ILLUS-3616

ART FOR CHILDREN: BEYOND THE BOOK

Faculty: Kelly Murphy

Course Level: Junior, Senior, 5th Year

3 CREDITS

Children have an underestimated capacity to process complex stories, and are often misunderstood as an audience. Their hungry minds depend on imagery to make sense of life and to navigate through their evolving worlds. In this course, students will explore a variety of art forms destined to educate, stimulate and delight children- products, displays, characters, games, and more. Assignments will include works for a variety of industries including publishing, advertising, gift/novelty, and focus on a range of age groups: toddlers to teens. Students will be challenged to create opportunities for discovery that are worthy of this curious and gracious audience.

Each week, class will be dedicated to brainstorming, sketches, critique and discussion where students will develop a knowledge of and sensitivity to the age-appropriate nature of creative work destined for various juvenile audiences. Additionally, there is a semester-long series assignment that will provide a deeper exploration of concept and time management. Participants in this class are encouraged to use personal memory and childhood experiences to connect their personal goals with younger audiences.

Capacity: 15

Registration Restriction: Major elective; restricted to Illustration juniors and seniors; open to non-majors pending seat availability and permission of instructor. 

Semester Offered: Spring