Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

ART 36 - Illustration Art II

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU
Unit(s)
3.00
  • Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
  • Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This is an intermediate course in illustration that focuses on the application of traditional and digital techniques. Students design and produce real-world client projects. Students are also introduced to the business of illustration and career paths for illustrators.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate technical proficiency in the use of materials, tools and software to produce real-world client projects.
  2. Use appropriate terminology in describing illustration and its functions and purposes.
  3. Analyze and examine the field of illustration. This examination would include investigation of the functions of illustration in various cultures and business models.
  4. Discuss the types of demands and disciplines required to be competitive in the illustration fields and design industries.
  5. Develop and assemble a personal resume and portfolio of illustration projects.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs

Career paths and job market overview

6.00

Successful illustrators critique

5.00

Overview of individuals skills for print and digital illustration

6.00

Illustration techniques for product design

5.00

Self promotion

6.00

Resume and portfolio preparation

6.00
Total Hours:34.00

Lab

Lab topics and suggested hours
TopicsLab Hrs

Job market study for viable illustration career paths

8.00

Successful illustrators critique

8.00

Overview and practice of individuals skills

11.00

Illustration techniques for products

8.00

Self promotion

8.00

Resume and portfolio preparation

8.00
Total Hours:51.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Demonstrations
  2. Discussion
  3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  4. Lecture
  5. Reading Assignments

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Portfolios
  2. Projects
  3. Class participation
  4. Written Assignments
  5. Critique

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read biographies of three illustrators and share their education, client projects and past work history with the class.
  2. Read handout on illustration techniques supplied by the instructor. Incorporate one chosen technique in a visual design.

Writing Assignments

  1. Write a 1-page paper about a selected illustrator. Incorporate into a magazine design.
  2. Select a book from the list supplied by the instructor. Design a front and back book cover. Write the back cover blurbs for the book.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Research three YouTube videos on illustration speed drawings. Share your finding with the class.
  2. Using natural elements gathered from the outside, create an illustration using these elements and photograph the illustrations to share with the class.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Other Learning Materials

Various drawing materials as recommended by the instructor

Minimum Qualifications

Art (Masters Required)

Commercial Art

Graphic Arts