Interactive Design & Digital Arts
To register, please call 914-606-6830, press 1
Courses in this section are all held at the Peekskill Extension Center,
located at 27 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY. Call 914-606-7300 to register.
Open Studio Access Package
The Center for the Digital Arts at Peekskill is an artist’s space and a friendly environment in which to work. The Center hosts five Apple post-production studios including two video labs, an animation studio including ZBrush, and facilities for other digital projects. The studio also offers large format printing, 3D MakerBot printers and 3D scanners for use by artists enrolled in this program. This package is for the professional or aspiring artist with competent computer skills who wants to continue to develop a portfolio and use the Center’s resources. Note: Interview with Technical Support Manager required; choose daily access fee or package fee.
CE-DGART 2003PE, Sept. 9-Dec. 15, M/T/W/Th, 9:00 am-9:00 pm and F/Sa, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Package Fee $324. #87707
CE-DGART 2050PE, daily access subscription fee $30 per day.
Google Analytics
Learn how to navigate the Google Analytics interface. In this course, beginner- and intermediate-level attendees gain insight into dashboard metrics, platform terminology, campaign tracking, filters, custom reports, and more. Discover how to set up campaign tracking and how to analyze basic reports on audience, acquisition, and behavior. Learn how to work with important dashboard metrics to improve website conversions and traffic.
CE-COMP 2179PE, 3 Sat., Sept. 14-28, 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $362. #87709
3D Animation Certificate-180 hrs
This is a 1-year non-credit certificate program. Students must register for the
entire program at time of registration. The culminating experience will be
the creation of a demo reel for their portfolio to show employers or schools to continue
on their career paths. Demo reels will be exhibited in a certificate completion exhibition in
The Westchester Gallery at the Center for the Digital Arts, Peekskill Extension Center.
Students need to be 16 years of age or older with computer skills for entry into this program.
For further information contact: Dr. Sherry Mayo at 914-606-7385 or sherry.mayo@sunywcc.edu
This certificate program will take students through the 3D animation production pipeline and
cover many facets of 3D creation. From modeling assets and characters to animating and
final rendering, this certificate will guide you through the fundamental principles of 3D animation.
Whether you are interested in film, video games, or commercial work, these courses will get you on the right trajectory. Prepare for an intensive exploration! Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge.
Module I
Modeling I for Animation-30 hrs
This course will introduce students to creating hard surface modeling such as vehicles and assets for production in Autodesk Maya. The course will consist of demonstrations combined with discussion and tutorials created by the instructor; in-class exercises and an assignment will be given every week. In addition, different lighting scenarios such as interior, exterior, and studio lighting with Arnold renderer will be also covered.
CE-DGART 2093PE, 10 Mon., Sept. 16-Nov. 25 (skip 10/28), 6:30-9:30 pm. #87739
Animation I-30 hrs
This course will introduce students to animating in Maya. Students will start with the basics and learn about the twelve principles of animation. Some assignment examples will consist of a bouncing ball, walk-cycles, jumping, and kick ball.
CE-DGART 2094PE, 10 Wed., Sept. 18-Nov. 27 (skip 10/30), 6:30-9:30 pm. #87740
Module II
Modeling II/Digital Sculpting for Concept and Animation-30 hrs
This course will introduce students to creating organic characters and sculpture for production using Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Mudbox. This course will introduce students to creating hard-surface and organic characters and sculpture for production and concept art with Pixologic ZBrush. We will also cover the 3D printing process and print work. The course will consist of demonstrations combined with discussion, and tutorials created by the instructor, in-class exercises and an assignment every week. In addition, students will be given different lighting scenarios such as interior, exterior and studio lighting with Arnold renderer. (Prerequisite Modeling I for Animation)
CE-DGART 2095PE, 10 Mon., Feb. 3-Apr. 6, 2020, 6:30-9:30 pm. #87741
Animation II-30 hrs
As a continuation to Animation, students will now look at creating basic rig setups to more advanced rig setups for characters and assets. Towards the end of this course, the class will focus on the importance of posing and body mechanics for animation. (Prerequisite Animation I)
CE-DGART 2096PE, 10 Wed., Feb. 5-Apr. 8, 2020, 6:30-9:30 pm. #87742
Module III
Animation III-30 hrs
As a continuation to Animation II, students will learn about creating storyboards, animatics, and creating an animation based on their own stories. Each student will create a mini 15 second animation with a pre-rigged character of choice. Students will also be recording their own live video reference to help with timing for their animations. (Prerequisite Modeling II/Digital Sculpting for Concept and Animation)
CE-DGART 2097PE, 10 Tues., Sept. 17-Nov. 19, (skip 10/29), 6:00-9:20 pm, $350. #13202
CE-DGART 2097PE, 10 Mon., May 4-July 13 (skip 5/25), 2020, 6:30-9:30 pm. #87743
Demo Reel Creation and Exhibition-30 hrs
In this course, students will use the technical, drawing, and storytelling skills they have learned in the previous courses to produce their own demo reel. It is expected that the reel will be of a high degree of finish regardless of the content. In addition, students will investigate survival skills and portfolio practices necessary to work as a professional, freelance, or independent computer graphic artist. Students will exhibit their final work at The Westchester Gallery, Peekskill Extension Center.
CE-DGART 2098PE, 10 Thurs., Sept. 19-Nov. 21, 6:00-9:00 pm, Exhibition: Mon., Dec. 2, 2019-Feb. 3, 2020, $350. #13203
CE-DGART 2098PE, 10 Wed., May 6-July 8, 2020, 6:30-9:30 pm, Exhibition: Mon., Dec. 7, 2020-Jan. 2, 2021. #87744
NEW EXPANDED ONE YEAR!
Certificate in User Experience Design (UX)
User Experience Design is a 393-hour, one-year, non-credit certificate that prepares graduates for working in interactive technologies and provides them with industry literacy through applied practice. The program, offered at the Peekskill Extension Center, will offer a foundation in user experience strategies, design thinking, and interactive design. Students will acquire skills in user research,
card sorting, site-mapping, wire-framing, prototyping, web programming, branding, Google analytics, business for freelancing, etc. Students will also complete two portfolio courses where they
will create finished examples of their work to show prospective employers facilitated by a professional industry UX designer. Prerequisite: Basic computer experience.
It is recommended that students register for the entire program.
User Experience Fundamentals
Learn about the field of user experience and the essential principles of human-centered design, including design architecture and its application. Discuss the human factors that impact design; how to start a mapping project; and how to conduct user experience research.
CE-DGART 2092PE, 12 Tues., Sept. 10-Dec. 3 (skip 10/15), 6:00-9:30 pm, $500. #87695
Design Thinking
This course will apply design thinking best practices to develop websites and mobile applications for commercial or public industries. Students will learn how to be a design thinking facilitator and a UX/UI designer in a collaborative team environment that will utilize human-centered techniques to solve complex problems and discover innovative solutions for interactive media. With hands-on examples and tutorials students will better understand how to design effective websites and mobile applications for diverse end-users.
CE-DGART 2073PE, 14 Thurs., Sept. 12-Dec. 19 (skip 11/28), 6:00-9:00 pm, $500. #87696
User Experience Design Portfolio I
This course provides a human-centered approach to working on a real-world project and covers the end-to-end lifecycle of user-centered design. User research, wireframes and prototypes, user interface and interactive design, and usability testing are utilized. Weekly home assignments are assigned and students will be working as a small UX/UI team. This is the first of a two-part portfolio course. The culminating experience results in a realized professional portfolio piece.
CE-DGART 2089PE, 14 Sat., Sept. 14-Dec. 21 (skip 11/30), 10:00 am-4:00 pm, $800. #87697
Certificate students only.
Design Your Brand
From entrepreneurs to business owners, your brand may impact your business’ success. From logos and tag lines, to storytelling and a brand strategy that positions your business at the top of your field is what you’ll learn in this course. Students not only learn about the basics, but also get to create a logo, brand, tag line, elevator pitch, and more.
CE-BUS 2110PE, 13 Thurs., Jan. 9-Apr. 2, 2020, 6:00-9:00 pm, $500. #87699
User Experience Design Portfolio II
Continues building upon User Experience Design Portfolio I by working on a second, more complex portfolio case study. Working on a real-world project, covering the end-to-end lifecycle of user-centered design. User research, contextual interviews, in situ observing, design thinking, persona creation, user story, journey map, mental models, information architecture, wireframes and prototypes, user interface and interactive design, usability testing, and heuristics are utilized. The culminating experience results in a second professional portfolio piece that will enable students to enter the UX/UI job market.
CE-DGART 2105PE, 13 Sat., Jan. 11-Apr. 4, 2020, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, $800. #87700
Certificate students only
UX Design Web Programming and Development
This course will include wireframing and designing your prototype with Sketch and Invision. Once your prototype is complete, students will create a website with WordPress learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript programming languages. Students will utilize a WYSIWYG editor and code generator. The course will focus on front end web development to actualize dynamic web pages. In addition, students will be using responsive design templates that take into consideration mobile devices.
CE-DGART 2106PE, 13 Sun., Jan. 12-Apr. 5, 2020, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, $700. #87698
Business for Freelancing
This course is designed for freelance professionals that seek understanding in business management. It will provide a foundational business overview designed to help you make more informed decisions, develop successful strategies and achieve your personal and organizational goals. The course will provide insights into how components of various business functions must be integrated and aligned to achieve short and long-term success. Business topics covered will include Business Formation, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Finance, and Accounting.
CE-BUS 2109PE, 15 M/T/Th, Apr. 6-May 7, 2020, 7:00-9:00 pm, $575. #87704
Required for User Experience Design (UX) Certificate.
Business for Freelancing Workshop (see description on page 22)
CE-BUS 2111PE, 12 Tues., Sept., 17-Dec. 3, 6:00-9:00 pm, $575. #87769
Marketing with Social Media
Learn how to leverage Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for business. From profile creation to posts and advertising to analytics, attendees will take a deep dive into each platform’s unique opportunities for marketing use. Demographic research and best practices for each platform will be shared to help you determine the right platform for your business. In-class assignments and homework activities will be required.
CE-BUS 2104PE, 4 Sat., Oct. 5-Nov. 2 (skip Oct. 12), 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $450. #87710
How to Create Effective Google Ad Campaigns (AdWords)
Learn how to navigate the Google Ads interface and to create effective ad copy, tracking URLs, calls-to-action, and budgeting that work. In this course, beginner- and intermediate-level attendees will have hands-on activities to help develop effective text and graphical ads using the Google Ad (AdWords) interface. A review of keywords and URL structure are included. In-class assignments and homework activities will be required.
CE-COMP 2195PE, 3 Sat., Nov. 9-23, 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $350. #87711
Coding for Kids
Give your child the edge and have them engage in coding sequences of instructions that empower them to control characters and gaming interfaces. Students need to be able to write commands in the right sequences in order to communicate their instructions to others. Computer coding is what makes this possible and is a key 21st century competency for children today. Students will code stories, animations, and games. For ages 7-11.
CE-COMP 2127PE, 8 Sat., Sept. 7-Oct. 26, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, $176 (+ $50 lab fee). #87712
Weekend Front End Coding Boot Camp
This course will cover HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Front-end code is the code that builds the web pages that people see. The power of these languages together can make you a very powerful designer/front end programmer and put you in demand in the work force. For ages 14 & up.
CE-COMP 2172PE, 4 Sa/Su, Dec. 7-15, 9:30 am-4:30 pm (30-minute lunch break), $285. #87714
Web Programming
This course provides the theoretical concept of web services with an overview of what is required to build a website. This includes HTML, CSS, PHP and jQuery, as well as MAMP (apache, MySQL, PHP).
This course will teach basics of building web pages using HTML. Students will use all three languages including:
1. HTML to define the content of web pages.
2. CSS to specify the layout of web pages.
3. JavaScript to program the behavior of web pages.
ALL web pages created will be fully functional and portable. In addition, explore server languages like PHP for dynamic web pages. Since web servers integrate several technologies to serve applications, this class covers reasonable in-depth knowledge and skills to serve design purposes. Students will then use tools to do database administration and test PHP server level programs and using PHP to connect to web server and Database Server (MySQL).
CE-COMP 2158PE, 11 Sat., Sept. 14-Nov. 23, 1:00-4:00 pm, $455. #87715
Digital Imaging for Photography
In this rigorous six-week class, students will learn the fundamentals of digital photography, from learning advanced manual functions in their cameras to how to create strong and dynamic compositions. The course will include slideshows and lectures on important contemporary photographers’ critique sessions of new work, which will be assigned each week. Dedicated lab time to enhance color and contrast work through Adobe Lightroom will be offered. This course provides the opportunity for aspiring amateur photographers to push their work to the next level.
CE-DGART 2090PE, 6 Sat., Sept. 14-Oct. 26 (skip 10/19), 10:00 am-12:30 pm, $259. #87716
Introduction to 3D Modeling and Printing
Explore new technology that enables the design of everything from car parts to jewelry. Learn how to be a “maker” by using 3D modeling software and 3D scanners to print actual physical objects that you’ve designed. Use a free software package, TinkerCAD, to create 3D forms that you can realize through 3D printing. Our MakerBot studio is equipped with multiple 3D scanners, printers, and an array of colors.
CE-DGART 2069PE, 2 Mon., Sept., 23-30, 6:30-9:30 pm, $253 (+ $50 lab fee). #87717
Quick Start to Adobe Photoshop CC in 24 hrs
Learn to use the latest version of Photoshop with time management features and enhancements for web and video designers. This training package will include imaging formats, use of Photoshop in computer imaging, and output for the web. No previous experience with Photoshop necessary; previous computer experience required.
CE-DGART 2042PE, 4 Sat., Sept. 7-28, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, $413. #87718
Quick Start to Adobe Photoshop CC Level 2 in 24 hrs
Continue on to more advanced topics and hone your skill sets developed in Level 1. This training package will include advanced photo retouching and compositing, refining your edits with quick masks, layer masks, pen tool and channels. Learn timesaving workflows like batch processing and automated tasks. Prepare your files for multiple outputs and gain a deeper understanding of file sizes, formats, and color spaces. This course will also teach you how to use the timeline and create animations in Photoshop. In addition, students will create a final project by the end of the course, which brings many of these techniques to fruition. Quick Start to Adobe Photoshop CC (or equivalent knowledge) required, option to sign-up for Adobe Photoshop Expert certification exam preparation sessions available.
CE-DGART 2101PE, 4 Sat., Oct. 5-26, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, $413. #87719
Quick Start to Adobe Photoshop Expert (ACE) Exam Certification Preparation
Becoming and Adobe certified expert is an excellent choice for professionals looking for a job in the industry or simply looking to stand out from their peers gaining proof that they know the software inside and out. Students will train and take preparatory tests in order to prepare for Adobe Photoshop Expert certification exam. The course will cover what to expect at the testing center and topics to be covered in the 90-minute exam. After taking two four-hour sessions with our Adobe certified expert, students should be prepared to take the exam, provided they have either taken our Quick Start series or have had prior rigorous Photoshop experience.
CE-DGART 2102PE, 2 Sat., Nov. 2-9, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, $175. #87720
Quick Start to Adobe InDesign CC in 24 hrs
Learn to use the latest version of InDesign and take advantage of the integrative power and dynamic nature of its print-to-web solutions. Includes an overview of graphic layout and design; an overview of interface and tools; and a hands-on exercise. No previous experience with InDesign necessary; previous computer experience required.
CE-DGART 2041PE, 4 Sat., Oct. 5-26, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, $413. #87721
Quick Start to Lightroom in 24 hrs
For the beginner photographer: learn all aspects of Adobe Lightroom, from the basics of importing photography files, to the more complex steps of image post-production and presentation. Learn organizational techniques, including how to safely import and store files on hard drives; tag and label photos; create image collections; and the importance of backup files. Each student will create a presentation of 15-20 photographs in an online book or website created in Lightroom.
CE-DGART 2077PE, 4 Sat., Nov. 2-23, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, $413. #87722
Quick Start to Adobe Illustrator CC in 24 hrs
Learn to use the latest version of Illustrator with new 3D and web features. Includes digital illustration, drawing tools, Bezier curves, fonts, and use of Illustrator in graphic design and 3D. No previous experience with Illustrator necessary; previous computer experience required.
CE-DGART 2040PE, 4 Sat., Nov. 16-Dec. 14
(skip 11/30), 9:00 am-3:00 pm, $413. #87723
The courses in the above section are held at the Peekskill Extension Center. Call 914-606-7300 for additional information.