Pre-College Courses and Curriculum
Earn College Credit While Developing Your Artistic Skills
Summer of Art is an immersive pre-college program designed to provide high school students with a college-level studio experience while earning college credit. The curriculum combines foundational training with specialized instruction, giving students the opportunity to build a strong artistic portfolio and explore future pathways in art and design.
Students enroll in Drawing Studios to strengthen hand-eye coordination and refine technical skills, while Specializations allow for deeper exploration in specific disciplines. For the most comprehensive pre-college experience, students are encouraged to enroll in both courses for a full five-day studio immersion. However, individual class options are also available.
All Summer of Art classes meet Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PDT, with outside assignments designed to supplement in-class learning. Students will experience the rigor and creative exploration of a college-level art education, helping them prepare for their future.
Specializations
Specializations are designed to provide an in-depth, robust, and comprehensive exploration of a specific field of art or design. Specializations meet five days a week (M-F) for either a morning or afternoon 3 ½ hour session.
- Character Development and Design
- Illustration
- Product and Toy Design
- Ceramics and Sculpture (full day)
- Animation (2D, 3D and traditional pen to paper) (full day)
- Fashion Design I
- Graphic Design and Screenprinting (full day)
- Painting I
- On-Camera: Photography and Digital Filmmaking (full day)
Specializations with Linked Drawing Courses
All courses can be taken individually, but for the 3-credit, full-day program, the following drawing course options are recommended for each specialization to create a more holistic and cohesive learning experience.
- Product and Toy Design I (AM)
➔ Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Drawing or Life Drawing (PM) - Illustration (AM)
➔ Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Drawing or Life Drawing (PM) - Painting I (AM)
➔ Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Drawing or Life Drawing (PM) - Character Development and Design I
➔ Life Drawing I or Drawing from the Costumed Model I - Fashion Design I
➔ Drawing from the Costumed Model I
Full-Day Programs Without a Drawing Course
- Ceramics / Sculpture (AM/PM)
- ON-CAMERA (Photography and Film) (AM/PM)
- Graphic Design/Screen Printing (AM/PM)
- Animation (2D, 3D and traditional pen to paper) (Drawing component built in, AM/PM)
Drawing Studios
Drawing Studios cover fundamental skills required of all art and design disciplines including fashion, painting, photography, digital media, and others rooted in observational drawing. These courses offer a window into the learning experiences of a first year Otis College undergraduate student. Drawing Studios meet five days a week (M-F) for either a morning or afternoon 3 ½ hour session.
Course Descriptions
A foundational course designed for students who are new to drawing or wish to strengthen their basic drawing skills*. This summer course guides students through the essential techniques and principles of drawing, offering a comprehensive introduction to the art of seeing and translating what is observed onto paper.
The course covers a range of topics, including the use of linework, shape, form, texture, and shading to create depth and dimension in drawings. Through a series of hands-on exercises and projects, students will learn how to represent objects from life, explore different drawing techniques, and develop a strong foundation in visual perception. The course emphasizes seeing the world through an artist’s lens and expressing it effectively on paper. Students explore various drawing mediums, such as graphite, charcoal, and ink, and will practice drawing from life and imagination. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the basic elements of drawing and the confidence to pursue further artistic stud as well as a solid portfolio of pieces.
*Note this is comparable to a college-level beginning drawing course
Students will be introduced to hands-on learning as they explore the expressive and technical aspects of ceramics and sculpture. Over the course of several weeks, students explore various methods of working with clay, including hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing.. There will be emphasis on both the artistic and practical dimensions of ceramics and sculpture, allowing students to develop an understanding of 3D design, form, and space while refining foundational skills.Through creative projects and demonstrations, students gain practical experience and develop their skills in creating both functional and decorative ceramic and sculptural pieces.
This introductory class is designed to immerse students in the fundamentals of creating compelling, original characters for animation. This course focuses on the art of character design, exploring the essential elements that bring animated characters to life. Through hands-on projects, students learn how to develop unique characters with distinct personalities, visual styles, and narrative purposes. Although there will be an option to work with digital tools, this course will work primarily with traditional media (paper, pencils, brushes and acrylic paint). By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in character design, equipping them with the skills needed to create memorable characters that resonate with audiences.
Explore Character Development and Design for Animation and Entertainment I
This class is designed to develop students' observational drawing skills, focusing on the complexities of the human figure clothed in various fabrics and costumes. This course emphasizes the study of anatomy, proportion, and the way clothing interacts with the human form. Students work from live models, exploring the forms of drapery, texture, and the dynamic movement of fabric. Students practice both traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing, allowing them to refine their skills and practice stylistic approaches.
This introductory course immerses students in the foundational concepts and skills of fashion design. Students learn the entire design process, from initial inspiration to finished garment, emphasizing creativity, technical skills, and industry knowledge. They explore fashion history, textiles, sketching, pattern making, and garment construction, gaining a thorough overview of what it takes to bring a fashion idea to life. By the end of the course, students create design concepts and develop several pieces that showcase their emerging style and skills. This course is perfect for those new to fashion design, offering essential skills and knowledge for further study or a career in the fashion industry.
This summer program combines the fundamentals of graphic design with hands-on screen printing techniques. Students explore design principles, including composition, typography, color theory, and branding, while learning to apply these concepts to create impactful screen-printed artwork. The course offers a blend of digital and manual techniques, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the design process from initial concept to final printed product. By the end of the course, students will have produced a series of original screen-printed designs, including posters, t-shirts, and other print media.
This class provides a comprehensive introduction to illustration, covering fundamental techniques, creative processes, and professional practices. Students explore various styles and media, develop their unique artistic voice, and gain hands-on experience producing high-quality illustrations. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue further studies or exploration in illustration.
This drawing course is designed for students who have a foundational understanding of drawing and wish to refine their skills and explore more advanced techniques. Students focus on enhancing technical abilities, deepening artistic expression, and developing a more sophisticated understanding of drawing as an art form. By the end of the course, students will have advanced their drawing skills, developed a personal artistic style, and have finished pieces that reflect their growth and readiness for more advanced study and a strong portfolio.
This foundational drawing class is designed to equip students with the essential skills and techniques to accurately and expressively draw the human figure. Students focus on observational drawing from live models, emphasizing the study of anatomy, proportion, gesture, and the effects of light and shadow on the human form. Through a combination of structured lessons and hands-on practice, students learn to translate their observations into dynamic and life-like drawings. With an introduction to various drawing media and techniques, they are encouraged to explore different approaches to figure drawing. By the end of the course, students will have a foundation in life drawing, showcasing their ability to accurately and expressively represent the human figure. They will have developed technical skills, refined their observational techniques, and finished drawings highlighting their progress and artistic capabilities.
This introductory course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamental techniques, concepts, and painting materials. Through hands-on practice and guided instruction, students explore various painting styles, mediums, and methods, focusing on developing their artistic voice. They approach painting with experimentation and creativity while building a foundation in color theory, composition, and brushwork. This course provides a strong foundation for students interested in furthering their studies in painting or other visual arts disciplines.
This summer course delves into the art and technique of photography and film, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of visual storytelling. Students will explore the fundamentals of photography, including camera operation, composition, and lighting, and then expand their skills into the realm of filmmaking, covering topics such as cinematography, editing, and narrative structure. The course emphasizes the creative and technical aspects of both mediums, encouraging students to develop their unique visual style while mastering the tools of the trade. By the end of the course, students will have created a portfolio of photographs and a short film project that showcases their ability to convey stories through imagery.
This introductory course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of designing products and toys. The course covers the entire design process, from concept development to prototype creation, focusing on creativity, functionality, and user experience. Students explore various design techniques, materials, and manufacturing processes, gaining hands-on experience creating innovative and marketable products and toys. This course provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing college studies in product design, industrial design, or toy design. It prepares them for more advanced studies in these fields.