Design and Visual Arts (ADSP)

Attention artists! Harness your talent and build your portfolio

Whether you’re a beginner or a practicing artist, a distinctive portfolio is your entry into the world of art and design. Gain the tools you need to find your personal style and creative philosophy and begin establishing your brand or business. 

Your first intensive year explores a wide range of media and concepts relevant to all creative endeavors, by way of drawing, illustration, 2D and 3D design, as well as printmaking, painting, applied multimedia, and more. After you discover which talents you want to develop in greater depth, your second year takes you to another level where you can choose to specialize with studio courses taught by practicing artists who guide you toward an end-of-year exhibition. 

Program highlights

• Instruction and creative guidance by practicing artists 
• Opportunity to work in a vibrant creative space with like-minded individuals to develop a robust portfolio that opens doors 
• Explore the practical elements of being a working artist and learn how to market your artwork as well as your skills 
• Participate in creative group projects, including a mural in Sudbury that beautifies a public space 
• Showcase your artwork in a public graduate exhibition 

Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year 

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Note: As this is a portfolio building, foundational program of study in the first year, there is no portfolio requirement for admission.

Program delivery

2026-2027

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 2:   Winter 2027
SEMESTER 3:   Fall 2027
SEMESTER 4:   Winter 2028

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates of this program will be prepared for various career pathways in the field of creative arts, further developing an expansive portfolio, and with extensive studies in the business side of the creative arts, building their name and/or brand as a commissioned and exhibiting artist. 

Graduates may also choose to continue their post-secondary studies in other advanced visual and fine art programs such as Cambrian's Animation – 2 year, Animation – 3 year, Game – Design and Simulation, Graphic Design, and Media Communications.