Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Program Contacts
Richard Neufeld
Program Coordinator / Professor
richard.neufeld@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Attention artists! Harness your talent and build your portfolio
Whether you’re a beginner or a practicing artist, a distinctive portfolio is your entry into the world of art and design. Gain the tools you need to find your personal style and creative philosophy and begin establishing your brand or business.
Your first intensive year explores a wide range of media and concepts relevant to all creative endeavors, by way of drawing, illustration, 2D and 3D design, as well as printmaking, painting, applied multimedia, and more. After you discover which talents you want to develop in greater depth, your second year takes you to another level where you can choose to specialize with studio courses taught by practicing artists who guide you toward an end-of-year exhibition.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Instruction and creative guidance by practicing artists
- Opportunity to work in a vibrant creative space with like-minded individuals to develop a robust portfolio that opens doors
- Explore the practical elements of being a working artist and learn how to market your artwork as well as your skills
- Participate in creative group projects, including a mural in Sudbury that beautifies a public space
- Showcase your artwork in a public graduate exhibition
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
Note: As this is a portfolio building, foundational program of study in the first year, there is no portfolio requirement for admission.
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn more
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| AFP 1100 | Ideas & Imagery | 3 | in this course, students will employ strategies for developing and implementing creative thinking processes as a part of the overall design process. Students will be involved with recognizing and exploiting the synergies inherent to design by experimenting with conceptual thinking applied to the governance of the physical processes of the execution of design problems. |
| AFP 1105 | Design Fundamentals | 3 | in this course, students will explore the fundamental elements and principles of two dimensional design, and their application to visualizing and developing creative processes for solving design problems. Students will work with a variety of design elements to explore compositional strategies to enhance movement, rhythm, and expression in visual work. |
| ART 1008 | Colour and Design | 3 | in this course, students will explore the fundamental principles of colour theory, and its application in art and design. Colour relationships, mixing, and colour theory will be discussed and explored relative to effectively implementing colour strategies in design processes. |
| AFP 1120 | Fundamentals of Drawing | 3 | in this course, students will be introduced to basic drawing, rendering techniques, and elements of form using various media to depict a variety of subjects. Students will work with a variety of drawing media to express final visual work. |
| AFP 1125 | Fine Art Studio 2D | 3 | in this course, students will explore fundamental techniques and processes relative to Printmaking and Painting - two traditional aspects of the Fine Arts field. Projects will be executed with a view to reinforcing and expanding upon the fundamental design principles and creative thinking processes learned in other progam areas. |
| COM 1001 | Art and Design Communication | 3 | in this course, students will effectively develop their communication skills in oral and written form. This course will prepare students to write professional, work-focused documents using traditional writing platforms and digital media while strengthening their reflective writing practices. Students will also develop oral presentation skills and enhance their ability to speak about not only themselves as artists but other artists as well. |
| AFP 1235 | Graphic Design Studio | 3 | in this course, students will be introduced to basic Graphic Design studio practices through a variety of hands-on exercises and assignments. In the course of the execution of projects, students will also develop their skills with a range of digital applications necessary to the presentation of imagery and information in all manner of academic and business settings. |
| Credits | 21 | ||
| Semester 2 | |||
| AFP 1200 | Life Drawing | 3 | in this course, students will engage with Life Drawing as an independent art form and as a part of the overall development of the education of vision. Students will develop their observational skills to see and translate varied analysis of the human figure, anatomy, and skeletal structure. Further, students will focus on the wider fundamental principles of drawing such as line weight, form, light, shadow, and so forth, studied from life models and inanimate objects. |
| AFP 1205 | Drawing from your Imagination | 3 | in this course, students will explore the development of images drawn from their imagination using divergent thinking, spontaneity, and experimentation to create compositions of visual and psychological impact. They will also concentrate on observing and manipulating the properties and characteristics of mixed media processes to stimulate the creative process and develop their rendering skills. |
| AFP 1210 | Applied Colour | 3 | in this course, students will expand their knowledge of colour theory and will apply theory to different areas of art and design. Assignments will include a variety of projects involving visual arts. Students will use the physical and psychological effects of colours to create visual art and paintings which are highly effective in fulfilling their purpose. |
| AFP 1221 | Applied Multimedia | 3 | in this course, students will explore the basic theoretical and practical framework to approaching multimedia compositions. Students will be guided along the process of moving from an idea phase into planning, rough construction, to create finished multimedia products. Students will use a wide range of media, and will focus on an exploration of practical technique. |
| AFP 1225 | Analytical Drawing | 3 | in this course, students will render forms, objects, and structures using shade and shadow, as well as one point and two point perspective (both freehand and mechanically), and technical drawing. Students will explore a range of dimensional drawing strategies, and apply them to final visual work. |
| ART 1231 | Fine Art Studio 3D | 3 | in this course, students will expand their skill in manipulating three dimensional form, and develop a sculptural sensitivity to the working properties and expressive qualities of various materials: paper, clay, plaster, wood, steel, and found elements. |
| ART 1009 | Introduction to Art History | 3 | in this course, students will explore the range of visual art from prehistory to post-modernism. The focus is on major periods and movements in art, their chronology, and the new role the contemporary artist plays in comparison to the old masters and preclassical artists. All artists must develop an awareness of the major aesthetic achievements of the past in order to situate their own and others' work in the historic continuum. |
| IND TBD-2 | 1 | ||
| One General Education course: 1 | 3 | ||
| Credits | 25 | ||
| Semester 3 | |||
| ART 1018 | Materials and Processes I | 3 | in this course, students will discover more complex and integrated usage of mediums, and the planning and execution required to successfully implement advanced media in both their structural and conceptual approaches to artwork and art cycles. |
| ART 1146 | Visual Art Practices I | 3 | in this course, students will engage in practical activities related to the exploration of technique, development of style, and gaining an understanding of professional practice in the field of visual arts. Professor will lead activities and discussion throughout the semester, guiding students in the development of their work process and experimentation of application through workshop style approach. |
| ART 1048 | Multimedia Printing | 3 | in this course, students will In this course students will be introduced to the basic elements of intaglio printing, as well as advancing their exploration of relief printing relative to future combinations in collographs, monoprints, and serigraphy. Images will be devised and developed based on the student's own areas of conceptual interest within the design parameters governed by the printmaking processes explored over the semester. |
| ART 1050 | Business of the Arts | 3 | in this course, students will engage their entrepreneurial skills and apply them to all aspects of the business of fine and visual arts. Students will be exposed to theories and practices of planning, budgeting, and understanding the required elements related to producing and selling artwork. The class is structured to deliver an experience similar to the practices and expectations of business of fine and visual art in the real world. |
| ART 1051 | Art and Design Project I | 3 | in this course, students will explore compositional and conceptual strategies for expression in development of a suite of work which will be presented in public exhibition at the end of the school year. Students will design imagery and apply visual techniques with a variety of subject matter to create final work. Work will be finalized based on skills and techniques explored and strategization of concept, ensuring a unique and robust body of visual artwork. While there will be hands on work, students will be expected to clearly articulate, assess, and discuss their developing projects in relation to concept, narrative, material processes, et cetera, to successfully complete their body of work in anticipation of the graduate exhibition. |
| ART 1052 | Portfolio Development I | 3 | in this course, students will explore variety of media and styles to develop, document, and analyze their progression of style in the development of a cohesive portfolio. |
| ART 1055 | Modern Art History | 3 | |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | ||
| Credits | 24 | ||
| Semester 4 | |||
| ART 1021 | Materials and Processes II | 3 | in this course, students will develop a view to managing and adapting material use and processes over the course of the work cycle. Emphasis will be placed on assessing progress and adapting to a variety of potential developments as projects progress, relative to time constraints, material availability and workability, and conceptual revelations. |
| ART 1049 | Advanced Printing | 3 | in this course, students will In this course students will further develop their mixed media printmaking skills producing multi-coloured serigraphic (screen printed) and/or relief images designed to be combined with further explorations of intaglio and other media processes such as transfer techiques and cyanotype. Students may also take the opportunity to produce T-shirts or other promotional type materials related to their grad show and personal brand. |
| ART 1053 | Art and Design Project II | 3 | in this course, students will continue to engage in discussion and practical activities to refine technique, and apply compositional and conceptual strategies to develop an advanced body of artwork. Students will have opportunity to discuss and critique visual images and process, gain feedback, and strategize novel concepts to build a unique and robust body of work. The work developed will be assembled as a comprehensive collection, to be considered as part of the graduate exhibition. |
| ART 1054 | Portfolio Development II | 3 | in this course, students will refine their process and style to work towards the creation of a varied, yet stylistically and conceptually consistent body of work, for documentation and analysis relative to aiding in the development of promotional material and strategies leading up to their graduate exhibition. |
| ART 1147 | Visual Art Practices II | 3 | in this course, students will continue to engage in discussion and practical activities to refine technique, develop their body of work, and understand professional practice as cultivated in the first semester. Students will be guided in activities and discussion throughout the semester in a focused, workshop style environment. |
| ART 1232 | Business Application | 3 | in this course, students will expand upon the entrepreneurial skills and knowledge gained in their third semester. Students will apply the theories and practices of planning, budgeting, and marketing to the production and preparation of artwork for promotion and sale in preparation for their Graduate Exhibition. |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | ||
| Credits | 21 | ||
| Total Credits | 91 | ||
- 1
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Creative Industries
Looking to further your craft and pursue a career where your creativity can lead to a fulfilling career? At Cambrian, a program in Creative Industries allows you to tap into your talents and develop skills that can allow you to pursue that ideal job. You’ll learn from industry professionals who have been able to create and succeed in the modern workplace.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Web cam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system, (OS 10 preferred) OR
- Apple MacBook Pro 13- or 15-inch with at least 256 GB of storage (2015 or newer) or a 2018 MacBook Air
- Processor: 64-bit Intel or AMD multicore processor, Intel i5 minimum or AMD equivalent
- RAM: 8 Gb minimum, 16 Gb (preferred)
- Storage space: 100 Gb free with minimum 10 Gb for software installs
- Software: Adobe Creative Cloud
Required software will be provided by Cambrian College. Instruction on how to obtain software will be provided to you. Some software that you may access as part of your program may not be compatible with every device. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
Related Programs
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
6 Semesters / 3 Years
School of Engineering Technology