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M-F-A in Applied Art at Sri Kalaniketana School of Art
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Applied Art at Sri Kalaniketana School of Art Mysuru?
This M.F.A. in Applied Art program at Sree Kalanikethana School of Art, Mysuru, focuses on cultivating advanced skills in visual communication, branding, and design thinking. It aims to train students to translate artistic concepts into practical, commercially viable applications. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional art forms and modern digital design tools, preparing students for the dynamic Indian creative industry where demand for innovative visual solutions is ever-growing.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or Bachelor of Visual Arts (B.V.A.) graduates aspiring to specialize in commercial art, graphic design, and brand communication. It caters to individuals passionate about design, visual problem-solving, and leveraging art for business objectives. Working professionals in related fields looking to upgrade their skills or career changers transitioning into the creative industry would also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths in advertising agencies, design studios, media houses, and corporate marketing departments across India. Roles include Graphic Designer, Brand Strategist, UI/UX Designer, Illustrator, Art Director, and Visualizer. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program equips students with a professional portfolio essential for securing positions in top Indian and multinational companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Design Foundation- (Semester 1)
Focus on mastering core design principles like composition, color theory, typography, and basic illustration techniques. Regularly practice sketching and ideation, even outside of class, to develop a versatile artistic hand. Engage actively in studio critiques to understand different perspectives and refine your work.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), design books (e.g., ''''The Non-Designer''''s Design Book'''' by Robin Williams), online tutorials on YouTube/Domestika
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for any design role, ensuring your visual solutions are aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective, leading to better project outcomes and client satisfaction.
Cultivate Visual Research & Art History Awareness- (Semester 1)
Beyond coursework, delve into diverse art historical periods and contemporary design trends, especially those influencing the Indian context. Visit art galleries, design exhibitions, and observe local signage and branding to develop a keen eye for visual language and cultural nuances.
Tools & Resources
Museums (e.g., National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi/Bengaluru), online art archives, design blogs (e.g., Brand New, Indian Creatives), Pinterest for visual inspiration
Career Connection
Understanding design evolution and cultural context allows you to create more impactful and culturally resonant designs, a highly valued skill in the diverse Indian market.
Master Digital Design Tools Early- (Semester 1)
Dedicate time to become proficient in industry-standard software beyond classroom instruction. Experiment with different tools for vector graphics, raster manipulation, and basic layout. Seek out advanced tutorials and practice recreating complex designs to enhance your technical dexterity.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Learning, Udemy courses for Adobe apps, online communities like Behance or Dribbble for inspiration and peer feedback
Career Connection
Technical proficiency is non-negotiable for job readiness in applied art. Early mastery ensures you can efficiently execute designs and meet industry demands, increasing your employability.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Live Projects and Internships- (Semester 2)
Actively seek out freelance design opportunities or internships with local businesses, NGOs, or startups. This provides invaluable real-world experience, helps build a professional network, and translates academic knowledge into practical application. Document every project for your portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Internship platforms (Internshala, LinkedIn), local business directories, college placement cell
Career Connection
Practical experience is often prioritized by employers over academic grades alone. Internships lead to strong portfolio pieces and potential job offers, critical for breaking into the Indian design industry.
Develop Specialization in a Niche Area- (Semester 2)
Identify an area within Applied Art that deeply interests you (e.g., branding, UI/UX, motion graphics, packaging design) and focus on building advanced skills in that niche. Participate in workshops, online courses, and personal projects related to your chosen specialization.
Tools & Resources
Specific software for your niche (e.g., Figma for UI/UX, After Effects for motion graphics), industry publications, specialized design conferences
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a more sought-after candidate, allowing you to target specific, high-demand roles within the Indian design ecosystem and command better compensation.
Participate in Design Competitions & Challenges- (Semester 2)
Regularly submit your work to national and international design competitions (e.g., Kyoorius Awards, India Design Mark, Adobe Design Achievement Awards). This provides external validation, exposes you to industry standards, and offers opportunities for recognition and networking.
Tools & Resources
Design competition websites, Behance/Dribbble challenges, college''''s art/design clubs
Career Connection
Winning or even participating in prestigious competitions adds significant weight to your resume and portfolio, demonstrating creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience to potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Build a Professional-Grade Portfolio & Online Presence- (Semester 3-4)
Curate your best work into a compelling, professional portfolio, both physical and digital. Create a strong online presence through a personal website, Behance, or Dribbble profile, showcasing your unique style and skills. Seek mentorship for portfolio reviews.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Portfolio, Behance, Dribbble, personal website builders (WordPress, Squarespace), professional mentors
Career Connection
Your portfolio is your primary tool for securing a job in the creative industry. A well-curated and accessible portfolio is essential for attracting recruiters and showcasing your capabilities to Indian design agencies and companies.
Master Client Communication & Project Management- (Semester 3-4)
Practice articulating your design decisions, receiving feedback, and managing project timelines effectively, through academic projects and internships. Understand the business side of design, including proposal writing, contract negotiation, and client relationship management.
Tools & Resources
Project management tools (Trello, Asana), communication platforms (Slack, Zoom), books on design business/freelancing
Career Connection
Strong communication and project management skills are vital for successful collaborations and leadership roles, making you a valuable asset in any Indian design team or as an independent professional.
Network Actively & Prepare for Industry Interviews- (Semester 3-4 (and beyond for career growth))
Attend industry events, design workshops, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Practice interview skills, focusing on articulating your design process, portfolio projects, and understanding of the industry landscape. Prepare case studies from your portfolio for interview discussions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, industry meetups, alumni networks, mock interviews with career advisors
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities and mentorship. Interview preparedness ensures you can confidently present your skills and experience, significantly improving your chances of securing placements in India''''s competitive design market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.F.A./B.V.A. Degree of University of Mysore or any other University recognized as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Theory Papers: 30%, Practical/Project Papers: 50%, External: Theory Papers: 70%, Practical/Project Papers: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MFA-AA-T1.1 | Aesthetics | Core Theory | 4 | Definition and Scope of Aesthetics, Theories of Art, Indian Aesthetic Theories, Western Aesthetic Theories, Modern Aesthetics |
| MFA-AA-T1.2 | Art History I | Core Theory | 4 | Prehistoric and Indus Valley Art, Vedic and Early Buddhist Art, Mauryan, Sunga, Satavahana, Kushana periods, Gupta Period Art, Early Islamic Art in India |
| MFA-AA-P1.3 | Applied Art I | Core Practical | 8 | Fundamentals of Design Principles, Elements of Visual Communication, Basic Typography and Layout, Introduction to Illustration Techniques, Creative Problem Solving |
| MFA-AA-P1.4 | Applied Art II | Core Practical | 8 | Brand Identity Design Basics, Logo and Corporate Stationery, Packaging Design Fundamentals, Advertising Layouts and Principles, Introduction to Digital Design Tools |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MFA-AA-T2.1 | Research Methodology | Core Theory | 4 | Meaning and Objectives of Research, Types and Approaches to Research, Research Problem and Hypothesis Formulation, Methods of Data Collection, Structure of Research Report Writing |
| MFA-AA-T2.2 | Art History II | Core Theory | 4 | Medieval Indian Art Styles, Mughal and Rajput Painting Schools, Deccan School of Art, Company School and Colonial Art, Modern and Contemporary Indian Art Movements |
| MFA-AA-P2.3 | Applied Art III | Core Practical | 8 | Advanced Typography and Grids, Print Media Design (Magazines, Brochures), Poster Design and Campaign Visuals, Digital Illustration Techniques, Photography for Applied Art |
| MFA-AA-P2.4 | Applied Art IV | Core Practical | 8 | Exhibition and Display Design, Environmental Graphics and Signage, Point of Purchase (POP) Design, Product Styling and Visual Merchandising, Advanced Software Applications for Design |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MFA-AA-T3.1 | Dissertation (Part I) | Core Theory (Research/Project-oriented) | 4 | Selection of Research Topic in Applied Art, Literature Review and Data Gathering, Formulation of Research Objectives, Research Design and Methodology, Proposal Writing and Presentation |
| MFA-AA-P3.2 | Applied Art V | Core Practical | 8 | Web Design Principles and UI/UX Basics, Digital Advertising and Social Media Graphics, Introduction to Animation and Motion Graphics, Interactive Design Concepts, User Centric Design Approaches |
| MFA-AA-P3.3 | Applied Art VI | Core Practical | 8 | Integrated Communication Design Projects, Service Design and Experience Mapping, Design for Social Impact, Advanced Branding Case Studies, Design Thinking Process Application |
| MFA-AA-P3.4 | Applied Art VII | Core Practical | 4 | Portfolio Development Strategies, Professional Practices and Ethics, Client Brief and Interaction, Project Management for Designers, Presentation and Communication Skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MFA-AA-T4.1 | Dissertation (Part II) | Core Theory (Research/Project-oriented) | 4 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Conclusion and Future Scope, Viva-Voce and Final Presentation, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| MFA-AA-P4.2 | Applied Art VIII | Core Practical | 8 | Advanced Illustration and Digital Painting, Concept Art and Visual Development, Character Design and Storyboarding, Editorial Illustration, Visual Storytelling |
| MFA-AA-P4.3 | Applied Art IX | Core Practical | 8 | Social Media Content Strategy and Design, Video Production and Editing for Marketing, Experiential Design Projects, Interactive Installation Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality in Design |
| MFA-AA-P4.4 | Applied Art X | Core Practical | 4 | Major Design Project (Thesis Project), Comprehensive Portfolio Development, Professional Showcase and Exhibition, Entrepreneurial Design Solutions, Industry Readiness and Career Planning |
