Our program consists of specialized courses aimed at giving you firsthand training from seasoned
and award-winning professionals currently working in the field. Each course meets one night per week
for eight weeks.
Specific course offerings each semester are based upon the following factors:
• Enrollment and demand
• Instructor availability (our instructors are all full-time working professionals with demanding schedules)
Courses are rigorous and reflect current trends in the industry. Admissions to all courses are based upon
a portfolio review and an informal interview.
1 + 1 = 3
$950 / Ten weeks
All things in life have a natural connection and association. Learn how to combine any two unrelated things to generate breakthrough ideas in this creative problem-solving course. The 1+1=3 method was developed by ACD founder Will Chau as an idea generating formula for creatives and non-creatives alike and can be applied to almost any problem.
Course assignments ranging from advertising, design, social and environmental issues will be the focus, using the 1+1=3 method to create solutions. If you always wanted to be a creative thinker and problem solver, but were never taught how to actually do it, this course is a must.
Visual Compositing
$750 / Eight weeks
You have a great idea, but how do you bring it to life with an image? Through basic and advanced photoshop techniques, you’ll learn how to create visuals that showcase your ideas with clarity and power. This is more than just a photoshop course. This is photo creation for Art Directors and Designers whose job is to create imagery that instantly communicates an idea to sell a product or service. Students will gain insight into what makes a compelling image that not only looks great, but that brings an idea to life, whether on your site, or in the boardroom. Requirements: Laptops/computers and access to Adobe Photoshop.
Ad Concepts
$950 / Ten weeks
This class takes the skills developed in 1+1=3 and applies them to the fundamentals of creating provocative print, poster and outdoor media. The basics of simple, strategic messages will be introduced, and students will learn to execute them effectively. More intensive weekly assignments will be given, and students will learn what makes an ad not just informative but emotionally memorable.
Strategy
(Not Offered For Summer)
$750 / Eight weeks
Before you can get to that amazing creative idea, you need to know who you're talking to and what they
really care about. That's what strategy is. The strategic idea is what you need to say and the creative idea
is how you're going to say it. You’ll learn how to unlock consumer and cultural insights so that you can go
on to develop ideas that are relevant and culturally contagious. Topics will include research techniques used by planning professionals, brand positioning, and writing kick-ass briefs that will inspire breakthrough ideas. This course is highly recommended for both strategists and creatives alike.
Advanced Concepts
(Not Offered For Summer)
$950 / Ten weeks
Campaign ideas are the focus here with a deep exploration into brand strategy and how that sets the tone for bringing out the truth of a brand or product.
Integrated Solutions
(Not Offered For Summer)
$950 / Ten weeks
Digging deep into digital and social media solutions, students will learn to find the big idea and to engage
the audience with their insight. Students will be taught to solve the business problem above all else.
No matter how integrated and holistic a campaign may be, one thing is for sure: Creative Directors won’t
take the time to try to figure out what the big idea is if it’s too complicated. This course delves deeper into integrated ideas and the need for simplicity in not just concept but in execution.
Course offerings may change to reflect the changes in our industry.
