Explore a future of creative possibilities
Take your talent and love for the arts to new heights as you gain confidence in your artistic journey building a solid foundation in creative art and design. You will experiment with a rich and diverse cross-section of media and concepts, including drawing, 2D and 3D design, illustration, applied multimedia, and creative and conceptual problem solving.
Surrounded by like-minded creatives, you will learn to apply critical thinking skills to produce solutions to the varied challenges creative industries present, as well as developing your visual sensitivity and artistic dexterity.
Program highlights
- Experiment with a wide range of artistic media and concepts
- Engage with students from all creative art and design programs
- Opportunity to create and install a mural that will beautify a public space
- Graduate with a vibrant and diverse portfolio
- Option to continue into the second year of the Design and Visual Arts program to further build your portfolio and specialized skills
Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AFP 1100 | Ideas & Imagery | 3 |
| AFP 1105 | Design Fundamentals | 3 |
| ART 1008 | Colour and Design | 3 |
| AFP 1120 | Fundamentals of Drawing | 3 |
| AFP 1125 | Fine Art Studio 2D | 3 |
| COM 1001 | Art and Design Communication | 3 |
| AFP 1235 | Graphic Design Studio | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| AFP 1200 | Life Drawing | 3 |
| AFP 1205 | Drawing from your Imagination | 3 |
| AFP 1210 | Applied Colour | 3 |
| AFP 1221 | Applied Multimedia | 3 |
| AFP 1225 | Analytical Drawing | 3 |
| ART 1231 | Fine Art Studio 3D | 3 |
| ART 1009 | Introduction to Art History | 3 |
| IND 1105 | Decolonizing the Creative Arts | 1 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
- 1
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, there is no portfolio requirement for admission.
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. Graduates of Art and Design Fundamentals may transfer all program credits and continue their studies by entering directly into the second year of Cambrian's Design and Visual Arts program.
Employment opportunities
A foundational program of study gives you a core design understanding and portfolio suitable for application to many positions which require design and rendering skills, as well as heightened visual sensitivity. This positions you to successfully move into more specific programs of study or entry-level positions in a range of creative industries where you can develop more specific industry related skills. Graduates of Art and Design Fundamentals may transfer all program credits and continue their studies by entering directly into the second year of the Design and Visual Arts program. You will also have a solid foundation and portfolio to enter into programs such as Animation, Game – Design and Simulation, Graphic Design, or Media Communications, as well as fields as diverse as architecture, interior design, fashion design, tattooing, muralist, and more.
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
