Fall 2013
ART 322A Illustration I
Instructor: Laurel Long
Email: laurel.long@csun.edu
Office hours: Monday, Wednesday 5:00-6:30pm Office/Classroom: ACD 506/507
Catalog Description
Prerequisites: Art 222, Art 200. Basic principles and practice of publication and advertising illustration. Projects emphasize conceptual
problem solving, composition and the development of personal style. Projects are designed for inclusion in a professional portfolio.
Course Description
This is an introductory course in the study of Illustration as an art form and profession. Emphasis is on the development of conceptual
problem-solving abilities, technical skills, self-expression and personal style. These skills are equally important for the creation of fine
art and graphic design. Types of illustration include:
• Editorial Illustration: For students interested in contemporary culture who possess a consistent and distinctive approach and graphic
sensibility. Relevant to: advertising, magazine, newspaper and book publishing.
• Children’s Market Illustration: For students with a love for storytelling, character and design appropriate to children. Relevant to book
and magazine publishing, advertising and licensing.
• Visual Development Illustration: For students whose exceptional skill in drawing, painting, color and perspective is combined with a
love for storytelling, character, atmosphere and narrative environments. Students prepare for a career in animation or film.
• Licensing/Merchandising/Packaging: For students who possess a 2D and 3D design sensibility. Relevant to products: home goods,
apparel, toys, gifts, stationary, skateboards etc.
• Fine Art Illustration: For students seeking to adapt their illustration skills to a gallery environment. Emphasis is on self-direction,
concept and originality.
Art Department Program Goals Addressed in this Course
• Acquire a basic knowledge, theories, and concepts about art; develop a foundation of art skills and a high level of craft; communicate
ideas and concepts through writing, speaking and art making; acquire a competency with the tools and technologies associated with the
visual arts.
• Broaden knowledge of ancient through contemporary art; develop an understanding of the theoretical, cultural, and historical contexts
of art.
• Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art.
• Explore and engage in interdisciplinary forms of art making.
• Develop an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives dealing with art, culture, teaching and learning.
• Become involved in both individual and collaborative art experiences with other students, faculty, and community.
• Develop a career path for an art profession or an art-related field; develop an understanding of the demands and expectations of that
area of art profession or art field.
Course Student Learning Objectives
• Develop and demonstrate technical, conceptual and design skills as it applies to the art of illustration.
• Communicate ideas and concepts through artistic development and art making
• Acquire knowledge of contemporary and historical art and illustration movements.
• Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art within specific art assignments
• Consider the application of illustration into an individual art or art-related career
• Use appropriate critical vocabulary to describe and analyze works of artistic expression
• Recognize personal preferences and strengths related to illustration.
• Apply illustration knowledge and skill to self-expression and effective visual communication.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is a serious offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended or awarded a failing grade to an assignment
or the entire course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty and plagiarism. A student
found to be committing academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The student code of
conduct can be found on page 586 of the University Catalog or on the CSUN
website:http://www.csun.edu/studentaffairs/pdfs/standards_student_conduct.pdf.
Student Conduct Code
Students are expected to "act at all times with integrity and with respect toward all members of the campus community. The University
assumes that all students will conduct themselves as mature, responsible, and law-abiding citizens who will comply with University
policies and regulations." See the current University catalog.
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Classroom rules
• Cell phones must be turned off or put on vibrate. Phone talking or texting in class is not allowed.
• No headphones.
• No laptop use during lectures. Using your laptop to work on anything outside of this course during class time is not permitted.
• You are welcome to bring food and drinks into class. Keep all food items and drinks away from art work at all times. Please clean up
after yourself for the next class.
Missed Class Policy
Lectures and demos cannot be repeated. Contact a classmate for missed information.
Name________________________________________Contact info _____________________________________
Attendance Policy
Attendance is required. The following will be applied in determining the final grade in the course.
• 3 absences are allowed without penalty. More than three absences will result in a lower final course grade
• Consider saving your 3 absences for emergencies or illness.
• A doctor’s note will not excuse absences beyond the 3 allowed. If illness requires more than three absences, a medical withdrawal
from the course is recommended.
• Roll is taken every class. 3 late arrivals and/or early departures will be counted as one absence.
• You may ask for your attendance and grade information at any time.
Grading
Final Grading is based on: Projects grades, effort and attendance (see above). Project Grading is based on:
• Projects are graded on the basis of demonstrated knowledge of course content, effective and ambitious solutions to problems,
technique and presentation. The six assignments are weighted equally for grading.
• Preliminary work not complete on deadline will lower the final project grade.
• Unpreparedness and projects not worked on during class time will lower the final project grade.
• Late assignments will not be accepted.
• Assignments that have met all deadline requirements can be revised and resubmitted for a higher grade.
To earn an A or A- you must do the following:
• Earn an overall grade of at least an A- on all six assignments
• Meet all deadlines
• Have no more than three absences
• Be on time to class and do not leave class early (unless emergency)
• Have the necessary supplies to work in class
• Take notes and/or sketch lecture material
• Demonstrate a commitment to the subject and be involved in class.
Grade Point Scale
Grading is in accordance with university policy: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F
A= outstanding, B= good, C= average, D= unsatisfactory, F= failure
A = 95 – 100, A- = 90 – 94, B+ = 87 – 89, B = 83 – 86, B- = 80 – 82, C = 73 – 76, C+ = 77 –
63 – 66, D- = 60 – 62, F = 0 – 59
Project Grading Criteria
1. Evidence of preplanning and research
3. Creativity and exploration
5. Craftsmanship, skill and presentation
79 C- = 70 – 72, D+ = 67 – 69, D =
2. Use of art elements and principles
4. Ideas and communication
Illustration Components:
• Technique/Skills: drawing, color mixing, fine art media and/or digital media mastery
• Composition: clarity, design elements and principles mastery
• Problem Solving/Ideas: word association, concepts
• Approach/Style: personal expression/signature
• Communication: intent and clarity; illustrations cannot confuse the viewer visually or conceptually.
Preliminary Work for Illustration Projects:
1. Thumbnail sketches 2. Research and visual reference 3. Preliminary drawings
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Assignment Format: 1" minimum margins. Do not draw or paint up to the edges of illustration board. Canvas can be painted to edges.
Presentation of Final Art Clean, squarely cut board flapped with tracing paper that is neatly taped with magic tape and trimmed to
board size. Continental will cut boards for you. Digital files must be downloaded on the classroom computer, printed and placed
between two pieces of sturdy board.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Assignments
Project Workbook: You will submit a separate 9x12” sketchbook/workbook for each project (5 total) that documents your research and
process for each assignment. This includes reference, written thought process: problem-solving, word lists and concepts, inspirations,
frustrations, reasons for your solutions and all of your thumbnails, process sketches and media experiments. Drawings done on a tablet
must be printed and put in the sketchbook.
1. Gallery Visit and Report
LEARNING GOALS
1. To further your understanding of contemporary illustration.
2. To further your understanding of media technique through direct observation of original art.
OVERVIEW Visit a local illustration gallery: La Luz de Jesus, Merry Karnosky, Gallery Nucleus, Thinkspace. Write a report on one of
the works. Identify the subject, content, style and technique in your report. Describe your reponse to the work. Word processed,
doublespaced only.
2. Pop Illustrations
Throughout the semester you will be given illustration assignments to be completed and handed in during class time. Together they will
equal one assignment grade. Pop illustrations cannot be made up if you are absent, unless previously arranged. Be prepared. Bring
supplies and your pop illustration sketchbook to every class.
3. Illustration: Color and Style Exploration
LEARNING GOALS
1. To learn color design and mixing from analysis of color palettes.
2. To further develop technical skill the use of art media.
3. To explore a stylistic approach consistent with your personal vision and artistic voice.
4. To increase knowledge of contemporary illustration and illustrators.
OVERVIEW This is an introduction to color and style and techniques used in contemporary illustration. The objective is to improve
technical skills while exploring approaches to technique and style that best communicate your own personal artistic voice. This
assignment gives you the opportunity to learn about illustrators and discover your own process. Most professional illustrators have a
distinct approach and technique that identify them to clients. Style and technique are often linked, as one can define the other.
MEDIA/TECHNIQUE Color media.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Research
• Research the works of contemporary illustrators in books available in the classroom and online. Online: AI-AP,
www.commarts.com/annuals/2012-Illustration/ winners, 3x3 gallery, ispot.com
• Select an illustrator whose work you like and respond to. No manga or cartoons. Research their work and bookmark their
website and/or print examples.
2. Exercise • Select an illustrators’ work that has a color palette and style that you like and respond to.
• Color Exercise: Choose a color medium for your color study and final illustration. Match each color of the color palette you
chose. Paint 3x3” color swatches on the type of surface that you will use for your final art.
3. Assignment
• Choose a subject that interests you. It can be from imagination or from reference. Use your own photograph or drawing,
(recommended), or a google image that is not easily recognized as a famous photo. Do not duplicate a subject/image that your
illustrator has done. No familiar imagery (bearded wizards, grim reapers, fairies, witches, unicorns, tagging, symbols, sports,
howling wolves, devils, dripping blood, palm trees, drama masks etc.)
• Using your illustrator’s style as inspiration, design and draw your subject in a similar way.
• Illustrate your subject in a color palette and style that is influenced by your illustrator.
4. Color exercise, final art and project workbook due for grading.
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4. Illustration: Variation in a Series
LEARNING GOALS
1. To explore variation of composition, color, media and style.
2. To push creative potential.
OVERVIEW This assignment gives you the opportunity to explore compositional and visual variety. It challenges your creativity and
initiative in arriving at multiple visual solutions.
MEDIA/TECHNIQUE Strathmore 400 series Mixed Media vellum surface pad 6x8”; Any media or mixed media: paint, ink, pencil,
scratchboard, glitter, spray paint, embroidery, collage, black and white and color. You can use one or a variety of media.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Research: Internet, life experience, books. Choose a subject (yearbook faces, hairdos, musicians, night, Victorians, robots,
animals, authors, cats…) or a theme (family, beauty, culture, neighborhood, time, conversation…)
2. Collect visual reference materials. Use your own drawings or take your own photos if possible. Make a digital file of your visual
reference and/or print out your drawings/photos and bring them to class.
3. Look at: Clayton Bros- exhibitions 2012 summer group exhibition, exhibitions 2009 jumbo fruit drawings ,
www.commarts.com/annuals/2012-Illustration/ winners, Alex Gros-mixed media , Edward Gorey, Jim Dine-google images, tool
etchings, Justine Fasciano, David Plunkert-personal, Stefano Vitale-portfolio, Gregory Manchesshttp://www.richardsolomon.com/artists/gregory-manchess/?c=2,- latest, Joe Ciardiello, Michael De Pippo-muppets electric
mayhem, Craig LaRotonda-fine art- paintings-primate paintings, Bill Mayer-sketchbook, animals, monster, flat art, Tim Biskup,
Nayoun Kim, Jeffrey Decoster, Olaf Hajek-art, Black Antoinette, Gary Kelly- monotypes, Martha Rich-recent paintings,
next,next,Nothing is Rather Do
4. Assignment: Illustrate your subject in fifteen 6 x 8” different variations
5. Final art and project workbook due for grading.
5. Illustration: Creative Problem-Solving Techniques
LEARNING GOALS
1. To increase creativity thinking and build a strong conceptual skill-base.
2. To learn creative approaches for giving visual form to abstract concepts and ideas
3. To learn effective visual communication.
OVERVIEW This is an introduction to the conceptual strategies available to the visual artist, the crucial link between text and image.
Particular emphasis is on matching form to content, risk-taking and non-literal thinking. The objective is to communicate abstract ideas
using visual symbols and to illustrate conceptual themes using visual metaphors. Avoid clichés. Related to editorial, advertising, book.
MEDIA/TECHNIQUE Color or B/W media.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Select two of the following articles:
• “A Guide to Outdoor Film Festivals”: a guide to summer film festivals, The Washington Post
• “The New Bad Girls”: about women appearing aggressive, but dreaming of a domestic life, io Donna magazine
• “China’s Arrogance, Power and Consequence”: about China’s growing arrogance toward other Asian countries,
Global Brief magazine
• “Bent Spines”: about back pain caused by bad posture while reading, The New York Times Book Review
2. List the major elements involved in the issue. For example if Human Rights Violations in China is the issue, then the
major elements are “China” (List A) and “human rights violation” (List B).
3. Write image words under each list. List A: China- great wall, dragons, chopsticks etc. List B: Human rights violationsblindfold, prisons, chains etc
4. Combine the image words from each list to arrive 4 illustration concepts for both of your articles.
Illustration concept example: The Great Wall wrapped around a head like a blindfold.
5. Choose the best illustration concept for each of your two articles.
6. Do thumbnails and a final illustration for both articles.
7. Collect visual reference materials. Take your own photos if possible. Make a digital file of your visual reference and/or
print out your photos and bring them to class. Digiatl files will have to be printed for the project workbook
8. Look at: Nate Williams website (go to “About” to “Articles” ) Curtis Parker, Brian Stauffer, Tim Schneider, Brad Yeo,
Craig Frazier, Max Grafe, Brad Holland, Maria Rendon, Noah Woods, Marc Burckhardt, Marti Somers, Anthony
Freda, Brian Cronin, Jeffrey Decoster, Jason Holley, Rafal Olbinski, Anita Kunz, Jon Krause, Jordan Isip, Colin
Johnson, Yuko Shimizu, Christopher Silas Neal, Richard Mia, Anthony Freda, Christian Northeast, A. Richard Allen,
Mark Bender, Genevieve Simms, Edel Rodriguez, Polly Becker, Shannon Freshwater, Marcos Chin, The Heads of
State, Scott Bakal, Victo Ngai, Chris Buzelli, Ellen Weinstein, JooHee Yoon
9. Final art and project workbook: written words lists and 4 written illustration concepts for each article due for grading
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6. Illustration: Concert Poster Illustration
LEARNING GOALS
1. To reinforce knowledge and application of media, style and design.
2. To build on the visual communication and creative problem solving skills.
3. To study and create illustrated typography.
OVERVIEW
This assignment requires you to think creatively and symbolically. It gives you an opportunity to illustrate your knowledge,
ideas and feelings about the subject. You can create a mood. Create something original and personal. The illustration should
communicate the emotion, message, mood and style of the subject. Related to editorial, advertising, book, entertainment.
MEDIA/TECHNIQUE Color or B/W media. Vertical format.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Assignment: Illustrate and design a concert poster. The illustration must include the name of the band or performer in
illustrated type.
2. Choose your subject. It should be a musician or band that you have information about and whose music you have
thoughts and feelings about.
3. Research: your subject- history, biography, musical influences, musical genre, lyrics etc. Research concert posters:
google images and links- band posters, concert posters. Look at: Emek, Dan Augustine, Andrew Saeger, Thomas
Counihan, Carlos Hernandez, Mick Wiggins, Bob Belevante,,Brad Maxfield, Aaron Horkey, John Parra, Jeffrey
Fisher, Joe Ciardiello, David Plunkert-poster
4. Collect visual reference material: photos, art, engravings, lyrics etc.
5. Use the problem solving technique used in previous assignment. Write down words and concepts
6. Final art and project workbook with thumbnails, written words lists and written illustration concepts due for grading.
Materials: Use appropriate materials and final art size. Consult with me about materials and size before you start final art.
Projects that are buckled, messy, poorly cut, damaged, too small or large will be graded down.
Required Supplies:
• Strathmore 400 series Mixed Media vellum surface pad 6x8”
• Five 9x12” sketchbooks
• Calque Canson Tracing paper pad 9 x 12“
• Disposable poly-coated palette pad: 9 x 12”
• Metal palette knife: Michael’s- Artist Loft, Trowel #102
• Waterproof black India ink (Winsor Newton or Sumi or Bombay)
• Pens: individual or sets (Sakura Pigma Micron or Artist Loft illustration pen or Prismacolor Premier illustration pen005, 01, 03, 05, or Staedtler Pigment Liner .1-.7mm)
• Ballpoint pen- (Staedtler 924 or Pilot G tech C3)
• Graphite pencils 2H, H, HB/F, B, 2B, 4B or .03 or .05 mechanical pencil
• Simply Simmons Studio white nylon acrylic and oil 6 brush set E or Artist Loft Necessities white or golden 10 brush
• One medium eye shadow brush: Target Studio Basics brand ($2.49)
• 1 or 1 ½” hardware store bristle brush
You may choose your preferred medium. Below is a list of recommended supplies.
• Surfaces
-Board: Use Strathmore 500 Series Heavyweight Illustration Board, cold pressed.
-Watercolor paper: stretched or 300lb.
-Stretched canvas, canvas board okay for acrylic
-Masonite, wood
• Sandpaper 320-100 grit
• #11 x-acto blade with replacement blades
• 2-3 small plastic or glass containers
• Magic tape
• Paint Media
-Watercolors
-Oil paints: Gamblin Art Sketching Oils, Grumbacher Academy or better brands (no Winton or Blick)
-Acrylic paints: Golden Heavy Body Matte, Chroma Atelier or Holbein Acryla Gouache (if you already have student
grade acrylics, get an artist grade acrylic titanium white)
• Alizarin crimson • Cadmium red light (warm red) • Cadmium yellow medium (warm yellow) • Ultramarine blue
• Pthalo blue • Titanium white • Burnt umber
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Art Supply Stores (take student ID as most stores give student discounts)
Carter Sexton
5308 Laurel Cyn. Blvd.
N. Hollywood
818-763-5050
Dick Blick
44 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena
626-795-4985
Utrecht Art Supply
11677 Santa Monica Bl.
Los Angeles
310-478-5775
Swain’s
537 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale
818-243-3129
M–F
Sat
9–6
9 – 5:30
M-F
Sat
Sun
9–8
9–7
10 – 6
M–S
Sun
9–8
10 – 7
M-F
Sat
Sun
9–7
9 - 5:30
10 - 5
Continental Art Store
7041 Reseda Blvd.
Reseda
818-345-1044
Pearl Art Supplies Inc.
1250 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles
310-854-4900
San Clemente Art Supply
1531 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente
949-369-6603
Blue Rooster Art Supplies
1718 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-661-9471
M–F
Sat
10 – 7
10 – 6
M–S
Sun
9:30 - 8:30
11 – 6
M–F
W
Sat
10 – 6
10 – 7
10 – 6
Sun
M – Sat 10 - 8
10 - 7
There are several good catalog art supply companies.
www.danielsmith.com
www.aswexpress.com
www.jerrysartarama.com
www.DickBlick.com
www.UtrechtArt.com
www.RexArt.com
www.cheapjoes.com
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Art 322A Calendar (Dates are subject to change due to guest speaker scheduling)
____________________________________________________________________________________
Mon, Aug
• Review syllabus and supplies
• PowerPoint: Illustration Careers/Resources/Websites/Contemporary Illustrators
• For Wednesday: all needed art supplies that will be used for color exercise and final art, paints,
surface, illustrator reference, subject reference
3. Illustration: Color and Style Exploration • Color Exercise
Labor Day- no class
Wed, Aug 28
Mon, Sept, 2
Wed, Sept 4
Mon, Sept 9
Wed, Sept 11
Guest Artist: Jeffrey Decoster
Mon, Sept 16
Wed, Sept 18
Mon, Sept 23
3. Illustration: Color and Style Exploration due
____________________________________________________________________________________
Wed, Sept 25
Mon, Sept 30
Wed, Oct 2
Mon, Oct 7
Wed, Oct 9
Mon, Oct 14
Wed, Oct 16
Mon, Oct 21
Wed, Oct 23
Mon, Oct 28
Wed, Oct 30
Mon,,Nov 4
Wed, Nov 6
Mon, Nov 11
Wed, Nov 13
Mon, Nov 18
Wed, Nov 20
Mon, Nov 25
Wed, Nov 27
Mon, Dec 2
Wed, Dec 4
Mon, Dec 9
Mon, Dec 16
4. Illustration: Variation in a Series
• Presentation/Research Contemporary Illustrators
• For Monday: supplies, subject reference, Strathmore 400 series Mixed Media vellum pad 6x8”,
4. Illustration: Variation in a Series due
5. Illustration: Creative Problem-Solving Techniques
• Presentation/Research Contemporary Illustrators• Creative problem-solving techniques/practice
Veteran’s Day – no class
5. Illustration: Creative Problem-Solving Techniques due
6. Illustration: Concert Poster Illustration
6. Illustration: Concert Poster Illustration due
Meeting time: 3:00-5:00pm
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Illustration Professional Practices
1. Professional GoalsFive year plan, salary goals, cost of living estimate, self-promotion expenses
2. Portfolio- personal voice, market focus, how many pieces, presentation- physical, digital, website
3. Market Research- potential clients, what are they looking for and does it suit your work, submission policies,
contact info
Book- children’s, graphic novel, comics, self publishing
Editorial- newspaper, magazine
Advertising- posters, packaging, ads
Institutional/Corporate- promotion, identity and product brochures, calendars
For sale- prints, originals
Merchandising/Licensing- products
Galleries
4. Contacting Clients
Mailers- mailing lists: langermanlists.com, aan.org, adbase.com, bigroster.com, researching
bookstores and web
Drop off- policies: who, what, where, when
Artist Representatives
5. Affiliations
Conferences/Discussions- comicon.com, moccany.org, tcj.com, SCBWI.com, ICON5
www.theillustrationconference.org
Memberships- SI, SILA, SCBWI, CSUN Illustration Club, GAG, AIGA, Illustrator Partnership,
SAGA
Activities- SAGA portfolio review, association events, panel discussions, workshops
6. Self Promotion
Competitions/Directories/Annuals- CA, 3x3, Spectrum, Creative Quarterly, American illustration,
SILA, Society of Illustrators, Print, STEP Inside Design, HOW, Graphis CMYK
Website and Blog
Exhibitions- exhibiting, attending openings
Portfolio Sites- theispot.com, ai-ap.com, folioplanet.com, altpick.com, portfolios.com
7. Professional Practices and Contracts
Phone and email etiquette
Terms- rights transferred, due date, payment date, kill fees, revisions, original art return, work for
hire, all rights buy out, work on spec
Letter of agreement
Estimate
Confirmation
Invoice
Copyrights- contract terms, securing copyrights, Copyright office: www.loc.gov/copyright
8. Resources and Websites
Directories: Artist and Graphic Designer’s Market, Children’s Writers and Artists Market
Graphic Artist Guild Handbook-Pricing and Ethical Guidelines
The Society of Illustrators www.societyillustrators.org
The Association of Illustrators www.theaoi.com
Illustration Mundo www.illustrationmundo.com
DRAWN! The Illustration Blog www.drawn.ca
Drawger www.drawger.com
Fecal Face www.fecalface.com
Communication Arts www.commarts.com
Illustration Friday www.illustrationfriday.com
Creative Latitude www.creativelatitude.com
ICONIC www.iconicpodcast.com
fantagraphics.com
beautifuldecay.com
Serbin.com
www.ai-ap.com
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www.cqjournal.com
3x3mag.com
Society of Illustrators Los Angeles: si-la.org
9. Competitions
1) Illustration Friday
2) Creative Quarterly
3) 3 x 3 Magazine
4) American Illustration
5) Communication Arts Illustration Competition
6) ILLUSTRATION NETWORK Awards
7) SILA Illustration West - Society of Illustrators Los Angeles
8) Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition
9) CMYK Magazine
10. Galleries
1) La Luz de Jesus
2) Gallery Nucleus
3) Thinkspace Art Gallery
4) Merry Karnowsky Gallery
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