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Art New Media

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.A. in Art New Media

This degree emphasizes visual arts produced in a digital environment. Art New Media focuses on new technology and a strong foundation in the fundamentals of visual art. Coursework includes a wide spectrum of studies in traditional and new media fundamentals relevant to art and design.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3) 3
ART 323 Design: Color Theory 3
ARTH 310 Modern Art 3
ARTNM 305 History of Graphic Design 3
ARTNM 450 Portfolio for Art New Media 3
A minimum of 15 units from the following: 15
ARTNM 302 Digital Basics for Art New Media (1.5)
ARTNM 303 Graphic Design: Typography (3)
ARTNM 320 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3)
   or ART 306 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3)
ARTNM 322 Beginning Digital Art (3)
ARTNM 324 Digital Design (3)
ARTNM 325 Intermediate Digital Design (3)
ARTNM 326 Digital Painting (3)
ARTNM 328 Beginning Digital Photo Imagery (3)
ARTNM 330 Intermediate Digital Photo Imagery (3)
ART 339 Integrating Digital Media with Traditional Media I (3)
ARTNM 332 Digital Video (3)
ARTNM 352 Design for Publication (3)
ARTNM 354 Digital Prepress (3)
ARTNM 358 College Magazine: Art Selection and Editing (1 - 2)
ARTNM 359 College Magazine: Design and Production (3)
ARTNM 370 Introduction to Illustration (3)
   or ART 314 Introduction to Illustration (3)
ARTNM 372 Character Design (3)
   or ART 317 Character Design (3)
ARTNM 373 Storyboarding (3)
ARTNM 401 Introduction to Web Design (3)
ARTNM 402 Intermediate Web Design (3)
ARTNM 404 Interactive Basics (3)
ARTNM 405 Digital 2D Animation (3)
ARTNM 406 Design for Tablets (3)
ARTNM 420 Introduction to 3D Modeling (3)
ARTNM 421 3D Character Modeling (3)
ARTNM 422 3D Animation (3)
ARTNM 423 3D Texturing (3)
ARTNM 429 3D Rigging and Rig Building (3)
ARTNM 431 Short Production (3)
CISW 300 Web Publishing (3)
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 33

The Art New Media Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze design principles relevant to new media technology
  • combine various technical skills in the field of art new media
  • create visual images utilizing traditional and/or digital media
  • synthesize concepts of modern art history and apply them to illustration, animation, graphic design, and web design
  • conceive visual solutions for successful visual communication
  • critique new media works

Career Information

Career opportunities include Graphic Designer, Character Designer, 3D Animator, Web Designer, 3D Modeler and Texture Artist, 3D Artist, Commercial Illustrator, and Print Designer.

Certificates of Achievement

3D Modeling and Texturing Certificate

This certificate combines a foundation of traditional sculpture and painting with computer-generated three-dimensional digital modeling and painting. High polygon modeling techniques are used to create assets for any industry in need of 3D modeling and texturing. Texturing will focus primarily on the use of manipulated and painted imagery to create complex surfaces.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 375 Figure Sculpture 3
ARTNM 420 Introduction to 3D Modeling 3
ARTNM 421 3D Character Modeling 3
ARTNM 423 3D Texturing 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ART 306 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3)
   or ARTNM 320 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3)
ART 317 Character Design (3)
   or ARTNM 372 Character Design (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTNM 431 Short Production (3)
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create complex 3D environments, characters, and props to be used in any production.
  • create believable models of objects from life, photographs, or hand-drawn reference.
  • create accurate models of the human anatomy with a clear and clean polygon flow showing muscle, fat, skin, and bone topology.
  • create believable textures from reference images.
  • analyze and assess the needs of a project and determine the complexity of the models and textures to match the project.
  • create clean, high polygon count, polygon meshes ready for production.
  • create facial structures and shape targets preparing the character for facial animation.
  • create a portfolio-quality modeling and texturing demonstration reel.

Career Information

Students can continue their studies in 3D modeling and texturing at a four-year college or choose to apply their 3D modeling and texturing skills in the film, game, and broadcast industries, as well as other local industries, such as medical, legal, engineering, Web, and fine art.


3D Rigging Technical Director Certificate

This certificate offers training on the articulation of movement for 3D objects, environments, and characters. Rigging is the process of giving a character controls for movement, therein "articulating" its range of motion, or bringing the character to life. Standard rigs for vehicles, bipedal, and quadrupedal characters are created, as well as rig variations, such as cartoon rigs to maximize flexibility. In addition, students are expected to increase efficiency of production by creating rig building tools. Also, interfacing tools are created to increase efficiency and usability of the rigs in production.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARTNM 420 Introduction to 3D Modeling 3
ARTNM 429 3D Rigging and Rig Building 3
CISC 323 Linux Operating System 1
CISP 300 Algorithm Design/Problem Solving 3
MATH 372 College Algebra for Calculus 4
MATH 373 Trigonometry for Calculus 4
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTNM 431 Short Production (3)
   or WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • differentiate the types of deformers to achieve a specific deformation called for by animation.
  • create a concise set of animation controls.
  • analyze the animator's needs to provide and refine an articulation of the full range of expressions and body movement needed to support a character's acting range.
  • create a portfolio quality demonstration reel of their rigs animated.
  • proficiently use a programming language to solve rigging problems, create new tools, and create interfacing tools for the animator.
  • proficiently use math to solve rigging problems.
  • design and maintain master rigs that can be re-used as a basis for articulating similar characters, or applying existing rigs to newly created character sculpts.
  • differentiate the deformation needs of realistic musculature and traditional cartoon movement.

Career Information

Students can apply their 3D rigging skills in film, game, and broadcast, as well as local industries, such as medical, legal, engineering, Web, and fine art. Students can continue their studies in 3D rigging at a four-year college or choose an entry-level position in any of the 3D animation industries.


3D Technical Director Certificate

This certificate offers a comprehensive understanding of the computer generated three-dimensional (CG 3D) production process. It is designed for self-learners, entrepreneurs, and developers of independent content or someone looking for a high level position in a 3D animation company. A broad range of topics are covered from traditional sculpting to digital rendering. In addition to technical direction, this certificate is ideal for any 3D Generalist position.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 304 Figure Drawing I 3
ARTNM 320 Facial Expression and Anatomy 3
ARTNM 420 Introduction to 3D Modeling 3
ARTNM 429 3D Rigging and Rig Building 3
CISC 323 Linux Operating System 1
CISP 300 Algorithm Design/Problem Solving 3
MATH 372 College Algebra for Calculus 4
MATH 373 Trigonometry for Calculus 4
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 61
ARTNM 421 3D Character Modeling (3)
ARTNM 422 3D Animation (3)
ARTNM 423 3D Texturing (3)
ARTNM 431 Short Production (3)
Total Units: 33

1ARTNM 422 has a prerequisite of ARTNM 405

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • plan a production pipeline and solve 3D production issues with a holistic understanding of 3D.
  • create portfolio-quality demonstration reels with animation, modeling, texturing, and rigging.
  • differentiate various 3D software strengths and weaknesses.
  • apply for an entry-level 3D position calling for a 3D Technical Director or 3D Generalist.
  • create digital textures and materials from observing and scanning real-world surfaces and materials.
  • apply textures and materials to a computer-generated environment.

Career Information

Students can apply 3D skills in film, game, and broadcast, as well as local industries, such as medical, legal, engineering, Web, and fine art. Students can continue their studies in 3D at a four-year college or choose an entry-level position in any of the 3D animation industries.


Animation Certificate

This certificate focuses on traditional animation principles to create believable animations. Animations created range from motion graphics for broadcast television to animated product placement to characters used for the telling of fantastic stories. It focuses on skill sets in both the traditional arts and digital environments.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ARTNM 373 Storyboarding 3
ARTNM 405 Digital 2D Animation 3
ARTNM 422 3D Animation 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ART 306 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3)
   or ARTNM 320 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3)
ART 317 Character Design (3)
   or ARTNM 372 Character Design (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTNM 431 Short Production (3)
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • research and demonstrate application of the principles of animation to tell a story with meaning through movement.
  • create the motions, gestures, and expressions of three-dimensional computer graphics characters and objects.
  • critique animation and regularly improve upon demonstration reels.
  • create a portfolio-quality animation demonstration reel.
  • create animation from live reference, video reference, and from hand-drawn imagery.
  • create animation in various 2D and 3D software programs and apply the principles regardless of the software differences.
  • block-in movements in rough animation and show for approval in a weekly review.
  • finish work for approval in a timely manner.

Career Information

Students can apply animation skills in film, game, and broadcast, as well as local industries, such as medical, legal, engineering, Web, fine art, and entrepreneurial. Students can continue their studies in animation at a four-year college or choose an entry level position in any of the animation industries.


Art New Media: Illustration Certificate

This certificate focuses on using traditional visual art principles to clearly communicate the needs of a client and/or target a specific audience. It includes skill sets from both the traditional arts and digital media. Illustration skills are applied in animation, character design, 3D modeling and texturing, set design, product design, as well as areas of editorial, advertising, technical, and book illustration.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 304 Figure Drawing I 3
ART 323 Design: Color Theory 3
ART 327 Painting I (3) 3
   or ART 336 Watercolor Painting (3)
ARTH 310 Modern Art 3
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3) 3
ARTNM 320 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3) 3
   or ART 306 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3)
ARTNM 324 Digital Design 3
ARTNM 326 Digital Painting 3
ARTNM 370 Introduction to Illustration (3) 3
   or ART 314 Introduction to Illustration (3)
Total Units: 30

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create drawn and painted images using traditional and digital media
  • research and develop visual content with an understanding of the target audience
  • develop and produce visual solutions that meet the needs of a client within a deadline
  • analyze and apply effective color schemes to enhance the viewer's emotional response to the content of an illustration
  • research modern art and illustration history, applying concepts to illustrations to effectively communicate visually within contemporary culture
  • create a portfolio that demonstrates skill with traditional and digital media and concept development

Career Information

Career opportunities include animation, character design, 3D modeling and texturing, set design, product design, as well as areas of editorial, advertising, technical, and book illustration.


ARTNM: Character Design Certificate

This certificate focuses on the visual concept development of believable characters. Skills in traditional and digital illustration are applied to create characters for animation, games, comics, graphic novels, children’s books, and illustrated novels.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 302 Drawing and Composition II 3
ART 304 Figure Drawing I 3
ARTNM 320 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3) 3
   or ART 306 Facial Expression and Anatomy (3)
ARTNM 326 Digital Painting 3
ARTNM 372 Character Design 31
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ART 305 Figure Drawing II (3)
ART 375 Figure Sculpture (3)
Total Units: 21

1ART 302 (Drawing and Composition II) with a grade of "C" or better

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create believable characters using traditional and digital media
  • research the environment, social and cultural structure, anatomy, costume and motion as they relate to a particular narrative
  • create characters with believable gesture and movement that are consistent with the character concept
  • analyze and apply facial expressions for the character that effectively describe the character within a narrative
  • utilize references from photographs, illustration, and animation to create characters that effectively interact within their environment
  • compile a portfolio that presents the process of character creation from research through final presentation

Career Information

Career opportunities include film, game, broadcast, and illustration industries.


ARTNM: Commercial Illustration Certificate

This certificate focuses on traditional visual art principles to clearly communicate the needs of a client and their target audience. It includes skill sets from both the traditional arts and digital media. Illustration skills are applied in areas of editorial, advertising, technical and book illustration, as well as 3D modeling and texturing, animation, set design, and product design.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 304 Figure Drawing I 3
ARTNM 324 Digital Design 3
ARTNM 326 Digital Painting 3
ARTNM 328 Beginning Digital Photo Imagery 3
ARTNM 370 Introduction to Illustration (3) 3
   or ART 314 Introduction to Illustration (3)
Total Units: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create drawn and painted images using traditional and digital media
  • research and develop visual content with an understanding of the client's target audience
  • develop and produce visual solutions that meet the needs of a client within a deadline
  • analyze and apply color schemes to communicate a message that meets the client's needs
  • research modern art and illustration history, applying concepts to illustrations to effectively communicate visually within contemporary culture
  • compile a portfolio that demonstrates skill with both traditional and digital media and client based concept development

Career Information

Career opportunities include editorial, advertising, technical and book illustration, 3D modeling and texturing, animation, set design, and product design


ARTNM: Web Design Certificate

The Web Design certificate incorporates the fundamentals of visual communication with industry-standard work flow and tools to prepare creatives and talents for the web design industry. The certificate focuses on the visual language necessary for a web designer to produce compelling graphics in the web authoring environment. Students are encouraged to further their studies in interactive design by obtaining other Art New Media Certificates such as the Interactive Design Certificate, the Digital Imagery Certificate and the Video Certificate within the Art New Media department, or similar programs at a four-year college, or encouraged to choose an entry-level position in the web design industry.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARTNM 303 Graphic Design: Typography 3
ARTNM 324 Digital Design 3
ARTNM 328 Beginning Digital Photo Imagery 3
ARTNM 325 Intermediate Digital Design 3
ARTNM 330 Intermediate Digital Photo Imagery 3
ARTNM 401 Introduction to Web Design 3
ARTNM 332 Digital Video 3
ARTNM 402 Intermediate Web Design 3
Total Units: 24

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • produce compelling graphics incorporating industry-standard work flow and tools
  • design visually successful web pages/web sites using visual design concepts
  • evaluate content needs for target audience
  • assess the most effective navigation flow
  • conceive and deliver visual solutions for a client within a defined time frame

Career Information

Web design skills are used in business, government, educational institutions, and the entertainment industry.


Graphic Design: Intern Artist Certificate

This certificate introduces the software and theory used by graphic designers in the design studio. It covers page layout, vector drawing, and photo manipulation basics. It also focuses on current industry trends in the digital marketplace.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARTNM 303 Graphic Design: Typography 3
ARTNM 324 Digital Design 3
ARTNM 328 Beginning Digital Photo Imagery 3
ARTNM 352 Design for Publication 3
ARTNM 359 College Magazine: Design and Production 3
ARTNM 401 Introduction to Web Design 3
ARTNM 402 Intermediate Web Design 3
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • assess typographic hierarchy as it relates to message development.
  • build digital files to specs required by the current industry.
  • integrate different software files into one digital file.
  • resolve digital production issues as they relate to industry standards.
  • correlate deadline issues as they relate to production schedules.

Career Information

Students can apply their acquired skills for internship positions in graphic arts related jobs such as entry-level design positions, entry-level in-house design positions, and production artist positions. Or, with additional coursework, students can continue their studies at a qualified four-year college.


Graphic Design: Junior Artist Certificate

This certificate introduces software applications, industry-standard hardware, and the typographic/fundamental and technical skills necessary for today’s workplace. It focuses on visual communication through layout design, typography, and the dynamic relationship between image and type. It meets current marketplace demands by incorporating print/non-print media and the effect new technologies have on a changing communications field.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARTNM 303 Graphic Design: Typography 3
ARTNM 305 History of Graphic Design 3
ARTNM 324 Digital Design 3
ARTNM 325 Intermediate Digital Design 3
ARTNM 328 Beginning Digital Photo Imagery 3
ARTNM 330 Intermediate Digital Photo Imagery 3
ARTNM 352 Design for Publication 3
ARTNM 354 Digital Prepress 3
ARTNM 359 College Magazine: Design and Production 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 30

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze and formulate visual communication concepts using graphic design principles and standards.
  • evaluate the role of typography as a communication device and know how the graphic design field fits into today’s multimedia environment.
  • design and produce two-dimensional media projects taking into account client needs, composition, color, and hierarchy of information.
  • construct camera-ready art with industry standard graphic design software.
  • evaluate problems generated by clients and execute visual concepts through research, thumbnails, roughs, design development and presentation.
  • prioritize design and production deadlines for a deadline oriented industry.

Career Information

Students can apply their acquired skills in typography, software and concept development to apply for production artist or junior graphic designer positions.


Graphic Design: Production Artist Certificate

This certificate covers the process of digital production for printing and web. It focuses on the core software programs and current industry trends for digital media.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARTNM 324 Digital Design 3
ARTNM 328 Beginning Digital Photo Imagery 3
ARTNM 352 Design for Publication 3
ARTNM 354 Digital Prepress 3
ARTNM 359 College Magazine: Design and Production 3
ARTNM 401 Introduction to Web Design 3
Total Units: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • investigate the basics of digital software for vector- and pixel- based media
  • analyze specific conditions which influence digital production decisions
  • categorize raster-based images and vector-based art as they relate to print and web
  • calculate resolution, color modes and file size as they relate to print and web production
  • construct a series of projects which build knowledge of simple and complex production issues

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry-level print or web production artist positions.


Technical Communications Certificate

This certificate offers an interdisciplinary program of courses in Technical Communications, Art/New Media, and Computer Information Systems to prepare students for a variety of technical writing and professional communication careers. The certificate includes the theory, writing skills, design background, and computer applications knowledge needed for jobs in technical communication.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARTNM 352 Design for Publication (3) 2 - 3
or CISA 330 Desktop Publishing (2)
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing (2) 2 - 3
   or BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing (3)
CISW 300 Web Publishing 3
TECCOM 300 Introduction to Technical/Professional Communication 3
TECCOM 310 Writing Digital Content 1
TECCOM 330 Writing Technical Manuals 1
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
BUS 100 English for the Professional (3)
BUS 310 Business Communications (3)
CISW 321 Web Site Development using Dreamweaver (3)
Total Units: 15 - 17

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze audience information needs.
  • compose concise, clearly written professional documents organized with the audiences' needs in mind.
  • design print and online resources that communicate organizations' values, enhance readability, and are easy to use.
  • demonstrate basic skills in the use of word processing, page design, and web design applications.
  • evaluate organizations' communication goals and needs based on technical writing principles.

Career Information

Technical communicators find employment in medical, scientific, high tech, business, university, and government settings. They may write white papers, tutorials, reference and procedure manuals, help systems, user assistance video scripts, grants and proposals, and more.