Graphic Design, Illustration Area of Concentration
Montgomery College will set you on a path to a successful career in the field of illustration.
Our graphic design associate’s degree with illustration concentration will prepare you for work in a variety of illustration markets including narrative, animation, gaming, sequential, editorial, advertising, and concept art, or for transfer to a four-year institution. We ensure a seamless transfer to prestigious institutions across the US.
You will learn to create visual interpretations of subjects, conceptualize, communicate, and refine technical skills using both traditional and digital media while preparing your portfolio.
Illustration and graphic design courses include graphic design for the web, digital tools for the visual arts, introduction to 2D design, animation, and more. You will gain hands-on experience using industry standard equipment.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
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Demonstrate solid foundation skills and competency in a range of media, techniques, and knowledge of associated processes to create products for a specified purpose or audience.
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Apply visual problem solving that employs appropriate technical skills and techniques.
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Evaluate the creativity of ideas and use of concepts for visual communication.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Multimedia artists and animators create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested two-year course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- ARTT 100 - Introduction to Drawing 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD) **
- GDES 116 - Digital Tools for the Visual Arts 4 semester hours
- GDES 121 - Fundamentals of Graphic Design I 3 semester hours
- GDES 134 - Illustration I 3 semester hours
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- ARTT 102 - Introduction to 2D Design 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- GDES 135 - Illustration II 3 semester hours
- GDES 214 - Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4 semester hours
Third Semester
- ARTT 201 - Art History: 1400 to Present 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- ARTT 205 - Figure Drawing I 3 semester hours
- GDES 140 - Introduction to Animation 4 semester hours
- GDES 216 - Illustrator for Vector Graphics 4 semester hours
Fourth Semester
- GDES 218 - Graphic Design for the Web 4 semester hours
- GDES 234 - Illustration III 3 semester hours
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- Natural Science Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or any GDES elective.
** AAS programs require one 3-credit Arts or Humanities General Education course.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.