ILL 304: Special Topics
Work one-on-one with your instructor on a personal portfolio project
Students will enhance their ability to produce compelling illustrations and artwork in alignment with their professional and creative goals. In collaboration with the instructor, students will select or “spec out” and complete multi-faceted projects that support their portfolio goals. The course instructor will serve as the client, and class grades will be based not only on the quality of work but also on the ability to research a concept, meet deadlines, synthesize drawing and artistic principles, and effectively present professional level work.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
Students will work on a multi-faceted project or set of projects they want to create. Students can choose between two standard project options or select one of three trending projects to enhance their illustration portfolio.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Effective research and development of a multi-faceted illustration project that includes multiple components.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ critical thinking and problem solving skills when researching, synthesizing, and applying relevant ideas throughout the creative process.
- Effective use of research and creative ideation to develop a compelling and market focused project and demonstrating an understanding of the client/product, target audience, industry, and competitors.
- The ability to manage your project through a defined creative process, meeting a series of project milestones.
- Clear, effective, presentation of research and creative direction at multiple stages of project development.
- Successfully communication of creative ideas and concepts through writing and oral presentation.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
- Computer with Internet connection.
- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
- Drawing, painting, or other art supplies as dictated by your project.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Anne Catharine Blake
Anne Catharine Blake is an internationally published freelance author, illustrator, and designer. Her illustrations and sketchbooks have been exhibited in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Canada, England, and France.
Course Outline
Creative Project: Your Choice!
Explore potential directions for your course project.
Creativity: Your Super Power!
Strategies for how to generate and develop your multi-faceted and creative project idea.
Research: Your Secret Weapon
How to flesh out your idea with client, competitor, and customer research—and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, so you can build your studies around your schedule. Two live Zoom meetings in this course provide the opportunity to work 1to1 with your instructor.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course is completed in a 15-week term. This course is part of a Bachelor's Degree program at Sessions College. You can enroll in this course on an individual basis or as part of a program.
How Do I Register?
To register for a program, complete our program application. To register for this course on an individual basis, please contact our admissions team at admissions@sessions.edu. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to setup your enrollment.
| Course Tuition and Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $300/credit |
| Registration Fee* | $200 |
| Total Course Price | $1100 |
Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment.
Is Sessions College Accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).