Advanced Diploma of Visual and Creative Arts

Whether you're looking for a robust foundational Art and Design education or an advanced diploma, our unique studio-based training combined with business and marketing coursework will satisfy any student wishing to pursue a career in the visual culture industry.

An outstanding visual arts education

Sheridan is the only visual arts college in Canada where you can:

• Establish your identity as an artist.

• Build up a body of mature work.

• Understand the business practices of galleries, museums, commercial firms, and other players in the art marketplace.

It starts with the art

You'll make art from day one, taking visual arts courses during Year 1 in drawing, painting, sculpture and design. From there you'll build progressively toward mastery of an individual visual arts skill-set. Students can earn a college certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, or an advanced diploma by remaining in the program for a third year.

Unique studio-based training

Sheridan offers a visual arts program like no other. We combine rigorous studio-based visual arts training with business and marketing coursework to produce a unique education in "entrepreneurial art." You'll develop more than a portfolio; you'll also develop the professionalism necessary for a successful career in the vibrant visual arts and culture sector.

Additional information

During the second year (and third year, if applicable), you'll learn to integrate your studio skills with art-related careers, learning the basics of:

• Artist representation

• Gallery operation

• Online visual art applications (including web design)

• Public-art projects

• Negotiation with private-sector clients

Our professors are all practicing pros who know how to create profitable outlets for their visual arts talent. They're well connected to galleries, studios, agencies, and other players in the Greater Toronto Area's visual arts scene.

Recent Visual and Creative Arts program graduates have found employment in such roles as:

• Web design

• Digital prepress

• Gallery operation

• Graphic artist/design

• Illustration

• Photographer's assistant

• Public-art projects

• Signage

• Self-employed artist/designer

Visual arts and culture sector professionals are often self-employed, and this program will help prepare graduates to open their own studios or businesses.

Graduates can also continue their formal training in a variety of arts programs at Sheridan, or in other arts programs with our university and college partners.

Learning Outcomes

• Produce a collection of work that represents attitudes, knowledge and skills which demonstrate an advanced level of competency in visual communications.

• Apply an advanced level of knowledge, skills and appropriate methodology to resolve complex problems including time management, budgetary restrictions and specific client directives

• Originate and develop innovative and original visual communications on time and within budget to meet the specific needs of the client.

• Use a variety of advanced technologies to produce visual communications.

• Effectively communicate ideas, objects and emotions to resolve complex problems.

• Exhibit a breadth of knowledge in the origins and evolution of contemporary thinking and trends in design, art and technology.

• Effectively integrate the advanced levels of knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired and apply professional studio practices to realize solutions to complex problems.

• Resolve complex problems that demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the effects and psychology of colour.

• Work in a professional manner, maintaining professional relationships and communicating effectively with co-workers, supervisors and others.

• Produce a portfolio of work that reflects the ability to communicate effectively in visual form.

• Solve complex problems related to the conceptual process involving organization, budget and time management.

• Express artistic concepts through the manipulation of a variety of media (e.g. charcoal, paint).

• Use a variety of technical equipment and computer software to enhance visual, written and verbal communication.

• Communicate concepts, emotions and intent effectively in visual, verbal, written and virtual form, using appropriate terminology.

• Analyze contemporary visual arts development and issues, as well as current trends in the market.

• Observe guidelines and regulations with respect to health and safety applicable to the use of art materials and methodology.

• Generate works of art and design that reflect an advanced level of knowledge and skill in the application of colour theory and the effects and psychology of colour.

• Collaborate effectively with faculty and peers.

• Explain historical and contemporary works of art from a critical perspective.

• Conduct applied research that directs problem solving and informs the creative process.

• Use a broad range of specialized equipment, and required toxic and hazardous materials following established safety principles and procedures.