Design Arts courses

Work one-on-one with an instructor who guides your development of a meaningful project geared toward a portfolio piece, design competition, freelance assignment or other advanced goal. Students choose their own mentors, who are usually DCA or UX instructors.…

Internships facilitate the transition from student to professional designer. Students must be registered in the Design Communication Arts (DCA) Advanced Design Communication Arts (ADCA), or User Experience (UX) certificate program and have earned a "C" or…

Students start with an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and end up with a polished strategy for the steps they need to take to enter the graphic design profession. Via lectures, guest speakers, and studio visits, students receive an…

Working from evidence-based case studies, students define UX challenges and apply appropriate methods across research, synthesis, design, prototyping, testing, iteration, and presentation for real-world application. Emphasis is placed on intentional method…

In this course, students apply what they have learned to real-world case studies and UX design challenges. Topics include research and observational techniques, the art of information gathering, prototyping, scope definition, journey mapping and empathy maps.…

This course provides an introduction to the functions and capabilities of Adobe InDesign. Students are guided in establishing a professional workflow to design documents for print and digital distribution. Learn how to manipulate type and image and create…

Students with knowledge of the fundamentals of UX move on to iteration: rounds of work and experimentation to hone problem-solving skills. Instruction covers MVP builds, pattern libraries, design at scale, voice and gesture, and end-to-end projects. The…

In this thesis-oriented capstone course, Design Communication Arts students put all they've learned into action to tackle real-world design projects in the civic realm. Public presentation, collaboration, observation, research and problem-solving skills are…

This is a hands-on introduction to the creative process and core elements of graphic design for a variety of outputs, including print and electronic media. Topics include research, typography, imagery, strategy and concept development. Projects are…

This hands-on course covers the fundamentals of type, its characteristics, vocabulary and nomenclature, as well as creative uses of type and how it is integrated in successful design. Working with letterforms is a critical element to successful design.…

Gain a broad understanding of design and its dynamic past to discover inspiration for the present. Survey the history of visual communication, design's sociopolitical and cultural contexts, and the artistic and technological characteristics of various…

This course explores motion graphics in After Effects with AI integration. Students learn animation fundamentals, AI-generated imagery, text-to-video, and conversational AI. Topics include AI history, effortless development, and prompts for design. Hands-on…

This course covers theories and practical applications to understand the makeup of color and how best to use it. Areas covered include general color theory and psychology, effective color creation, perception, management, color language, digital issues,…

Learn to create, manipulate and combine digital images. Develop a working knowledge of Photoshop's features; use the program in 2D print, interactive and web applications; and learn importing and exporting features. Students must have a subscription to Adobe…

Learn to develop memorable identity systems using symbols, icons, logos and comprehensive environments to define and reinforce personality, tone and voice. The goal is to create a meaningful, dynamic relationship with the customer.

Discover how this vector-based drawing program integrates into the suite of design tools. Features presented include templates, drawing paths, auto-tracing, blending features, gradient meshes, wrapping type, exporting, shape and pen tools and more. Students…

This course introduces students to strategies in design communication and covers utility of systems, programs, campaigns and design families. Visual presentation and concept development are emphasized.

Learn the function of packaging, including product protection, identity, advertising, safety and communication. This hands-on course focuses on developing and executing materials, concepts and graphics appropriate for effective packaging, including logo…

Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are covered in this intensive and immersive course to learn the essential Adobe CC programs utilized in graphic design. Become fluent in editing, building and creating design using Photoshop. Learn client branding and how…

This course provides an introduction to the concepts, practices and processes of user experience. Topics include observational research and insight generation, developing user personas and scenarios, information architecture, user interface design,…

Students learn how to paint using oil paint on canvas, board, and paper. Instruction covers preparation, color mixing, brush handling, oil paint media, safety, and concept development. Techniques, such as glazing and alla prima, are explored with an emphasis…

Work one-on-one with a current Visual Arts instructor who guides development of a meaningful project geared toward a portfolio piece, competition, freelance assignment, or other advanced goal. Students choose their own mentors from instructors currently…

This studio-based course introduces students to abstract painting and expands their ability to enjoy and respond to abstract art. Students improve their color skills and learn techniques for composition and improvisation. The course also focuses on creating…

Whether you're shooting people, products, still life or landscapes, understanding how light interacts with your subject matter is critical to mastering the art of photography. This course covers both artificial (strobes and hot lights) and natural lighting,…

This in-depth exploration of photographic portraiture covers approaching subjects, establishing a rapport, collaborating with your subject, and digital workflow. Through a series of in-class projects and assignments, students master simple and inexpensive…

In Chinese art and culture, a flower is never merely a flower nor scenery merely a place; each has its legends, romantic stories and symbolic spirituality. Take a journey into the world of Chinese Brush Painting in this comprehensive 11-week course which…

To make real impact in the world, you need to show what you can do, how you think and where you want to make design impact. As a designer, in the near future you will find yourself telling your story to potential collaborators, funders, employers and others.…

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your photography to the next level, understanding the business side of the lens is essential. In this free one-hour session, photographer and UCLA Extension instructor Dr. Craig Havens breaks down the…

This hands-on introductory course helps beginning and hobbyist photographers move beyond automatic camera settings to gain confidence and creative control. Students learn essential camera functions, exposure fundamentals, and core composition techniques while…

AI is reshaping every stage of UX work, from how we plan and conduct research, to how we synthesize findings, generate design concepts, build prototypes, and evaluate usability. This course gives students hands-on fluency with the AI tools and workflows…

This intensive, studio-based course integrates technical mastery with creative development and visual storytelling in contemporary digital photography. Students gain full control of camera systems and photographic variables while developing a personal visual…

From Tibetan Thangka painting to rock album covers, gouache and ink have a vibrant history together. In this two-day workshop, students create a colorful piece of gouache artwork that is finished with black ink. Guided by individual instructor attention,…

Experience the beauty of botanical art through hands-on, precision drawing sessions. In this workshop, we focus on the purity of line and the delicate structural details of your birth flower, or the birth flower of someone you love. The class is designed to…

This immersive, hands-on studio course introduces students to the fundamentals of designing and producing athletic footwear. Students will produce key deliverables of the footwear design process, beginning with trend research, target end users, benchmarking…

As creatives, how do we adapt to living through this revolution of design and creative expression? How do we navigate and find the “new best practices” to leverage this rapid disruption of artificial intelligence? Join Roosevelt Brown, renowned product and…

How do you create photographs that look striking and professionally produced? It’s the light. In this one-hour workshop focused on portraits, award-winning photographer Amanda Rowan shares how the right lighting can enhance and elevate your images, even if…

Designed for those at an intermediate or advanced level, students in this course develop and work on a personal project with guidance and input from the instructor. Technical skill is approached on an individual basis with regards to style and medium and what…

Ikebana expresses the beauty and elegance of nature through a transformation of plant materials into a work of art. In Japan, ikebana--or flower arranging--has been perfected and elevated to an art form. Its beauty dazzles shoppers in giant displays in the…

Master the art of building a brand identity system from the ground up. This course builds upon design principles, guiding students to deeply understand and authentically convey a company’s mission. By crafting essential brand elements—such as logos, color…

This course explores the current L.A. art scene--artists, dealers, galleries, and institutions--and the relationships between them. Participants visit artists in their studios, discuss their impressions of today's art scene, visit galleries, and meet gallery…

Explore the techniques, materials, and vocabulary of watercolor painting. A variety of techniques are covered, including wet into wet, dry brush, and collage. Discovery and experimentation are encouraged through projects that examine the combination of…