B.F.A. in Art, Photo Image Making

The Art – Photo Image Making major at Colorado State University enables students to explore artistic, personally-driven aspects of the photographic medium.

Projects and assignments encourage each student to explore individual directions, with equal emphasis given to intuitive and intellectual concerns.

Student work is evaluated for aesthetic qualities, technical excellence, and conceptual development.

The curriculum is designed to help students build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of contemporary photographic practice, while emphasizing the medium’s expressive potential and underscoring its connections to the contemporary art world. Interdisciplinary and experimental work is encouraged, as are more traditional approaches and conventional processes.

Facilities are available to enable offerings in a wide range of processes and techniques, from silver-based image production and digital capture/output methods to alternative processes such as cyanotype and palladium printing. In short, information and instruction are provided for whichever image making strategies a student wishes to pursue.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

• Fundamental knowledge and mastery of media and processes necessary to communicate meaning in a work of art.
• Ability to communicate clearly about their own art and the art of others.
• Knowledge about and be well versed in contemporary art and demonstrate the motivation to view and discuss current local, regional, and national exhibitions.

Potential Occupations

Art graduates of the Art – Photo Image Making major at Colorado State University possess a number of transferable communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills appropriate for work in traditional business as well as positions in academia and roles as freelance artists, graphic designers, art educators, art historians, studio fine artists and as “creatives” in government and industry.

Many employers appreciate art majors for their multiple skills and their ability to adapt to a variety of tasks and work environments. Participation in internships, cooperative education, and service learning opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels.