Visual & Media Arts Department
It Starts With Expression:
At Los Angeles City College, the Visual & Media Arts Department isn’t just a place to take classes, it’s where artists, designers, animators, photographers, and storytellers discover their voice.
Rooted in the heart of Los Angeles, our program reflects the city itself: innovative, diverse, and full of possibility. We believe a career in the arts shouldn’t be limited to those with access to private schools or elite programs. That’s why we offer real, hands-on training—in studios, labs, and classrooms guided by working professionals—at a cost that keeps your dreams within reach.
With tuition as low as $46 per unit, you don’t have to choose between passion and practicality. All you need is a place to begin. You just found it.
Your Creative Journey Starts Here
From innovative animators to visionary game designers, graphic artists, photographers, and fine artists, our students are shaping the future of the visual arts—and it all began at Los Angeles City College.
Hands-on Training in the Heart of Los Angeles
The first time your drawing moves on screen. The first time you design a world players can explore. The first time you capture a moment through your lens or see your artwork displayed in a gallery. The first time you realize—you belong here.
At the LACC Visual & Media Arts Department, we don’t just talk about creativity—we practice it. Our students animate, design, paint, sculpt, photograph, and build using the same tools and techniques as industry professionals. We believe hands-on experience isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation of everything we do. And it all happens in the creative capital of the world.
Dream It. Create It. Show It. Here.
You don’t have to wait to be an artist. At LACC, you’ll train in Da Vinci Hall’s state-of-the-art computer labs and art studios—because your creativity deserves professional spaces. From day one, you’ll start designing, animating, painting, sculpting, and building projects that reflect your vision.
Studios That Honor the Arts
In Da Vinci Hall, our studio classrooms give you space to draw, paint, sculpt, and create on a professional scale. Surrounded by peers and guided by working artists, you’ll develop the discipline and craft needed to make your ideas real.
Computer Labs — Where Creativity Goes Digital
PC and Mac workstations and industry-standard software power our digital art, game design, photography, and animation courses. Here, you’ll learn tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Maya, ZBrush, and Unreal Engine—skills that connect directly to careers in the creative industries.
Collaborative Learning Environments
Whether you’re building a game, producing a digital painting, or rendering a 3D model, our labs and studios are designed for collaboration. Students work side by side, sharing ideas and techniques, in a setting that mirrors the teamwork of professional creative fields.
Where Projects Take Shape
From your first sketch to your final digital render, Da Vinci Hall is the hub where your projects come alive. These facilities give you the freedom to experiment, refine, and push your creativity to the next level—all while gaining hands-on experience with the same tools used by industry pros.
Turn Creativity into a Career
Take a closer look at our Visual & Media Arts offerings and see how our students turn creativity into careers in animation, game design, graphic design, photography, and fine arts.
Find Your Focus, Master Your Craft
You know you want to work in the arts—but which medium sparks your passion? Here’s your chance to explore animation, game design, graphic design, photography, and fine arts, then go all-in on the path that inspires you most.
Every game begins with an idea—but bringing that idea to life requires skill and discipline. Game Art and Design Foundation introduces you to the basics of drawing, design, and interactive storytelling. You’ll learn how to create engaging characters, environments, and gameplay concepts while developing an understanding of how art and design shape player experiences. This foundation prepares students for advanced study in game production and design, setting the stage for careers in one of the fastest-growing creative industries.
Game Art and Design Production focuses on the industry-standard workflows used to bring a game from concept to launch. Students develop skills in 3D modeling, character animation, level design, and digital storytelling, while collaborating on projects that mirror real-world production pipelines. By the time you finish, you’ll be equipped with both a strong portfolio and hands-on experience in team-based game development.
Animation is where art meets movement, and this program lays the groundwork for bringing drawings to life. In Animation Foundation, students explore the 12 principles of animation, character design, and storytelling through both traditional techniques and modern software. You’ll learn to create expressive characters, compelling actions, and short sequences that communicate ideas in motion. This program sets you up for advanced study in 2D, 3D, and experimental animation—essential skills for careers in entertainment, advertising, and beyond.
Design is everywhere—from the ads you scroll past to the logos you recognize instantly. In Arts Graphic Communication, you’ll learn how to combine typography, imagery, and layout to create designs that connect with audiences. Working with industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, you’ll build projects ranging from posters and branding packages to digital campaigns. The program prepares students for careers in graphic design, marketing, publishing, and creative media, while emphasizing both technical expertise and visual storytelling.
Illustration is the art of communication through imagery, and this program is designed to sharpen both your technical ability and your unique voice. Students practice drawing, digital painting, and conceptual design while exploring different markets for illustration—from publishing and advertising to entertainment and fine art. With an emphasis on portfolio development, this program helps you showcase your ability to turn ideas into visuals that resonate with audiences.
The Associate Degree in Liberal Arts is a flexible pathway for students who want a broad academic foundation while exploring the arts. This program allows you to combine general education courses with electives in creative fields like design, photography, or fine arts. It’s an ideal choice for students who want to transfer to a four-year university, expand their career options, or pursue personal enrichment while keeping creativity at the center of their education.
Graphic design is about more than making things look good—it’s about solving problems visually. This degree program provides deep training in design principles, branding, typography, and digital media, all while building technical skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and other professional tools. Students graduate with a polished portfolio that demonstrates their ability to produce real-world projects like logos, ad campaigns, and digital content. This program is perfect for anyone looking to launch a career in design or transfer to a four-year program in visual communication.
For students who want both flexibility and focus, the Associate in Arts General degree provides a balanced education across multiple disciplines. You’ll complete general education requirements while also having room to explore art, design, and media courses. This degree is a strong foundation for transfer to a four-year college or university and is especially valuable for students who want to keep their career options open while developing creative and critical-thinking skills.
Studio Arts is for students who are ready to dive deep into the process of making art. You’ll spend your time drawing, painting, sculpting, and experimenting with materials in a supportive, hands-on environment. Along the way, you’ll study art history, theory, and contemporary practice, connecting your work to broader traditions and trends. The degree prepares you for transfer to BA or BFA programs and provides the foundation for careers in fine arts, design, education, and creative industries.
Art History is the study of visual and tangible objects humans make and the structures humans build. Art Historians study them to better understand our human ancestors, their worlds, and to better understand ourselves. The Art History AAT degree prepares students to analyze the art inside its cultural, social, or political context while developing their analytical and critical thinking skills. Students completing the Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer Degree will have satisfied the lower division major preparation for bachelors degrees in similar majors as determined by California State University (CSU) campuses and are guaranteed admission with junior status to the California State University system, although not to a particular campus or major.
Step behind the lens and learn to tell stories through images. In our Digital Photography program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with professional cameras, lighting setups, and editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. From portraits to landscapes to experimental art, you’ll build a portfolio that showcases both your technical mastery and creative vision. Students are prepared for careers in commercial photography, fine art, media production, and more.
Master the art and science of digital photography. In this program, you’ll work with professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras, lighting equipment, and post-production tools to produce striking images across genres. Whether you’re interested in fashion, portraiture, or fine art, you’ll gain the skills to create images that stand out in both digital and print media. Along the way, you’ll learn how to present and promote your work—essential for building a career in today’s visual world.
Contact Us
Please let us know via email or voicemail how we can help with your questions!
All Access: Visual & Media Arts
From artist lectures to gallery nights, from student showcases to scholarship shows—you’re invited. Follow the action on Instagram and explore more on our gallery page.
