepts for Illustration 4
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course addresses strong research in concepts aimed at the advertising and branding of products, services and events. Concepts are developed for print and web as a media outlet, and students are asked to design for the correct color profile, dimensions and resolution in each case.
574-465-DW
Technical Illustration 4
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course will take a critical look at how people digest information. Students will implement the visual tools of scientific illustrations and their knowledge of technical illustration to this point, in order to produce infographics.
574-483-DW
3D Illustration 3
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This is an advanced level 3D Illustration course which covers organic modelling and digital painting. Students will model and render a creature design using 3D software. They will develop and refine their digital painting techniques by integrating their output into a digitally painted environment.
574-492-DW
Visual Storytelling and Sequential Art 2
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course will introduce students to storytelling through character design and animation. Students will complete a number of animation and design exercises before working to complete the film previously developed in Visual Storytelling and Sequential Art 1.
This course is dedicated to the representation of the human face and facial expressions. Both realistic and caricature styles of rendering are addressed. Students will observe and explore the anatomy of the face, including the muscles responsible for the expressions and the emotions unique to each individual. They will complete illustration exercises which will prepare them for portrait illustration used in magazines, books and advertising media.
574-555-DW
Design Concepts for Illustration 5
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course addresses practical illustration problems encountered in creating advertising and branding. Students will further develop and practice design, layout and visual skills, while reinforcing the standards of professional execution and presentation.
574-566-DW
Technical Illustration 5
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will focus on illustration for informational purposes. Students will explore various techniques for producing technical illustrations and instructional illustrations. Strong emphasis will be placed on honing a methodical process.
574-574-DW
Illustration Techniques 4
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course focuses on advanced photo-manipulation techniques used in matte painting for film, video games, and other media. Students will continue to explore digital illustration. Using specialized digital painting methods, students will create illustrations of imaginary worlds which are convincing to the viewer. Exercises will include speed painting in combination with photography. Students will be expected to respect creative constraints and follow art direction as they would in an industry context
574-584-DW
3D Illustration 4
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course is focused on advertising and packaging illustration, and how it is effectively applied to 3D objects in marketing. Students will explore, and implement, effective advertising principles and techniques used in today's market.
574-593-DW
Visual Storytelling and Sequential Art 3
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course introduces children's book illustration, with an emphasis on creating a professional package that may be sent to publishers and editors. Students will develop long-form illustrated stories, and study professional production requirements of the children's books marketplace. The students will continue to incorporate illustration and typography in multiple page design software. The course will reinforce concept development and creative problem solving using relevant illustration media and techniques. Book illustration develops students' skills in interpreting a manuscript or story and creating images. Emphasis is placed on unique solutions and perspectives. Students will look at an overview of the various output, print and digital options available to them.
574-751-DW
Specialized Illustration
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course covers Illustration for non-conventional forms and supports. Some examples in this category are murals, homeware, skateboards, helmets, musical instruments, symbolic objects, street clothing, and tattoos. Students will explore and realize specialized illustration applications which are unique and suitable for the design, function and cultural context.
574-752-DW
Motion Graphics
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
The focus of this course is to develop and create motion graphic projects. Students will develop and combine illustration, animation, media, typography, design and software skills to create a logo and title sequence and output for specific display formats.
574-753-DW
Illustration and Media
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
The aim of this course is to integrate illustration with forms of communication media. Students will develop concepts, visualize using storyboards and follow a production workflow to output a promotional teaser and trailer for an illustrated children’s storybook. A range of display formats will be rendered for the final output.
General Education
345-BXH-DW
Applied Ethics in Humanities
3 - 0 - 3
45
Please see the Humanities Department's offering of Applied Ethics (345-BXH-MQ) courses.
This course focuses on traditional drawing and painting techniques. Students will produce illustrations using both dry and wet mixed media such as, hard pastel, gouache, watercolour, ink, acrylic paint and linocut. Rendering fundamentals will be reinforced throughout the term as students produce portfolio worthy illustrations.
574-761-DW
Projects for Portfolio
1 - 8 - 4
135
Description:
This course offers advanced Illustration students the opportunity to develop their portfolios. Students engage in the illustrative process from concept to completion using both traditional and digital media.
574-762-DW
Projects for Industry
1 - 10 - 5
165
Description:
This course is an advanced level Illustration course. Students will work on projects using leading edge and industry-level techniques, closely adhering to client briefs and schedules. The instructor takes on the role of Art Director in the process of guiding the student to a final portfolio-ready product.
574-763-DW
Production and Presentation
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course is designed to allow for synthesis of content learned in terms one through five and to complete the components of the Comprehensive Examination. Students will apply acquired skills of organization, drawing, rendering, layout, type and design, to plan, develop and produce complete projects. Students will work collaboratively in teams, participate in the design and production of the Graduation Exhibition, curate their own artwork for display, and develop a brand to promote themselves in print, social media and on the web. All work completed will be according to professional standards and an emphasis is placed upon the student’s ability to solve problems in a professional manner.
574-764-DW
Professional Practice
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course addresses topics which are critical to launching a career in illustration. Students will learn the fundamentals of starting a business, including self-promotion, business development, branding, market analysis, interviews, presentations, client research, legal and ethical practices. They prepare their resumes and cover letters and package their work for self promotion. Students become well versed in legal and accounting issues relevant to the field of illustration and examine industry standards in pricing and contract negotiation.
