Art
Program Description
An Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Graphics or Studio Art will prepare students for transfer to a university program to continue with their studies. The Graphics program provides a foundation in art and technology as it relates to graphic design, and the Studio Art program provides foundational opportunities for the study of visual art.
Graduates of the Graphics program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Identify stylistic characteristics of cultural/historical periods studied
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between purpose and form in art and architecture
- Analyze the relationship between 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional form and space
- Demonstrate foundational technique methods
- Demonstrate use of the elements and principles of design
- Demonstrate technical/conceptual skills at an appropriate level
Graduates of the Studio Art program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Describe 3-dimensional form in space utilizing 2-dimensional media
- Demonstrate critical skills used in analyzing the relationship between form and content in the visual art movements of the past
- Demonstrate a hands-on and conceptual understanding of the process of design
- Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize in three-dimensional space
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Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Art - Graphics - A.A. Transfer Degree | - |
| Art - Studio Art - A.A. Transfer Degree | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Duties/Tasks
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- Use computer software to generate new images.
- Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- Maintain archive of images, photos, or previous work products.
- Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.
- Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.
- Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$56,090
$56,090
Entry Level Salary
$35,930
$35,930
Mid Level Salary
$49,110
$49,110
Expert Level Salary
$84,140
$84,140
Average Hourly Wage
$26.97
$26.97
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$17.27
$17.27
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$23.00
$23.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$40.45
$40.45
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Duties/Tasks
- Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
- Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
- Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
- Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
- Implement and maintain configuration control systems.
- Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
- Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.
- Create and install special effects as required by the script, mixing chemicals and fabricating needed parts from wood, metal, plaster, and clay.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$56,690
$56,690
Entry Level Salary
$38,800
$38,800
Mid Level Salary
$48,710
$48,710
Expert Level Salary
$98,660
$98,660
Average Hourly Wage
$27.25
$27.25
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$18.65
$18.65
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$23.00
$23.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$47.43
$47.43
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Duties/Tasks
- Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.
- Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
- Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.
- Present final layouts to clients for approval.
- Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members.
- Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
- Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.
- Mark up, paste, and complete layouts and write typography instructions to prepare materials for typesetting or printing.
- Conceptualize and help design interfaces for multimedia games, products, and devices.
- Prepare detailed storyboards showing sequence and timing of story development for television production.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$79,070
$79,070
Entry Level Salary
$45,440
$45,440
Mid Level Salary
$78,540
$78,540
Expert Level Salary
$105,490
$105,490
Average Hourly Wage
$38.01
$38.01
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$21.85
$21.85
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$37.00
$37.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$50.72
$50.72
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Duties/Tasks
- Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to art therapy.
- Design art therapy sessions or programs to meet client's goals or objectives.
- Conduct art therapy sessions, providing guided self-expression experiences to help clients recover from, or cope with, cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
- Confer with other professionals on client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
- Assess client needs or disorders, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic processes.
- Talk with clients during art or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the artistic process.
- Develop individualized treatment plans that incorporate studio art therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy techniques.
- Write treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.
- Select or prepare artistic media or related equipment or devices to accomplish therapy session objectives.
- Analyze or synthesize client data to draw conclusions or make recommendations for art therapy.
- Interpret the artistic creations of clients to assess their functioning, needs, or progress.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$65,330
$65,330
Entry Level Salary
$37,620
$37,620
Mid Level Salary
$60,570
$60,570
Expert Level Salary
$102,320
$102,320
Average Hourly Wage
$31.41
$31.41
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$18.09
$18.09
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$29.00
$29.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$49.19
$49.19
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Description
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Duties/Tasks
- Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
- Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
- Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
- Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
- Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
- Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
- Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
- Plan and attend craft shows to market products.
- Create prototypes or models of objects to be crafted.
- Confer with customers to assess customer needs or obtain feedback.
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Duties/Tasks
- Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
- Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
- Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
- Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
- Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
- Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.
- Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
- Write and review grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.
- Design, organize, or conduct tours, workshops, and instructional or educational sessions to acquaint individuals with an institution's facilities and materials.
- Attend meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote use of institution's services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$54,520
$54,520
Entry Level Salary
$30,410
$30,410
Mid Level Salary
$49,510
$49,510
Expert Level Salary
$77,050
$77,050
Average Hourly Wage
$26.21
$26.21
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$14.62
$14.62
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$23.00
$23.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$37.04
$37.04
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Description
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Duties/Tasks
- Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
- Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
- Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
- Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
- Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
- Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
- Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
- Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
- Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
- Design custom clothing and accessories for individuals, retailers, or theatrical, television, or film productions.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$76,430
$76,430
Entry Level Salary
$38,250
$38,250
Mid Level Salary
$80,150
$80,150
Expert Level Salary
$102,600
$102,600
Average Hourly Wage
$36.75
$36.75
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$18.39
$18.39
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$38.00
$38.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$49.33
$49.33
Typical Education Level
Associates Degree
Description
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Duties/Tasks
- Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
- Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
- Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
- Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.
- Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.
- Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.
- Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.
- Shade and fill in sketch outlines and backgrounds, using a variety of media such as water colors, markers, and transparent washes, labeling designated colors when necessary.
- Frame and mat artwork for display or sale.
- Submit artwork to shows or galleries.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$45,590
$45,590
Entry Level Salary
$28,080
$28,080
Mid Level Salary
$38,960
$38,960
Expert Level Salary
$76,790
$76,790
Average Hourly Wage
$21.92
$21.92
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$13.50
$13.50
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$18.00
$18.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$36.92
$36.92
Typical Education Level
Some College Courses
Description
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Duties/Tasks
- Install, arrange, assemble, and prepare artifacts for exhibition, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the set up.
- Repair, restore, and reassemble artifacts, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.
- Clean objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, rock, pottery, and furniture, using cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes.
- Photograph objects for documentation.
- Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
- Prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
- Enter information about museum collections into computer databases.
- Classify and assign registration numbers to artifacts and supervise inventory control.
- Study object documentation or conduct standard chemical and physical tests to ascertain the object's age, composition, original appearance, need for treatment or restoration, and appropriate preservation method.
- Prepare reports on the operation of conservation laboratories, documenting the condition of artifacts, treatment options, and the methods of preservation and repair used.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$46,350
$46,350
Entry Level Salary
$29,480
$29,480
Mid Level Salary
$38,790
$38,790
Expert Level Salary
$62,230
$62,230
Average Hourly Wage
$22.28
$22.28
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$14.17
$14.17
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$18.00
$18.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$29.92
$29.92
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Liberal Arts & Education
Hours of Operation
- Normal Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodney Abriol, DMA | Professor of Music - Piano | (928) 317-6019 | rodney.abriol@azwestern.edu |
| William Blomquist, MFA | Professor of Visual Arts-2D | (928) 317-6060 | william.blomquist@azwestern.edu |
| Julie Floss, MFA | Professor of Visual Arts-2D, SYC | (928) 314-9434 | julie.floss@azwestern.edu |
| Deltrina Grimes, MM | Professor of Music: Voice | (928) 344-7574 | deltrina.grimes@azwestern.edu |
| Brad Pease, MFA | Professor of Computer Graphics and Visual Arts | (928) 344-7707 | brad.pease@azwestern.edu |
| Louis Pollard III, DMA | Professor of Instrumental Music | (928) 344-7573 | Shawn.Pollard@azwestern.edu |
| Rebecca Shelby, MFA | Professor of Visual Arts-3D | (928) 344-7756 | Rebecca.Shelby@azwestern.edu |