The Art Institute of Boston, now integrated as the School of Art + Design at Lesley University, offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on visual arts, design, and creative industries. Students engage in hands-on, studio-based learning that emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and professional development.
- Fine Arts Programs: Including BFA in Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, and Drawing, where students explore traditional and contemporary techniques to develop personal artistic voices. Courses cover color theory, composition, and conceptual art practices, culminating in portfolio development and exhibitions.
- Graphic Design and Visual Communication: BFA and MFA options that teach typography, branding, digital illustration, and user experience design. Emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, sustainable design principles, and real-world projects with industry partners.
- Illustration: Specialized BFA program focusing on narrative art, digital and traditional media, children's book illustration, and editorial work. Courses include figure drawing, storytelling through visuals, and professional practices like freelancing and publishing.
- Photography: BFA in Photography and Fine Art Photography, covering analog and digital techniques, lighting, photojournalism, and experimental imaging. Students learn darkroom processes, studio photography, and contemporary digital editing for commercial and artistic portfolios.
- Fashion Design: BFA program integrating apparel design, textiles, pattern making, and sustainable fashion. Courses explore historical influences, draping, sewing, and business aspects of the fashion industry, with opportunities for runway shows and internships.
- Animation and Game Art: Programs in 2D/3D animation, character design, and interactive media, using tools like Maya, Blender, and Unity. Focus on storytelling, motion graphics, and game development for film, TV, and gaming sectors.
- Art Education: MAT and other graduate degrees preparing educators for K-12 and higher education, with coursework in pedagogy, curriculum design, and inclusive teaching methods tailored to arts integration.
- Liberal Arts Integration: All programs include foundational courses in art history, humanities, and critical theory to broaden perspectives and enhance creative problem-solving skills.
Graduate programs like the MFA in Visual Arts provide advanced studio practice, research, and thesis exhibitions. The curriculum fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, with access to Boston's vibrant art scene, galleries, and museums. Facilities include state-of-the-art studios, digital labs, and fabrication spaces. Career services support internships, networking, and job placement in creative fields. Overall, the programs cultivate versatile artists and designers ready to contribute to cultural and commercial landscapes, emphasizing ethical practices and community engagement. This holistic approach ensures graduates are not only technically proficient but also conceptually innovative, with a strong emphasis on diversity and social impact in the arts.
