Moore College of Art and Design

Understanding visual language

Everything begins somewhere. As a first-year student the path to becoming a visual artist begins with the basics studio program. During this program, students develop perceptual, technical and conceptual skills necessary to pursue any of the 9 majors Moore offers. Central to the philosophy of this program is an emphasis on drawing and design as fundamental to developing visual and critical thinking as well as problem solving skills.

To complement the studies in drawing and design, students receive a thorough grounding in color theory and principles, along with computer skills. Students also learn to use a range of machine and hand tools. The result of this intense and challenging first-year experience is an understanding of visual language, critical skills for all visual artists and designers to possess.

Throughout this program, students regularly take trips to galleries and museums in Philadelphia, New York and beyond. The basics year is an extraordinary period of focus, growth and change.