Illustration
CTE ILLUSTRATION PATHWAY
This pathway introduces students to the fundamentals of character design through traditional and digital media, using tools like Procreate to explore anatomy, perspective, color theory, and visual storytelling.
Students refine their personal style, build professional portfolios, and engage in real-world projects that emphasize industry standards and career readiness. Together, these courses offer a comprehensive pathway from foundational skills to advanced creative expression and professional practice in illustration that we see in Disney, Pixar, children’s storybooks, comics and more.
Illustration I [Concentrator Course]
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art
This course immerses students in the dynamic world of illustration, blending traditional drawing techniques with cutting-edge digital tools. Using iPads, Apple Pencils, and the industry-standard platform Procreate, students will develop core artistic skills while exploring the full creative process of character design.
Students will build a strong foundation in proportion, perspective, color theory, and shading, and apply these principles to create expressive characters through studies in anatomy and visual storytelling. They will learn to convey emotion, movement, and personality through facial expressions and dynamic poses.
In addition to character development, the course covers the design of props and the creation of backgrounds, encouraging students to craft complete visual narratives.
Throughout the course, students will examine the historical and cultural influences that have shaped modern character design—from classic storybooks to the iconic works of Pixar and Disney animation—drawing inspiration to inform and enrich their own creations.
Advanced Illustration [Capstone Course]
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art, Illustration I
This advanced capstone course is designed for students who have successfully completed foundational illustration coursework and are ready to apply their skills in a professional context. Students will refine their personal artistic voice and style while producing a portfolio that reflects industry standards in both traditional and digital media.
Emphasizing career readiness, this course integrates real-world experiences such as client-based projects, collaboration with local industry professionals, and participation in critiques and exhibitions. Students will also explore topics including intellectual property, freelance practices, visual storytelling, and branding.
As a culminating experience in the CTE pathway, students will demonstrate mastery of illustration techniques, professional communication, and industry knowledge through a final capstone project and presentation.