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
  • Cal State Fullerton

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.