Areas of Study

Foundations Graphic Design DRAWING/PAINTING Sculpture

 

Foundations

The Foundations curriculum is an intensive course series that introduces students to professional study in the visual arts. Successful completion of this first year experience is the prerequisite for advancement into all upper-level studio art courses in Art and Design at USM. 

 

What Will I Learn?

The Foundations curriculum includes the following courses: 

• ART 101: Drawing I
• ART 102: Drawing I
• ART 111: 2D Design
• ART 112: Color Theory
• ART 113: 3D Design 

These practice-based studio art courses provide the beginning art student with experiences that teach creative problem-solving, visual syntax, and tactile expression. Students produce portfolios of artwork that demonstrate their understanding of creative processes in drawing, color theory, and design. 

Student Work

 

Graphic Design  

The Graphic Design program prepares students for professional careers as artists and designers in the field of digital communications and graphic design.

What Will I Learn?

The Graphic Design curriculum focuses on the development of conceptual and technical skills, creative problem-solving, and visual aesthetics. Students will learn Graphic Design skills and principles in identity design and branding, typography, package design, poster design, information design, storyboarding, advertising design, interactive web design, and motion graphics.

• Instruction is supported by studio and academic courses related to the graphic design profession. 
• Classroom experience may be broadened through job internships in design firms, advertising agencies, and corporate design studios.
• Field trips, visiting artist presentations, and work on actual, real-world projects expand the classroom experience.

In sophomore-level courses focus on learning design software, design theory, and tools of visual communication. Conceptual, technical, and presentation skills, based on commercial expectations and professional practice are developed. 

Upper-level courses emphasize the development of communication skills, technical and production skills, and an understanding of marketing and promotion. 

In the final semester, students create an extensive senior capstone project, combining personal vision with professional goals. Successful completion of the program provides students with a strong design portfolio, and the education and skills necessary to enter the field as Graphic Design professionals. 

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Career Options

The program enjoys an exceptional placement rate, with graduates working in corporate art studios, advertising agencies, design studios, printing and publishing firms, and the expanding electronic publishing and digital art fields throughout the United States.

Student Work

 

 

Drawing and Painting

The objective of the Drawing and Painting program is to teach all students an understanding of the expressive and investigative possibilities of the two-dimensional, formal plastic arts. 

For those who are professionally oriented, the program provides experiences of sufficient breadth and depth to develop professional standards of performance. 

The Drawing and Painting program at USM has a long track record of graduating students who continue to pursue this professional studio practice throughout their lives. Drawing and Painting students from USM have gone on to advanced studies in some of the best graduate schools in the United States and abroad.

What Will I Learn?

Teaching is done by a two-dimensional, visual form problem-solving method using traditional materials on a planar surface to produce visual artwork. An open and ongoing dialog about drawing and painting and visual aesthetics is done in both group and individual (one-on-one student/faculty) criticism sessions. These group classes and individual projects prepare the student for the senior capstone project and exhibition. Advanced courses are individualized and highly independent. 

Students enter the Drawing and Painting program upon successful completion of the Art and Design Foundations curriculum and should possess a portfolio consisting of examples and performance in all required Foundations courses. Transfer students should have a portfolio based on Foundations course equivalents. For transfer students, a portfolio review is used to assist Drawing and Painting faculty with advisement and to direct students into courses appropriate to their level of skill and preparation. 

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Student Work

 

Sculpture

The objective of the Sculpture program is to offer students a comprehensive education in the three-dimensional arts through a curriculum that includes training in a wide range of materials and processes. 

What Will I Learn?

Sculpture students learn various approaches to creating visual art in three-dimensional form and space, while developing proficiency in a wide range of materials and techniques, for the purpose of building an effective visual language as an expressive tool for art making.

The Sculpture curriculum starts with mastering basic skills in both sculpture and ceramics, through experience in a wide range of mediums and processes including woodworking, metal casting, welding, fabrication, wheel throwing, hand building, glazing mixing, and kiln firing. Emphasis is placed on learning essential material handling skills and safe professional practice. 

Students also learn about contemporary issues and theory related to art making as well as about historical contributions of artists in the field. Sculpture students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to enter into creative careers, and/or graduate study.  

The 3D Arts Building is a stand-alone structure on the north side of campus where students work in a safe, inclusive, and collegial environment that fosters creative thinking and collaboration. 

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Student Work