Digital Arts

Digital Arts

Animation • Filmmaking • Graphic Design

Program Overview

Students accepted to CoSA’s Digital Arts conservatory focus on one of 3 strands:

  • Graphic Design  computer imagery, typography, graphic arts, web design, and photography
  • Filmmaking  using film to tell stories, events or news, from concept to screenwriting to production or broadcast
  • Animation  computerized drawing, software manipulation, character and story development, production of an animated story

The four-year curriculum sequence includes not only design elements and principles of art, but also business skills, portfolio building, a senior project and internship opportunities. Classroom study is complemented by field trips and industry guest speakers. A key component of the conservatory experience is assessment by a jury of faculty and professionals at the end of each semester.

Classrooms are comprised of work stations with state-of-the-art Apple computers, a video broadcast studio, video-editing capabilities, and other equipment and technology to help students graduate from the program with industry standard qualifications.

Students have many opportunities to exhibit their work, both at school and in public festivals and events. CoSA Digital Arts students showcase their talents throughout the year at various special events.

Focus Areas

  • Graphic Design

    Computer imagery, typography, graphic arts, web design, and photography

  • Filmmaking

    Using film to tell stories, events or news, from concept to screenwriting to production or broadcast

  • Animation

    Computerized drawing, software manipulation, character and story development, production of an animated story

Student Exhibitions & Events

Students have many opportunities to exhibit their work, both at school and in public festivals and events. CoSA Digital Arts students showcase their talents throughout the year at various special events.

Horror Nights

An Islander tradition during Halloween where students showcase their horror-themed films and animations.

DigArts Extravaganza

Year-end showcase of student graphic design, films and animations. Live Award Show

Curriculum

Four-Year Progressive Curriculum

Year 1: Foundations

  • Introduction to digital tools and software
  • Design principles and visual communication
  • Basic composition and storytelling
  • Introduction to industry-standard platforms
  • Exhibition and Presentation of Work

Year 2: Skill Development

Intermediate

  • Specialization in chosen strand (Animation, Filmmaking, or Graphic Design)
  • Advanced software techniques
  • Collaborative project experience
  • Introduction to client-based work/Resume Development
  • Exhibition and Presentation of Work

Year 3: Professional Applications

  • Complex project management
  • Advanced Software Techniques
  • Portfolio development
  • Job Shadow
  • Exhibition and Presentation of Work

Year 4: Capstone Experience

  • Internships
  • Senior project in area of specialization
  • Professional portfolio completion
  • Business skills and entrepreneurship
  • Exhibition and presentation of work

Career Opportunities

Animation

  • Character Animator
  • Storyboard Artist
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • 3D Modeler

Filmmaking

  • Director
  • Cinematographer
  • Video Editor
  • Screenwriter

Graphic Design

  • Web Designer
  • Brand Identity Designer
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Art Director

Ready to Create?

Join our vibrant community of digital artists and start your journey toward a creative career. We're looking for passionate students to join our next class.