Commercial Arts & Illustration A.S. Degree

Give your artistic talents a marketable edge.

If you love drawing, design, or visual storytelling, MCC’s Commercial Art & Illustration A.S. program helps you turn your creativity into real‑world skills. You’ll learn both traditional and digital techniques while creating visuals for industries like advertising, publishing, film, and gaming. Through studio work and hands‑on projects, you’ll build a strong portfolio, prepare to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, and work toward a career in publishing, advertising, film, gaming, fashion, digital media, and more.

AREAS OF INTEREST

Arts & Humanities

DEPARTMENT

Visual and Performing Arts

Getting Started?

Apply Now

Request Information

585-292-2000

admissions@monroecc.edu

In MCC’s Commercial Art & Illustration program, you’ll learn how to:

Create original illustrations that tell a story or communicate ideas
Use both traditional and digital tools to design compelling visuals
Apply design principles like color, composition, and layout
Develop skills in areas like concept art, storyboarding, and digital illustration
Build a professional portfolio that shows your creative process and finished work
Analyze and critique artwork to improve your skills
Understand how illustration is used in industries like advertising, media, and publishing
Solve creative problems and design visuals that meet real client needs

You’ll learn how to

Design Skills

Build a Portfolio

Creative Problem Solving

Interested in something else? Explore by your interests

Stay on Track with a Success Coach

Your Student Success Coach will help you choose classes, plan your path, and stay on track from your first semester through graduation. They’re here to support your goals and connect you with the resources you need to succeed.

Explore Career Options

Our Career Counselors are committed to helping you explore career options, determine necessary training and education, and research salaries, wages, and projected job growth. We also assist with finding internships, co-ops, and part-time jobs, as well as interview preparation and writing a resume and cover letter.

Beyond the Classroom

With nearly 50 professional, academic, social, religious, and special interest clubs to choose from, you’re sure to find your people. Whether you’re into Anime, hiking, performing with the Theatre Troupe, or getting involved in the Student Government Association, there’s a place for you here.

Turn your creativity into career-ready skills with MCC’s Commercial Art & Illustration program. Learn digital and traditional techniques and prepare to transfer to a four‑year art or design school.

A.A.S.

Applied Associate of Science

This program helps you develop creative and technical illustration skills and prepares you to transfer into a four‑year art, design, or media program.

Length

2 years / 60 to 63 credit hours

Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters of full time study.

Location

Brighton Campus

Program Requirements

Courses & Prerequisites

Important Links

Transfer Resources

Step into the world of Visual and Performing Arts at MCC and explore the places where creativity—and talent—come to life.

Visual and Performing Arts Learning Center

The VAPA Learning Center features two computer graphics labs and a dedicated music lab, all equipped with Macintosh computers and industry-standard tools to support creative work across disciplines.

Mercer Gallery

Our gallery features exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, including an annual student art exhibition each spring.

MCC Theatre

MCC’s main theatre seats over 500 and features a stage front pit, Marley floor, LED lighting, technology control room, and more.

Black Box Theatre

The Black Box Theatre seats 30 guests, making it perfect for small productions, rehearsals, and more.

Quality Education That Fits Your Budget

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible.

Financial Aid Available Scholarships

Common search terms

Commercial Arts & Illustration

Getting Started?