Noncredit Courses

This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.

This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principal design elements, including composition, color, and typography, through projects introducing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in commercial and experimental design is stressed as students understand the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop's specific role in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.

This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.

Want to use Adobe Illustrator to create sophisticated and complex designs and illustrations while you hone your skills? Learn the basics of the program before moving on to master transparency, feathering, masking, compound paths, gradients, layering techniques, and the specifics of the pen tool. This course will feature dynamic class demonstrations, and group critiques, as well as personalized feedback from your instructor on each assignment and throughout the creative process. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.

This course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students and those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.

Examine the many possibilities of creating woven forms using a simple frame loom. Students begin by experimenting with the basic techniques of tapestry and plain weave as they explore ways of creating surface, image, texture, and various color effects within a woven form. Contemporary weaving projects, along with historical references, will be presented through discussions, visual presentations, demonstrations, and readings. This course is open to all levels.

Discover how creativity can become a powerful tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and personal growth. This engaging, noncredit online course invites adults of all backgrounds to explore the creative process through hands-on art-making, personal writing, and meaningful group discussions.<br><br>Each session offers a thoughtfully designed blend of guided artistic exercises, reflective journaling, and conversation. Participants will explore weekly themes that connect art, self, and society¿building a supportive, welcoming community along the way. Whether you're picking up a paintbrush or pen (or both), you'll be encouraged to express yourself in authentic and inspiring ways.<br><br>While this is not a therapy or clinical training course, it provides a structured yet flexible space to deepen your creative and reflective practices. No previous art or writing experience is needed, just a willingness to explore and connect.

Learn the skills you need to manipulate and enhance photographs and digital images. Explore the principal elements of design, including composition, color, and typography, as you develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role Photoshop can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.

This course focuses on the foundations of photography and the various ways to use a digital camera. Students examine how to choose and shoot personally meaningful subjects in content and contemporary contexts. Instruction includes capturing and printing images in black and white and color, and investigating digital photo editing. Discussions on the history of photography and individual and group critiques are included. Students must supply their digital SLR (single-lens reflex) or mirrorless camera with manual functions; no point-and-shoot cameras.

This course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students and those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.

Gain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the various ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts for individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as a reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal how color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results.

Gain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the various ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts for individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as a reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal how color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results.

Learn to observe color and capture changing light along the city¿s lakefront and in its parks. Intended for those with no outdoor painting experience, this course will cover the basics of equipment, materials, subject selection, and techniques for painting outdoors in acrylics, oils or watercolor. Observe and apply color to render forms in natural light settings working with a variety of subjects¿landscape, cityscape, figure in landscape, portraiture, and still life. Students will be required to provide their own supplies, including a collapsible easel, which will be discussed in the first class meeting. Basic drawing experience is helpful.

This course is for students that have a background in drawing, but little to no painting experience. Drawings serve as the foundation for acquiring new painting skills, and students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and goals with instructor guidance. Skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form and function, and palette are explored through both drawing and painting. A variety of traditional and contemporary materials are used, and may include graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and/or collage. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago museum and discussions of practicing artists will supplement the studio experience and encourage inspiration and development of concepts in student artworks. By the end of the course, students will have a greater knowledge of material options and acquire the ability to transition from drawing to painting. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Drawing or equivalent experience.

Part seminar and part workshop, this course will introduce students to both the fundamentals and possibilities of the poetic form. Through close study of the works and lives of three masters of poetic craft¿Lucie Brock-Broido, Louise Glück, and Marie Howe¿students will engage in lively discussions, practical experimentation, and in-class critiques, building the skills necessary to developing their own poetic voices. No prior poetry experience is required¿all skill levels are welcome.

This course is designed for those seeking to expand their Adobe After Effects knowledge, including videographers who want to integrate motion design techniques. Though not intended to address character animation specifically, students will explore fundamental principles as they apply to motion design, emphasizing developing work that reflects their unique vision. <br><br>While video editing experience is recommended, it is not a requirement. Basic knowledge of After Effects is advised.

This course explores a current exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago museum and related works from the collection. Sessions will take place in the exhibitions and the museum's galleries. Visit continuingstudies.saic.edu for details.<br><br>Note: AIC policy prohibits teaching in special exhibitions. When visiting the exhibition, the instructor will facilitate small group discussions and individual study. Additional instruction will occur in the classroom and other museum galleries.

How do we form an opinion about what we see around us? How do we make decisions that are relevant in the design world? In this course, students discuss, analyze, and discover design principles by exploring successful projects envisioned by artists, architects, theorists, and authors. This course examines problem-solving for various project types and will include lectures, readings, and individual assignments. Class discussions will explore new aesthetic trends and examine how ideas have evolved to address new issues.

Do you want to develop a proposal for a grant, residency, exhibition, or curatorial project? Are you applying to graduate school? This is the course for you! Learn how to research and identify opportunities, write an artist statement, and document and present your work. Upon completion, students will have a competitive advantage when it comes to securing new opportunities in today's contemporary art world.

Students will explore both traditional and modern approaches to watercolor, including gouache. The course will introduce various techniques, types of paper, alternative painting surfaces, and mixed media processes. It is designed for those with basic drawing skills and previous painting experience, encouraging experimentation with scale, subject matter, and formats. Critiques and discussions will support and guide each student in their artistic direction.