About This Course

“Stamps Pre-College Anytime” introduces you to the field of art and design, by providing insight into the historical and cultural value of visual communication. Through lectures and exercises, you’ll practice different drawing techniques and gain an understanding of the professional strategies used by professional artists and designers. In addition to building technical skills, you will learn how to build an engaging and insightful portfolio to submit to colleges and universities.

Begin by learning fundamental drawing techniques and concepts, including visualization and observational drawing. Each drawing type will be explored through lectures, demonstrations, and exercises where you follow along to build your skills. By reviewing the elements and principles of design practice, you will be able to establish a solid vocabulary to present your work in workshops and other professional settings.

You’ll also explore different methods of creating studio space, tools and media, and best practices for documenting and presenting your work. During this portion of the course, you'll have the unique opportunity to present their creative work to a community of learners.

While prior experience in art and design may be helpful in this course, it is not required. This course is designed to accommodate those at various skill levels, with an emphasis on fostering your growth.

To succeed in this course, it is essential for you to actively engage with all course material and to dedicate time to practice and reflect on creative work.

Course-Level Learning Objectives

• Develop a conceptual and technical understanding of art and design through drawing

• Use photo documentation techniques to present your artwork

• Reflect on the history of art and design, the cultural value of visual communication, and contemporary art and design practice

• Exhibit creative work in a supportive community of peer creators

• Learn how to develop a portfolio of creative work

• Learn about opportunities at the Stamps School of Art & Design and University of Michigan