Visual and Digital Arts
Program Details
Humber’s Visual and Digital Arts diploma program offers you the opportunity to develop a well-rounded skillset applicable to a broad range of visual arts disciplines. At the Art Commons, Humber’s dedicated art facility, you will learn to plan and produce effective visual material and facilitate modes of interactive expression and communication.
Using state-of-the-art software and tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere, you will develop skills in painting, drawing, illustration, digital art, photography, video and installation art. While honing your artistic abilities, you will gain knowledge about anatomy, colour, composition, figurative expressions and art history. You will apply your skills and learn to create traditional and experimental fine art projects. Throughout the program, you will participate in collaborative projects with your peers, gain opportunities to exhibit your work, take part in installations and join in critiques. With its focus on experiential learning and critical thinking, this program is an excellent launching point for more advanced creative pursuits.
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
Produce creative life and representational drawings and paintings, illustrating volume, proportion, perspective, mass and texture with descriptive lighting.
Create representational digital drawing, paintings and illustrations, using application software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Painter.
Assess the artistic merit of artwork using an analysis of the creative application of established principles of design and composition.
Construct pictorial compositions using visual perspective to achieve accurate proportional relationships.
Light compositions to reveal three-dimensional form.
Create figurative pictorial compositions, using principles of human and comparative anatomy.
Critique technical principles of composition in representational drawing, painting and illustration, through analysis of rendering.
Prepare and present a traditional and creative art portfolio containing both original work and computer generated reproductions.
Research and create reference materials to support successful completion of a work of art.
Reproduce, with fidelity, colour as encountered in nature, mixing traditional and digital media.
Develop a career plan and self-promotion skills suitable to the digital media industry, using materials such as a résumé, cover letter, contact list, e-portfolio.
Develop and present a digital art project proposal and manage the project, using effective oral and written communications skills.
The Humber Advantage
The newly constructed Humber Art Commons was designed to foster creative collaboration and experimentation. The flexible space allows Art Foundation students to conceptualize, create, and exhibit work all in the same place.
Launched as a live lab, the Art Commons building provides students with a creative space to explore and discover new techniques. Located at Lakeshore Campus on Lakeshore Blvd, the building acts as a hub for art students. The open concept allows for a modern studio space flooded by natural light. The space has been modelled on the general concept of transformability. Four large multi-purpose rooms on two floors can be turned into any kind of collaborative space depending on need.
Take a 360 degree tour!
For mobile and tablet users, open the video in the YouTube app. For optimal viewing experience use Firefox or Chrome. Currently Safari does not support 360 videos.
Watch the video and discover how Noni Kaur inspires her students to think outside the box and create more than what they think they are capable of.
Watch the video to find out how Humber prepared Mac for the professional aspects of being an artist.
Watch the video to discover how the Visual and Digital Arts program at Humber helps students explore their creativity and express their ideas.
Watch the video to see how the In Situ event was an immersive and interactive evening that showcased music, photography, performance, dance, improv, mime, spoken word, mural and graffiti art, installation art, design and more by some of the GTA’s best emerging artists!
Expert Faculty
Visual and Digital Arts professors are accomplished artists, designers, entrepreneurs and art historians. They represent the full spectrum of creative career paths available to students upon graduation. Program co-ordinator Cole Swanson is an interdisciplinary artist who has been featured in gallery exhibitions, residencies, and festivals on four continents. Professors include Noni Kaur, Marc Colangelo, Golboo Amani, Steven Cober, Eva Kolcze, Neil Harrison, John Stuart, Carolyne Topdjian, and Tobias Williams.
Marc Colangelo
Cole Swanson
Your Career
Although the Information Age has created an explosion of career opportunities for visual and digital artists, the competition is keen. It is an exciting career that encompasses creativity, challenges, new insights and dynamic ways of critical thinking. But employers agree: professional drawing and painting skills reinforced with fine art principles and critical-thinking skills will distinguish an applicant from the crowd.
Enjoy exciting entry-level positions in the visual, graphic and media arts industry with your newly acquired skillset. Use your creative and technical skills as an illustrator, contemporary artist, concept artist, advertising layout artist, storyboard artist, digital illustrator, visualizer, artist representative, gallery or artist supply assistant, graphic artist, photographer’s assistant, or art teaching assistant. Be self-employed as a freelance artist, illustrator or art instructor in an arts and crafts association or organization. Many of our graduates also pursue higher education within media studies and the visual arts, given that they will be equipped with a comprehensive portfolio to showcase their acquired skills.
Related Programs
Program Availability
Assembling Your Portfolio
Watch the video to learn some useful tips on how to assemble a portfolio for the Visual & Digital Arts program application.
Creative Arts & Design Events
Current
Humber
Mon, April 19, 2021 to Thu, June 03, 2021
Online
Current is a festival of arts, media and design showcasing the work of graduating students from the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts.
Featuring live and recorded performances, screenings, exhibits, networking events, and portfolio shows, Current celebrates the ingenuity and professionalism of an electric group of storytellers. Connect with them at humbercurrent.ca starting April 19, or visit the website now to reserve your free ticket to a live event!
Creative Arts & Design Success Stories
From classroom to boardroom: Humber student launches eco-friendly business
Thu, April 15, 2021
Xana Mills is a graduating Bachelor of Digital Communications student. We caught up with Xana via email to hear more about her business and how it developed over her time at Humber.
Grad Feature: Alfredo Films - Alexander, Holly and Shivam
Wed, April 07, 2021
Alexander Henry, Holly Rowden, and Shivam Pandya graduated from the Bachelor of Film and Media Production in 2016.
No news at this time.
Faculty of Media & Creative Arts News
A Message from the Senior Dean: Music Degree Update
Tue, April 27, 2021
Over the past few months, the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts began a review of our Bachelor of Music program delivery.
Maria Saba Wins 2020 Writers-in-Exile Scholarship
School for Writers
Mon, October 26, 2020
Meet thethe recipient of the 2020 PEN Canada-Humber College Writers-in-Exile Scholarship, Maria Saba.
No news at this time.
Program Events
Current
Humber
Mon, April 19, 2021 to Thu, June 03, 2021
Online
Current is a festival of arts, media and design showcasing the work of graduating students from the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts.
Featuring live and recorded performances, screenings, exhibits, networking events, and portfolio shows, Current celebrates the ingenuity and professionalism of an electric group of storytellers. Connect with them at humbercurrent.ca starting April 19, or visit the website now to reserve your free ticket to a live event!
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.
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HOW TO APPLY
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
EQUIPMENT & DEVICE REQUIREMENTS
FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS
PATHWAYS
CONTACT US
Post-Admission Requirements
Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).
Equipment & Device Requirements
| Details and Specifications | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
| Processor | Laptop - Intel i5 (Quad 4) | Laptop - Intel i7 (Quad 4 or higher) |
| OS | Windows 10 or Mac OS | |
| Memory | 16GB RAM | |
| Storage | Hard drive 250GB | SSD (Solid State Drive) preferable |
| Other | Tablet, Creative Cloud software licensing, Art Supplies - Cole Swanson working with supplier to see if a kit can be created for purchase |
Contact Information
If you have questions about these Equipment & Device Requirements contact:
Cole Swanson, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3505
cole.swanson@humber.ca
Fees
The 2020-2021 fee for two semesters was:
- domestic: $6,615.32
- international: $15,874.00
Fees are subject to change.
Fees by Semester
Domestic Fees International FeesAdditional Costs
Approximately $750 - art supplies; $230 – $350 - digital tablet (for third/fourth semesters); access to a digital camera (third semester).
Scholarships
Humber Scholarships
Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships.
Humber Bursaries
Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.
External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships
Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.
Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships
Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.
Pathways
Pathways are academic routes that students can take to move from one credential to another.
PATHWAYS OUT TO ANOTHER PROGRAM:
TO A PARTNER INSTITUTION
Bachelor of Applied Management
Graduates of any two-year diploma program at Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 70% or greater will be eligible to enter year three of the four-year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John.
Depending on the diploma program, students may be exempted from study in certain courses and therefore, requested to take alternate courses offered by the Faculty of Business.
Please note: Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
For more information please contact: admissions@unb.ca.
Business Bachelor of Business Administration
Students who complete a 2 year diploma at Humber will be granted 60 credit hours toward the completion of a bachelor degree program at Davenport University. You will need to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours (approximately two years of full-time attendance) to meet residency and program requirements and to complete your bachelor degree program. Students must complete a minimum total of 120 semester credit hours to earn a bachelor degree. The total credit hours will include the completed 2 year diploma classes plus any courses completed through Davenport University.
If you still have questions, reach out to the transfer admissions team at info@davenport.edu or 1.800.686.1600.
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution.
Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Humber and Seneca Colleges have entered into an agreement that increases student opportunities for degree completion at both institutions. Humber graduates may transfer into Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with entry into Semester 4, Year 2 of the program.
Admissions:
All applicants to Seneca degree programs are required to have successfully completed the related Humber program with a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (70%).
All applicants may apply through the Ontario College Application Service and must submit an official academic transcript for all course work completed at the postsecondary level. The application must be received no later than the stated deadline for the given term being applied for in order to qualify for admission.
For further information, please contact: academic.pathways@senecacollege.ca
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
Law LLB
Humber students who have successfully completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in any field at Humber College and meet the requirements, will be considered for admission into the University of Gloucestershire's Bachelor of Law LLB program.
International students should demonstrate and must provide evidence that they have attained a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing. Alternative acceptable English Language qualifications can be found at: www.glos.ac.uk/study/international
Students will be expected to attend an Academic Induction preceding entry to the program. Students admitted to the UoG program will pay the appropriate annual tuition fee rate. The definitive fees will be those published here: http://www.glos.ac.uk/international
Students admitted to UoG from Humber will be eligible to receive the international bursary. This award, and its ruling terms and conditions, is subject to change on an annual basis. For September 2020/January 2021 entry, the applicable bursary is £3,000, and will be automatically applied against tuition for successful applicants from Humber. Please note that the bursary is only available to students who are studying full-time at the UoG on campus in the UK, and completing a full degree (not available for distance learning or master's stage students).
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
Contact us for more information:
Shandin Rickard-Hughes
International Marketing & Student Recruitment Manager, Americas
srickardhughes@glos.ac.uk
How to Apply
Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program. To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber's program pages or ontariocolleges.ca.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.
