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BFA in Applied Art at College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Applied Art at College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram?
This Applied Art program at College of Fine Arts Kerala focuses on fusing artistic creativity with commercial applications. It trains students in diverse design disciplines crucial for India''''s burgeoning creative industries, encompassing advertising, graphic design, illustration, and digital media. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to meet the evolving demands of the Indian market, fostering both aesthetic sensibility and practical design solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative fresh graduates aspiring to careers in advertising agencies, design studios, or digital media firms. It also suits individuals passionate about visual communication and those seeking to leverage their artistic talent for commercial purposes within the dynamic Indian design landscape, offering a strong foundation for innovative professionals.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including graphic designer, illustrator, art director, UI/UX designer, or digital media artist. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program aligns with industry growth, providing a launchpad for creative roles in India''''s booming IT and media sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundational Drawing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to practice drawing fundamentals like perspective, anatomy, and still life. Utilize online resources like DrawMixPaint or local art workshops to refine techniques. This skill is paramount for all forms of visual art and design.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Drawing Pencils, Charcoal, Online drawing tutorials
Career Connection
A strong foundation in drawing is critical for illustration, animation, and graphic design roles, enhancing visual communication capabilities for future placements.
Explore Diverse Art Forms and Mediums- (Semester 1-2)
Actively experiment with various traditional and digital art mediums beyond classroom assignments, such as watercolors, acrylics, clay, and basic digital painting. Participate in college art clubs or local exhibitions to gain diverse exposure and build a versatile skill set.
Tools & Resources
Art supplies, Digital art software trials, College art societies
Career Connection
Broad artistic exposure can help identify a niche and strengthens a portfolio, making graduates more adaptable for varied roles in the Indian creative industry.
Develop Visual Observation and Critical Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate a habit of observing everyday design, advertising, and art around you. Analyze their effectiveness, principles, and aesthetic qualities. Engage in discussions with peers and faculty to refine your critical eye and develop informed opinions on visual culture.
Tools & Resources
Design magazines, Art documentaries, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Acute observational skills and critical thinking are essential for developing innovative design solutions, a highly valued trait in Indian design studios.
Intermediate Stage
Master Core Design Software and Tools- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond classroom learning, dedicate extra hours to master industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Complete online courses or personal projects to build proficiency. Look for free student licenses or open-source alternatives like GIMP and Inkscape.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite, YouTube tutorials, Coursera/Udemy courses
Career Connection
Proficiency in design software is a prerequisite for most design roles in India and significantly boosts employability and salary potential.
Build a Diverse Portfolio of Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Systematically document all your best practical works, including class assignments and personal projects. Create a well-organized physical and digital portfolio. Seek feedback from professors and industry mentors on its presentation and content relevance for the Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, Personal website, High-quality camera
Career Connection
A strong, curated portfolio is the single most important asset for securing internships and jobs in the Indian design industry.
Seek Internships and Live Project Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Actively apply for internships at local advertising agencies, design studios, or media houses during semester breaks. Participate in college industry collaboration projects or freelance assignments to gain real-world experience and build professional contacts within India.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, College placement cell
Career Connection
Practical experience through internships is invaluable for understanding industry dynamics, networking, and often leads to pre-placement offers in Indian companies.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Develop a Unique Design Voice- (Semester 6-8)
Identify a specific area of interest within Applied Art (e.g., UI/UX, branding, motion graphics, illustration) and delve deeper. Develop a signature style or expertise that makes your work stand out. Attend workshops and seminars focused on your chosen niche in India.
Tools & Resources
Specialized software, Industry-specific forums, Design conferences in India
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles and enables higher earning potential in specific segments of the Indian design market.
Engage in Professional Networking and Mentorship- (Semester 6-8)
Attend industry events, design festivals, and alumni meets in Kerala and other major Indian cities. Connect with design professionals on LinkedIn. Seek mentorship from experienced designers to gain insights, guidance, and potential job leads.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Design events (e.g., India Design), Alumni networks
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for discovering opportunities, getting referrals, and building a professional reputation, essential for career progression in India.
Prepare a Market-Ready Professional Portfolio and Resume- (Semester 6-8)
Refine your portfolio to showcase your best work, tailored for specific job applications. Develop a professional resume highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Practice interview skills and presentation techniques, focusing on explaining your creative process and commercial viability.
Tools & Resources
Professional portfolio review services, Mock interviews, Resume builders
Career Connection
A polished, industry-relevant portfolio and strong interview skills are key to securing desirable placements in top design firms and advertising agencies across India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Plus Two or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/SEBC categories).
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (Theory), 50% (Practical), External: 75% (Theory), 50% (Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAAA111 | History of Art I | Core Theory | 4 | Pre-historic Art, Egyptian Art, Mesopotamian Art, Aegean Art, Greek Art, Roman Art |
| FAAA112 | Aesthetics I | Core Theory | 4 | Concept of Aesthetics, Beauty in Art, Art and Experience, Theories of Art, Art Criticism |
| FAAA113 | Painting I | Core Practical | 4 | Still Life Studies, Portrait Studies, Figure Drawing, Colour Theory Application, Mediums and Techniques |
| FAAA114 | Sculpture I | Core Practical | 4 | Clay Modeling, Basic Forms, Figure Study in 3D, Material Exploration, Sculptural Techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAAA121 | History of Art II | Core Theory | 4 | Early Christian Art, Byzantine Art, Gothic Art, Renaissance Art, Baroque Art, Rococo Art |
| FAAA122 | Aesthetics II | Core Theory | 4 | Indian Aesthetic Theories, Rasa Theory, Nava Rasas, Modern Aesthetics, Art and Philosophy |
| FAAA123 | Painting II | Core Practical | 4 | Landscape Painting, Composition Techniques, Mixed Media Exploration, Advanced Colour Studies, Creative Expression |
| FAAA124 | Sculpture II | Core Practical | 4 | Wood Carving, Stone Carving Basics, Bronze Casting Principles, Figurative Sculpture, Abstract Forms |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAAP231 | History of Indian Art | Applied Art Theory | 4 | Indus Valley Art, Buddhist and Jain Art, Temple Architecture, Mughal Painting, Modern Indian Art |
| FAAP232 | Applied Art I (Basic Design) | Applied Art Practical | 6 | Elements of Design, Principles of Design, Color and Composition, Typography Basics, Visual Communication |
| FAAP233 | Applied Art II (Drawing & Illustration) | Applied Art Practical | 6 | Perspective Drawing, Figure Drawing for Illustration, Storyboarding Basics, Character Design, Illustration Techniques |
| FAAP234 | Computer Graphics I | Applied Art Practical | 4 | Introduction to Photoshop, Image Manipulation, Digital Painting Basics, Vector Graphics Fundamentals, Software Tools for Design |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAAP241 | History of Applied Art | Applied Art Theory | 4 | Evolution of Design, Arts and Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau and Deco, Bauhaus Movement, Modern Graphic Design |
| FAAP242 | Applied Art III (Advertising Design) | Applied Art Practical | 6 | Principles of Advertising, Copywriting Basics, Layout Design, Branding Fundamentals, Campaign Conceptualization |
| FAAP243 | Applied Art IV (Photography & Videography) | Applied Art Practical | 6 | Camera Techniques, Lighting Principles, Composition in Photography, Video Production Basics, Editing Software Introduction |
| FAAP244 | Computer Graphics II | Applied Art Practical | 4 | CorelDRAW/Illustrator, Logo Design, Brochure and Pamphlet Design, Page Layout, Pre-press Techniques |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAAP351 | Advertising Theory and Practices | Applied Art Theory | 4 | Advertising Ethics, Consumer Behavior, Market Research, Media Planning, Digital Marketing Concepts |
| FAAP352 | Applied Art V (Campaign Design) | Applied Art Practical | 6 | Integrated Marketing Communication, Public Relations, Event Design, Brand Manual Development, Portfolio Development |
| FAAP353 | Applied Art VI (Web Design Basics) | Applied Art Practical | 6 | HTML/CSS Fundamentals, User Interface (UI) Design, User Experience (UX) Principles, Responsive Design, Basic Web Graphics |
| FAAP354 | Computer Graphics III (Animation Basics) | Applied Art Practical | 4 | Principles of Animation, 2D Animation Techniques, Storyboarding for Animation, Character Animation, Motion Graphics Introduction |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAAP361 | Packaging Design and Printing Technology | Applied Art Theory | 4 | Packaging Materials, Structural Design, Print Processes, Finishing Techniques, Sustainability in Packaging |
| FAAP362 | Applied Art VII (Typography and Layout) | Applied Art Practical | 6 | Advanced Typography, Grids and Layout Systems, Editorial Design, Poster Design, Information Design |
| FAAP363 | Applied Art VIII (Illustration & Visual Storytelling) | Applied Art Practical | 6 | Advanced Illustration Techniques, Book Illustration, Comic Art, Digital Illustration, Narrative Art |
| FAAP364 | Computer Graphics IV (UI/UX Design) | Applied Art Practical | 4 | Advanced UI/UX Principles, Wireframing and Prototyping, User Research, Usability Testing, Interaction Design |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAAP471 | Professional Practice and Entrepreneurship | Applied Art Theory | 4 | Legal Aspects in Design, Copyright and IPR, Freelancing Skills, Studio Management, Marketing for Artists |
| FAAP472 | Applied Art IX (Advanced Advertising Workshop) | Applied Art Practical | 8 | Integrated Campaigns, Creative Strategy, Client Briefs, Presentation Skills, Professional Portfolio |
| FAAP473 | Applied Art X (Digital Media Production) | Applied Art Practical | 8 | Video Editing, Motion Graphics, Sound Design for Media, Interactive Media, Digital Campaign Execution |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAAP481 | Major Project / Dissertation | Applied Art Project | 10 | Research Methodology, Concept Development, Design Execution, Documentation, Final Presentation |
| FAAP482 | Internship / Practical Training | Applied Art Practical | 10 | Industry Exposure, Professional Workflow, Team Collaboration, Real-world Projects, Problem Solving |
