To work as a graphic designer or illustrator in B.C., you may choose to be certified by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD). Eligibility is achieved through a combination of education and work experience. 

To work as a graphic designer or illustrator in B.C., you may choose to be certified by the Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan). Eligibility is achieved through a combination of education, work experience, and work examples. 

Graphic designers and illustrators

Painters, sculptors and other visual artists

This instructional program class comprises any general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts. These programs include courses in art, photography, and other visual communications media.

Art/art studies, general

Visual Arts Bachelor's Degrees

Graphic designers conceptualize and produce graphic art and visual materials to effectively communicate information for publications, advertising, films, packaging, posters, signs and interactive media such as Web sites and CDs. They are employed by advertising and graphic design firms, by establishments with advertising or communications departments and by multimedia production companies, or they may be self-employed. Graphic designers who are also supervisors, project managers or consultants are included in this unit group. Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations to represent information through images. They are almost solely self-employed.

Painters, sculptors and other visual artists create original paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings and other artistic works. They are usually self-employed. This unit group also includes art instructors and teachers, who are usually employed by art schools.

Film and video camera operators

Visual Arts Diplomas

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration focuses on all forms of illustration, from editorial to narrative, as opportunities for cultural inquiry. Through hands-on studio work, theory courses, and special topics, you'll have the chance to explore diverse techniques, while learning how to critique, question, and imagine new ways of using illustration to engage with audiences. You'll be given opportunities to cultivate your own approach to narration, interpretation, conceptualization, and visualization, and to understand how your practice relates to contemporary art culture. Throughout the program, you'll be encouraged to collaborate with your peers, innovate new possibilities in the professional field, and use illustration in community-mindful ways to solve challenges and communicate values. Upon graduating, you'll have produced a substantial body of work and developed a sophisticated understanding of its place within contemporary illustration practices.

Illustration Major: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Arts allow you to create your own academic path as you discover your strengths and interests as a visual artist. As you build your creative skills, you'll develop a deep understanding of how various art forms connect and intersect, and the history that informs today's practices. Your faculty members, practicing artists who define the Canadian creative landscape, will guide you as you refine your techniques and follow your curiosity. After graduating, you'll have a mature and exceptional body of work to launch your career in visual arts.

Visual Arts Major: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts degree program provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practice in the field of visual arts. The core of the degree is a strong studio curriculum focusing on the ideas and technical processes of producing contemporary art. The Fine Arts curriculum is complemented through access to a broad liberal arts education emphasizing the development of effective academic writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills. Grounded in theory and practice, students develop aesthetic judgment, professional knowledge, disciplinary expertise, and the collaborative critical thinking skills required to prepare them for direct entry into today's creative economy.

Visual Arts: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Art prepares you to become practising artists. A combination of broad-based practical studio courses and theoretical and historical seminars prepares you to understand your production in relation to current visual art and other discipline developments. A strong emphasis is on an understanding of the position and responsibilities of the artist in contemporary society. You'll have the opportunity to present your work in galleries and work with artists from other backgrounds and areas. Upon graduation, you'll be able to embark on a career in the arts or pursue further study. 

Visual Art: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree - Major or Honours

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Arts is similar to a general liberal arts degree with an emphasis on the practice of visual art. Held in studio environments, visual art classes foster individual creative production and visual literacy in an atmosphere of instructor-led debate, discussion, and critique. You will explore art-making in at least four different media areas – including digital art, photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, and print media – and will develop your writing and research skills in art history and electives. The Visual Art program equips you with the tools and skills necessary to work professionally in visual fields, as well as to pursue further studies in related fields such as architecture or urban design. 

Visual Arts: Bachelor of Arts Degree - Major (UBCV)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts offers a balance of studio work and academic study. The program provides a broad understanding of foundational skills, techniques, and theories needed to work in two and three dimensions in a variety of media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, digital arts, printmaking, photography, animation, studio theory, video and performance arts. You can participate in co-op education placements to broad your skills and gain hands-on experience in your field of study. 

Visual Arts: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree - Major (UBCO)

The Bachelor of Fine Art in Visual Art focuses on visual art practice, critical theory, and art history while providing an excellent foundation in a variety of fields involving the making and understanding of visual art and contemporary aesthetics. You will explore art-making in at least four different media areas: digital art, photography (digital and analog), painting, drawing, sculpture, and print media. The Visual Art program equips you with the tools and skills necessary to work professionally in a wide range of contemporary visual art fields, to pursue a Master of Fine Arts, or to go on to further studies in related fields, such as education, architecture, and interior design.

Visual Arts: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree - Major or Honours (UBCV)

In the first year of the Visual Arts major of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, you lay the groundwork for mastering artistic skills in Foundation studio courses. Through study in drawing, material process, video production, photography, and space, form and time, you build a repertoire of technique and experience that prepares you for more advanced course work. After mastering the basics, you specialize in three studio disciplines chosen from painting and drawing, sculpture, print media, new media, and photography. You grow your command of art history through the critical study of modern and contemporary pieces, ranging from Indigenous art to Renaissance classics. Near the end of your studies, senior seminar courses challenge you to develop a comprehensive understanding, while senior studio courses allow you to flex your newly minted artistic skill on self-directed projects. 

Visual Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Major

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Arts will help you become a well-rounded, flexible artist. This program combines classroom learning with practice in art studios. Collaborate with other artists and receive dedicated mentorship. You'll graduate with skills that are essential in today’s world.

Visual Arts - Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree - Major

To earn a Visual Arts and Computer Science Degree, you have the option of obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree or a Bachelor of Science Degree. In this program, you will apply the skills used in visuals arts to computer science. Learn how you can combine drawing, painting, sculpture and photography with technology. Study extended media and video art. This unique degree will give you skills that you can apply far beyond the artistic community.

Visual Arts and Computer Science (Combined Major): Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree - Major or Honours

Visual Arts and Computer Science (Combined Major): Bachelor of Science - Major or Honours

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Arts offers a professional focus on all aspects of studio art, as well as academic classroom experience. Early emphasis is on art-making in a broad range of media with associated techniques and provide a conceptual foundation within the context of contemporary art and art history. In years three and four, the curriculum broadens into greater emphasis on interdisciplinary content, contemporary working methods and cultural theory.

Educational Path

Visual Arts Bachelor's Degrees

Programs

Careers