Drawing Certificate

Drawing is a fundamental skill and building block to all visual art, design, and professional creative practices.

The Drawing Certificate equips students with basic to intermediate drawing abilities using a mix of traditional techniques, like charcoal and collage, with contemporary approaches.

Explore your creativity using conceptual expression and diverse sketching tools and materials, and apply your newfound skills in interesting projects. Whether you aim to establish an professional practice, revisit foundational drawing techniques, or improve your existing sketching skills, this certificate is a suitable stepping stone for all creative aspirations.

Required Courses in this Certificate

Core Courses

CEFA 100	2D Composition + Form
CEFA 101	3D Materials + Media
CEFA 102	Colour Theory
CEDR 100	Introductory Drawing
CEDR 101	Introductory Pen + Ink
CEDR 102	Perspective Drawing
CEDR 105	Drawing and Collage
CEDR 200	Intermediate Drawing
CEDR 205	Figure Drawing
CEDR 206	Drawing the Portrait
CEDR 211	Cognitive + Critical Drawing

History + Theory | Complete both of:

CESE 101	Art History
CESE 102	Contemporary Critical Theory

Professional Practices | Complete either:

CSPD 105

Business Planning for Creative Practitioners
(formerly CEPD 200: Professional Practices for Artists)

Or both of the following...

CSPD 100	Portfolio Websites (formerly CEPD 202: Artist Statement, CV + Portfolio Development and CEPD 203: Artist Website + Social Media)
CSPD 102	Applications: Grants, Residencies + Exhibitions (formerly CEPD 204: Artist Grants, Residencies + Exhibition Applications)

Elective Courses | Complete 1 of the following recommendations:

CEDR 121	Drawing into Painting
CEDR 204	Still Life Drawing
CEDR 221	Intermediate Pen + Ink
CSSC 100	Creative Writing (formerly CESE 108: Introductory Creative Writing)
CEPR 100	Introductory Printmaking Techniques
CEPR 104	Introductory Screen Printing

...or choose 1 elective course from any of our offerings

How do I get started?

Courses can be taken individually or as part of a certificate, but do take note of the prior learning recommendations for each specific course! Students are to take the recommended prerequisite courses or self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

For those pursuing a certificate pathway, there is no need for an application. Register for each required course at your own pace. View our term schedule and register online today!

The flexible certificate pathway is open to all students over the age of 18 and/or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education. There are no academic prerequisites required to begin the journey.

Once you have completed all the required courses successfully, you can request your certificate from the Continuing Studies department here.

What does self-paced learning mean?

Our certificate pathways are designed to be flexible! There are no requirements to complete certificates within a specific timeline.

You can complete each certificate at your own pace and the number of courses you take per term is entirely dependent on your own individual schedule and workload. Register by course based on the course offerings of each term. See our term schedule here.

Courses are scheduled during the evenings and weekends to allow for part-time study.

In what order should I register for courses?

To optimize the your certificate pathway experience and achieve successful learning outcomes, it is recommended that beginners follow the suggested course order listed above for a cohesive learning journey.

For those with prior knowledge, please take note of the recommended prerequisites for each specific course. Students are to self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

In the event of a conflict between the recommended course order and prerequisites, please prioritize meeting the recommended prerequisite skills for smooth progression.

What is the general course load and how will I be assessed?

Student assessment is based on each course's learning outcomes. Instructors will evaluate your learning using assignments, exercises, activities and participation. A general rule of thumb is to expect about one hour of homework for every hour spent in class.

All Continuing Studies individual courses are graded using a Pass (P) / Fail (F) system. To successfully complete the certificate pathway, you must receive a passing (P) grade in every required and elective course.

Career + Further Education

Completing a drawing certificate can open a diverse range of career opportunities, as the skills acquired are versatile and applicable across many sectors within the art and design world. Here are some potential career paths and opportunities for someone with a drawing certificate:

The Drawing Certificate not only provides technical skills but also hones observational skills, understanding of form and space, and conceptual thinking. These skills can be leveraged in many professions beyond the ones listed above.

Students can also use artwork from their certificate program in an admissions portfolio to apply for a degree in Fine Arts, Design or Media Arts here at ECU.