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Design & Arts

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DESMA 710.30
Explore the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence on our digital world, with a particular emphasis on conversational AI and AI-generated imagery.
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: February 25, 2025
ART X 427.13
Encouraging students to see in new ways, this studio-based course focuses on translating visual representation into abstraction.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 450.10
Through a series of studio-based creative projects, complete at least three works and expand your ability to create a respond to abstract art.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 427.22
In this course, students work from live models to translate the figure into abstract imagery
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 803.82
Students create new and different-styled arrangements each week using fresh or dried branches, leaves and flowers. For intermediate-level students who want to continue practicing their craft and improving their technique. 
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: February 22, 2025
ART X 135
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.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 16, 2025
DESMA X 479.4B
Expand your typographic skills by exploring increasingly complex typographic systems, and solving design problems that demand conceptual and experimental approaches to accommodate multiple layers of information.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.6D
Work in an agency-inspired environment to develop concepts and strategies to deliver information, products, and brands that engage the consumer.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 801.23
This one day class will cover many aspects of the intrigue of shooting after dark, from architecture and travel to the night sky and the elusive Milky Way.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART HIS 825.34
This course focuses on art being created in Los Angeles at the current moment. 
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 864.51
In this mixed media course, students experiment with collage as a means of exploring autobiographical content.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 5A
A beginning course in drawing designed to develop and expand one's observational abilities and rendering skills.
Format: Hybrid
Next Start Date: January 16, 2025
ART X 5B
Gain a strong foundation in figure structure and proportion while exploring both contemporary and traditional approaches to the figure.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 5D
From palette building to mark making to composition, this course explores the fundamentals of painting with acrylic paint--a fast-drying, permanent, and clean water-based medium that permits easy correction and change.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 14, 2025
ART X 5C
Learn how to paint using oils on canvas, board and paper
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 865.10
Gain presentation skills that will serve you the rest of your career and beyond.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 485.67
In this practical, hands on course, learn the fundamentals of Blender and build your own working multi-user Web3D environment. 
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: January 8, 2025
DESMA X 479.8D
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…
Format: Hybrid
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
ART X 429
This course introduces beginners to the art of calligraphy, and gives them mastery over basic calligraphic tools. Alphabets vary by quarter.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 832.54
This unique and immersive workshop combines method writing techniques with the powerful medium of photography.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 714.12
This workshop will inspire you to explore the limitless possibilities of AI-generated imagery, learn how they are different, and ignite your passion for innovation and creativity.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 713.1
This free workshop is for anyone interested in bringing stories to life with animation.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 855.65
Work from live models and black and white photos to create portraits, from the early stages of setup to the finishing strokes. 
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 430
In this course, students explore the spontaneous style of Chinese Brush Painting through hands-on step-by-step instruction.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 8, 2025
ART 821.11
Explore the wonders of spontaneous-style Chinese Brush Painting with hands-on, step-by-step instruction.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 730.26
Interested in photography but not sure what type of camera to buy? This free workshop covers the ins and outs of digital cameras, from point-and-shoot to prosumer models. Learn what make and model will best fit your creative goals. 
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: December 9, 2024
DESMA X 482.10
Learn to use color theory to communicate ideas and enhance concepts more effectively.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 8, 2025
ART X 440.96
For students who wish to focus on personal projects, this course explores the history of fine art photography, Dada, photography's influence on performance art, Fluxus, chance operations, structuralism, and conceptualism.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 740.45
Work with a piece of charcoal and an eraser to create a three-dimensional looking still life. 
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 428.13
This course introduces students to a variety of creative methods of expression using studio drawing projects.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 715.22
Filmmaker Brett Leonard offers an insightful presentation on the future of creative work.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 450.40
Advanced photographers will expand their knowledge of the photographic process through weekly collaborative group critiques.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.6A
A hands-on introduction to the creative process and core elements of successful graphic design.
Format: In Person | Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA X 479.3D
Gain a broad understanding of design and its dynamic past to create inspired projects in the present.
Format: Hybrid
Next Start Date: January 8, 2025
DESMA X 479.6E
In this hands-on course, research, design, and present collateral communication projects, achieving visual solutions that are functional, elegant, appropriate.
Format: In Person | Hybrid
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.2D
Learn to develop memorable identity systems using symbols, icons, logos, and comprehensive environments.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 6, 2025
DESMA X 479.6P
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.
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: January 9, 2025
DESMA X 481.60
Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are covered in this intensive and immersive course to learn the essential Adobe CC programs utilized in graphic design.
Format: Online
Next Start Date: January 8, 2025
DESMA X 481.55
This course will introduce the concepts of design thinking and help you strengthen your insights, thinking skills, and ability to innovate as a designer.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 850.19
Design education leader Scott Hutchinson teaches you how to take your design career goals from lackluster to brilliant.
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 784.10
Explore visual tools to help create a shared language when discussing business models and strategy.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 481.65
Learn how to design digital products with accessibility in mind, improving usability and inclusiveness. 
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 485.23
This course will provide an overview of several facets of emotional intelligence (also known as "EQ"), providing scenarios to illustrate the importance of EQ to one's level of success in user experience (UX) and how it can optimize one's operation.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.6BB
Create campaigns for theatrical key art movie posters, entertainment packaging, and other collateral materials built around the industry’s needs and opportunities.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 428
Learn hands-on strategies for creating memorable portraits though interaction with your subject, their environment, and meaningful objects within it.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 767.13
Join a series of fun, interactive creative exercises designed to get those wheels turning and remind your brain what it means to think like a designer. 
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 427.15
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…
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 16, 2025
ART 851.42
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…
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 25, 2025
ART X 426.89
Explore both contemporary and traditional approaches to portraiture by looking at the head in relation to the full body
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 855.64
Work from live models and focus on an exploration of gestural movement in this four session workshop
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 856.51
Gouache, a opaque, water-soluble medium similar to watercolor, is perfect for beginners. In this four-week workshop, students will learn to paint from still-life, photo and/or plain-air, focusing on value study and shapes.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: March 1, 2025
DESMA 713.14
Discover how illustration is less about technique and more about communication and connection.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 803.81
Using branches, leaves, and flowers, create new and differently-styled arrangements each week that capture the beauty and elegance of nature.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: February 18, 2025
DESMA X 481.47
Discover how this vector-based drawing program integrates into the suite of design tools.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 9, 2025
DESMA X 479.47AA
Develop advanced techniques and practical workflows in Adobe Illustrator.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 481.99Z
Design and prepare projects for printing via a thorough introduction and practical applications for Adobe InDesign.
Format: Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA X 475.44
This course will provide a sound foundation and insights associated with the building and optimizing of information architecture.
Format: Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA X 479.7F
Begin the transition from student to professional designer with an internship in a real world setting.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 6, 2025
DESMA X 490.98AB
As a creative professional, familiarize yourself with the transformative potential of AI.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 855.60
In this four-week workshop with live models, learn and practice the fundamentals of figure drawing and engage in fun and creative exercises to build your skills.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 856.21
This workshop offers a concise introduction to game development using Godot 4
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: December 2, 2024
ART 715.31
This course offers a stimulating immersion into the intersection of technology and creativity
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: March 17, 2025
ART X 440.22
Gain an understanding of how to use natural and artificial lighting to enhance your subject.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 16, 2025
DESMA 776
Join Visual Arts department director, Scott Hutchinson, and this quarter’s master cover designer to explore the inspiration for the current cover.
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 713.13
Broaden your knowledge of the multitude of new media avenues and learn how to harness them to land creative work. 
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 482.14
Work one-on-one with an instructor who guides your development of a meaningful project geared toward a portfolio piece, competition, freelance assignment, or other advanced goal.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 482.14
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.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 6, 2025
ART X 427.18
This class explores the open spaces between drawing and painting, representation and abstraction, proper art materials and improper art materials. By using traditional materials (such as acrylic,…
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 13, 2025
DESMA X 481.99QT
Learn how to integrate digital artwork into After Effects and put it in motion. Create stunning visual effects and exciting animated 3D typography.
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA X 481.99QU
Become a Motion Graphics artist in this advanced course.
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
ART HIS 800.16
Join us virtually as we explore some of the world’s greatest museums through a guided tour of select paintings, sculptures, photography, new media and architecture.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART HIS 874.03
This class will take as its point of focus Mary Gabriel's book Ninth Street Women: Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler: Five Painters and the Movement That Changed Modern Art, published in 2017.  The course will expand the book's content so as to include other female painters and sculptors allied with Abstract Expressionism. 
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 855.10
Join David Mayes at Typecraft to explore approx. 25 different printing techniques and possibilities.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART HIS 825.47
This course focuses on the Getty-sponsored Pacific Standard Time, visiting several exhibitions and discussing the context and history of the work. 
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.6C
Develop and execute materials, concepts, and graphics appropriate for effecting packaging, including logo design, type, and pictoral elements.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 426.8
Use pastel to learn and practice foundational concepts in color theory, form and composition
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 440.80
An introduction to concepts in composition, including foreground, middle ground, and background; point of view; visual hierarchy; lens choice; depth of field; and revealing intent through compositional choices.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 428.56
This in-depth exploration of photographic portraiture covers approaching subjects, establishing a rapport, collaborating with your subject, and digital workflow.
Format: Hybrid
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
ART 737.20
Learn how to spot and capture fleeting natural moments with your cell phone camera.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 438.9
Explore the fundamental technical and aesthetic principles of digital photographic processes, including DSLR camera operation, composition, and digital retouching and manipulation.
Format: In Person | Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
ART X 439.90
Both intermediate and advanced photographers will gain control of all photographic variables while attempting various creative assignments in this course.
Format: Hybrid
Next Start Date: January 9, 2025
ART X 450.37
Through a series of creative assignments, get personalized guidance and feedback on building a cohesive photography portfolio.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 435.66
This course presents an examination of the styles and techniques of iconic photographers, and how to shoot in their styles using contemporary tools and techniques.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 481.11
Learn and practice the creation, manipulation, and combination of digital images in this ubiquitous design tool.
Format: Online
Next Start Date: January 9, 2025
DESMA X 481.43
Master sophisticated adjustment techniques necessary for constructing professional images with this ubiquitous design tool.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 440.21
Designed for beginning photographers, this course provides an introduction to digital workflow using Photoshop.
Format: Hybrid
Next Start Date: January 8, 2025
DESMA 850.99
Gain the historical framework and vocabulary to become a mover & shaker in today’s motion graphics industry.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.7P
Create your design portfolio—one that communicates your value and your values to prospective collaborators or employers.
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
ART X 486.55
In this hands-on class, students learn product photography for commercial and fine art applications through lectures, demos, and targeted projects.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.4D
Investigate the techniques and best practices of magazine design, annual reports, and branded collateral. 
Format: In Person
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 740.12
Discover how user experience research and data science unlocked mobile downloads for Netflix users around the world. This real-life case study highlights how a great marriage of data and insights…
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 432.55
Develop and execute a series of work, and discover the way series photography can expand narrative and deepen discussion.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.8B
Learn the business side of design. Position yourself, target your interests & strengths, and prepare your portfolio & communications toward select design markets.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 434.57
This course provides a historical, commercial, and hands-on approach for exploring still life photography. 
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 445.3
Explore the history of urban street photography and create your own images in this course which includes classroom lectures, tours and critique. 
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 425.61
Using a variety of media, students work toward creating a studio practice and body of work that portrays their formal and intellectual concerns. 
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.9D
Explore style guides and the role they play in consumer products, then create an original style guide for a complete product line of your choice.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 851.15
TEDxUCLA Salons look at opportunity and innovation at the intersections of professions and disciplines. Topics planned include: design and music, word and image, AI and traditional art. Leaders in…
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.3A
Each of us has the ability to ignite curiosity. Design and present a polished 12-minute TED-style talk that crystallizes and articulates your "big idea."
Next Start Date: TBA
ART X 450.99
Develop a unique photographic storytelling perspective and define your personal narrative voice.
Format: Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA 713.6
 Spark passion and enhance creative thinking in this workshop.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 713.5
Bring design to life with animation.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 865.99
This one-day workshop explores many aspects of travel photography & provides keen insights needed to create one-of-a-kind images while traveling. The instructor will show powerful images from all…
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 802.21
For those seeking to have their work published, this short course draws from decades of experience in the profession to advise on the myriad of business decisions that await you as an independent photographer.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 768
This seminar will explore the career paths open to user experience designers
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 479.4A
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.
Format: In Person | Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA 774
Instructors in the Design Communication Arts and User Experience programs provide an inside look into careers in the design world.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA 770
Join us for a free information session about the Design Communication Arts, User Experience and Visual Arts Programs.
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: December 9, 2024
DESMA X 479.7K
Jump in and create a 3-D game experience using the world class game engine Unity. Students will design fantastic other world realities.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 481.99AF
This course introduces the latest tools, techniques and technologies used by leading agencies to develop world-class user experiences.
Format: Online | In Person
Next Start Date: January 8, 2025
DESMA X 479.8K
Students with knowledge of the fundamentals of UX move on to iteration: rounds of work and experimentation to hone problem solving skills.
Format: Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA X 489.5F
Students who have completed User Experience I and II will apply what they have learned to real-world case studies in this course.
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: January 9, 2025
DESMA X 499C
Working from evidence-based case studies, students apply the appropriate methods and tools of discovery, design, prototyping, testing, iterating, and presenting for real world application.
Format: Online
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA X 480.54
This course supports development of an online portfolio to get noticed by potential employers and land job interviews.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 489.5G
Learn key concepts in user experience evaluation to better meet the needs of clients, colleagues and end-users. This course teaches research methodology and how to design, field and report on findings.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 481.99FG
Learn the tools of the user experience trade, and how to create delightful, meaningful and easy-to-use digital experiences using essential UX softwares.
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 480.9K
An introduction to visual fundamentals, presentation best practices, and how to make user experience-driven design choices.
Format: Hybrid
Next Start Date: January 7, 2025
DESMA 772
Join us for a free series of live talks and presentations in the core academic areas of the Visual Arts. Each week we feature a distinguished instructor and dive into their area of expertise.
Next Start Date: TBA
ART 855.51
Watercolor painting is an opportunity to embrace qualities such as curiosity, creativity, playfulness and a sense of wonder. In this course designed for beginners, sketching and painting are…
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 481.24B
This introduction to the world of modern web design exposes students to industry standards and best practices for using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, the essential tools of a front-end web developer. 
Format: Live Online
Next Start Date: January 8, 2025
DESMA 713
Learn how to articulate the value and tone of your brand through a message that moves your audience. 
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 480.22
This class provides a solid foundation in how to design effective and meaningful immersive content. 
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 481.22
Building on techniques introduced in Introduction to XR Experience Design I, this course is centered around case studies from different industry, enterprise, medical and artistic areas. 
Next Start Date: TBA
DESMA X 480.11
Discover the range of methodologies, tools, and strategies for XR world building. Students will have a hands on approach to learning and understanding how to create immersive worlds of their own design.
Next Start Date: TBA
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