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Course: Commercial and Advertising Art
Commercial might be a dirty word to some, but if you’d rather live comfortably than starve for your art, this major could be just the ticket.
Like other art majors, you’ll build drawing and other basic art skills -- and exercise your creativity. However, you’ll also study graphic design and learn how to create ads that get the word out and turn a profit. You’ll practice on real-world projects such as billboards, brochures, and product packaging. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the practical edge you need to work in the business world.
Commercial and advertising art majors learn how to connect the dots between art and business by using their artistic talents to create ads and other sales tools.
Did You Know?
Your portfolio is your resume in this business: most employers will expect to see at least ten work samples before they’ll even consider hiring you.
Are You Ready To...?
- Put together a portfolio
- Show your work
- Build your business sense
- Give and receive constructive criticism
- Create everything from book covers to logos
- Practice combining images and lettering
- Learn commercial art fundamentals from concept to composition
- Work in many mediums, from lithography to collage to computer graphics
It Helps To Be...
An artist with a head for business. Being a good team player is also important -- this kind of work demands it.
College Checklist
- Does the program emphasize a certain aspect of art, such as illustration or graphic design? Does the course work suit your needs?
- Are studios and labs equipped with the latest graphic design software? Will you have access to color laser printers and other peripherals?
- Do professors offer substantial real-world experience in your particular area of interest?
- How will the department help you prepare for life after graduation? Is there a job placement service?
Did You Know?
Cartooning is another avenue for commercial artists, but be careful when choosing a school. Not all commercial art programs offer cartooning classes.
Course Spotlight
Get ready to get real in commercial illustration, where you’ll take your art beyond beauty to a more practical place.
In this class, you’ll learn how illustrations are used to serve specific functions, such as informing, explaining, narrating, or selling. For example, you may be asked to make a small product look larger than life. Or you may try your hand at translating figurative language (such as “she’s on cloud nine”) into visual images.
Though your grade will be based mostly on your projects, don’t be surprised if you have to write a few papers as well.