About Digital Illustration
Our Digital Illustration program combines the study of illustration, art, and design with digital tools and techniques to create figurative imagery used in all forms of digital media.
The certificate sequence prepares you for freelance illustration positions in print and interactive media, publishing, advertising, animation, and gaming.
Explore Potential Careers
Studying Digital Illustration can lead to a variety of different jobs or career paths. Below are just some of the many options you will have!
- Freelance Illustrator
- Children’s Book Publishing
- Concept Artist
- Character Design
Program Options
Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish.
Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a faculty member in the department to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals.
Semester 1
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| VMD 100 |
Orientation to Visual Media Design |
1 |
|
|
VMD 101
or
ART 125A
|
Design Fundamentals
Basic Design
|
3
3
|
Can substitute DSGN 101 or PHOT 100 |
| VMD 105 |
Visual Media Digital Skills |
3 |
|
|
VMD 118
or
ART 126
|
Color in Design
Color
|
3
3
|
Advise: VMD 101, VMD 105 |
Total Units: 10
Semester 2
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| VMD 112 |
Design Drawing Techniques |
1.5 |
Advise: VMD 101 or DSGN 101 or PHOTO 100 |
| VMD 150 |
Illustrator I |
3 |
Prerequisite: VMD 105 |
| VMD 154 |
Photoshop I |
3 |
Prerequisite: VMD 105 |
| ART 130 |
Basic Drawing |
3 |
Advise: ART 125A |
Total Units: 10.5
Overall Total Units: 20.5
Semester 1
Completion of Digital Art Foundation Certificate Required
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| VMD 120 |
Graphic Design I |
3 |
Prerequisites: VMD 101, VMD 105 |
| VMD 151 |
Illustrator II |
3 |
Prerequisite: VMD 150 |
| VMD 155 |
Photoshop II |
3 |
Prerequisite: VMD 154 |
| VMD 170 |
Digital Illustration I |
3 |
Prerequisites: VMD 105, ART 130 |
Total Units: 12
Semester 2
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
|
VMD 168
or
ART 163A
|
Visual Development for Animation
Introduction to Illustration
|
3
3
|
Prerequisites: VMD 105, ART 130
Advise: Art 125, ART 130
|
| VMD 172 |
Digital Illustration II |
3 |
Prerequisite: VMD 170 |
| ART 132A |
Beginning Figure Drawing |
3 |
Prerequisite: ART 130 |
Total Units: 9
Semester 3
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| VMD 190 |
Portfolio Preparation |
3 |
Prerequisites: VMD 101, VMD 105; Advise: VMD 122, VMD 152 |
|
VMD 200A
or
VMD 112
or
ART 130B
or
ART 132B
|
Design Studio Practicum
Design Drawing Techniques
Intermediate Drawing
Intermediate Figure Drawing
|
3
3
3
3
|
Prerequisites: VMD 120, VMD 130, VMD 140, VMD 150, VMD 152, VMD 154
Advise: VMD 101
Prerequisite: ART 130A
Prerequisite: ART 132A
|
Total Units: 6
Overall Total Units: 27
Transfer Options
The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring Digital Illustration programs at the following institutions:
- San Jose State University
- California College of the Arts
Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.
