Commercial Art: Mural & Illustration

Program Code: SAC.ARTMI.CA

Program Control Number: 35672

Former Title: Public and Community Art - Mural Painting

The certificate program in Commercial Art: Mural/Illustration is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of illustration paths along with designing /painting large-scale public art murals. Murals are in demand by communities (such as city governments, schools, parks) to enhance and beautify public and private sites and to combat blight and graffiti. Public and private institutions use murals to brand their visual logos and promote specific messages on their public sites. Private businesses also need to brand their locations with large paintings or murals that include visual images and graphic signage. Students studying in this program will utilize both digital and traditional techniques from visual composition, mural painting, illustration, sign painting, and fine art painting while integrating historical, traditional and contemporary mural painting styles. Mural students will also gain the specialized training needed (including how to prepare exterior walls for murals, specialized paints and protective coatings, safety measures and specialized equipment, and composing designs digitally for large application) to confidently seek employment in the above areas. Career opportunities include illustrator, fine artist, mural artist, mural restoration, sign painter, and set or exhibit designer.

Learning Outcome(s):

1. Develop a portfolio of personal artwork work rooted in the creative career path that the student chooses
2. Create a unified composition with a clear understanding of the design elements (line, shape, texture, value, space, and color), The design principles (unity/variety, balance, emphasis/focal point) and the design devices (size, placement, and rhythm).
3. Increase and develop skills in both traditional and digital techniques including visual composition, mural painting, illustration, sign painting, and fine art painting while integrating historical, traditional and contemporary illustration and /or mural painting styles.
4. Apply the mural creation process, from concept and composition through drawing, transferring design to site-specific locations or portable panels, painting, and post-production.
5. Utilize training specific to mural painting including composing designs digitally for large application, how to prepare exterior walls for murals, specialized paints and protective coatings, safety measures and specialized equipment.