Art and Design Certificate Programs

You want to paint portraits, not walls! Are you the creative type? You want to see your name on that bookstore display! You envision your name in lights at Carnegie Hall! Your greatest joy comes from creating something that has never before existed. Earning your art and design certifice has never been easier thanks for the 100's of schools we have partnered with.

Before You Start Your Certificate Training

You don't have to be told to pursue your artistic passion, but you may need reminding that traditional school work is also valuable. Any subject provides creative fodder, while mathematics, computers, and business will help you manage your life as an artist. If you're contemplating a career change, or finally have time to pursue a dream, peruse industry publications for inspiration, and to acquaint yourself with current players, issues, and theory. Update your computer skills if necessary. If auditions, portfolios, demo recordings, writing samples, or other materials are necessary for admissions, prepare the finest work of your life. Start the process now and get information about a good art school in your area. Search the art and design schools below to see which ones offer certificate training..

Choosing the Right Art & Design Certificate Program

If you're still in school, a mentor, teacher, or guidance counselor can steer you towards schools with programs in your field. You'll find fine art degrees offered at traditional universities and in specialized schools such as art institutes and music conservatories. You can begin your studies in a two-year college, and then transfer to a larger program. Some art and design courses are even offered online. Make sure your school is accredited; only accredited programs receive financial aid, and accreditation means your program meets professional standards. Examine faculty credentials: do they have "real world" experience and connections? Does the school have the studio space, equipment, and other materials you'll need? Should you relocate? Do alumni go on to artistic careers? Are there internship opportunities? Will class schedules accommodate work, family, or auditions? Answering these questions will help you select the school that's right for you.

What to Expect in Art & Design School

If you choose a traditional university, expect to take classes in the general curriculum, such as biology or history. A school specializing in your art will require fewer such courses. The subjects you'll study will depend on your discipline. Artists will cover portraiture, printmaking, etching, "heads and hands," lithography, or restoration techniques. Dancers study ballet, dance composition, costuming, world dance, or movement analysis. Writers will receive intensive instruction in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or playwriting. If you're a musician or voice major, your classes might include: string repertoire, Italian diction, pedagogy, jazz theory, or score reading. Actors will immerse themselves in voice and speech, improvisation, monologues, or scene study. You'll serve an internship and produce a portfolio or demo of your work. Take business classes when offered; most artists are self-employed, and business knowledge will help you promote yourself and manage your resources.

After You Graduate

There are numerous career options for fine arts graduates. Of course, you may go on to earn a living as an actor, dancer, writer, artist, or musician. You could also work as a critic, artisan, agent, gallery owner, teacher, editor, or producer. No matter what your path, you'll find incredible lifelong fulfillment using your art to express your vision and enrich the lives of those around you. Get started today by searching for schools that offer programs in art and design.

The world of art and design is open to so many career possibilities including that of an art director or manager of a design team. Whether you are talking about supervising a staff, working for a large agency, or becoming an independent designer you’ll first need to find the right school.

What to Expect

As an artist or designer you’ll need to be able to visually design products that can be used in advertising including those in print, tv or online. Fashion designers of course still have to have the same keen eye as a graphic designer. You’ll need to be able to work with others, set timelines and perhaps even budgets.

Feel free to browse all of the different art and design certificate training programs you see on our menu. These programs are all certificate based meaning they can be completed usually in less than a year, some in only a few months. Choose between dressmaking, fashion design, graphic design, multi-media design or any others that interest you.

Art & Design Certificate Course Requirements

Every school and program will be different so when you research each one you’ll need to make sure you get a syllabus or course outline going over the program. Some of the programs such as multi-media or graphic design you might need special software in order to enroll. It is recommended that if you just graduate high school then look for a school that offers art & design certificate programs to see if it is something you might be interested in prior to enrolling.

Art and Design Resources
BLS Art Director Overview - last visted December 12, 2018
Otis College of Art and Design - Last visited on November 28, 2018