The American Academy of Art
The American Academy of Art continues to build on its excellent reputation of educating successful, professional artists. The Academy believes an artist must develop mastery of materials and understand how to depict the world in a realistic style. Since 1923, the American Academy of Art has prepared students to enter leading galleries, advertising agencies and design and animation studios.
The Academy is located in the heart of Chicago's education and museum district. The campus includes the Bill L. Parks Gallery with revolving exhibitions and the Irving Shapiro Library collection of specialized art resources. The American Academy of Art maintains a career services office to assist students and graduates with their job search.
Why Choose the American Academy of Art?
- Earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from a prestigious institution that has produced artists for more than 80 years.
- Develop skills that can lead to a prosperous and rewarding career.
- Ensure job security by obtaining skills that employers need will make you in demand.
- Reap financial rewards through investing in your career education.
- Enjoy independence with a freelance career. Skills developed at the Academy of Art make it possible.
BFA in 3D Animation and Modeling
In the 3D program, students use software to create three-dimensional models and animations using lighting effects, camera angles, motion studies, digital video and sound. The 3D program trains students in both traditional skills including sculpture and drawing and 3D digital skills.
BFA in Design (Graphic Design)
In this program, students focus on developing analytical skills and a critical eye for graphic design. Students work in teams to accomplish projects in print design, advertising design and environmental graphics. Students produce professional quality projects including package design, posters and logos.
BFA in Illustration
The illustration program stresses mastery in all kinds of drawing techniques and media so that students can create images that convey emotions, tell a story or market a product or idea. Students study various types of illustrations including those used by editorials, advertising and children's books. Each students develops an illustration style, a consistent body of work, and prepares a professional portfolio.
BFA in Life Drawing
Traditionally, professional artists are trained by drawing the human figure. The life drawing program emphasizes anatomical structure and its role in enhancing accuracy, rhythm and meaning through projects involving the full figure, portraiture and drapery studies. Attention is paid to the study of the styles and techniques of representational figurative work.
BFA in Multimedia/Web Design
Students learn the concepts, strategies and techniques of working with digital media through the use and control of typography, images, animation, sound and digital video. Students develop the conceptual framework to produce digital media along with the historical, legal and social issues surrounding digital publishing. Ultimately, students incorporate design principles and web authoring tools into practical web production.
BFA in Painting
The painting program emphasizes working with traditional oil painting techniques from life with special attention to painting the figure. Students learn composition, light and shadow, lines and edges, and depth of forms. The courses inspire the student to build an artistic style while building strong traditional skills.
BFA in Watercolor Painting
The watercolor program is tailored towards developing a high level of skill in this unique medium. Students develop mastery in drawing, composition, creativity and technical refinement. Color, light and translucency are some of the qualities explored as the student strives to attain a professional body of work.