Art Program
Life in the creative zone
You know what it feels like to be in the creative zone where your ideas are flowing and something is coming to life on paper, in digital form, in sculpture or photography, etc. — something that previously only existed in your imagination!
Creating your own unique life, one where your skills and abilities are valued and put to use, or simply used for your own deep enjoyment and self-expression… that’s something that really matters to every artist.
Whether you’re looking for a career to support yourself and your family, seeking out instruction from professional working artists who can help you achieve your dream of a one-woman show, winning a spot in a prestigious drawing magazine, or any other artistic goal that’s important to you.
Believing in the possibilities of YOU and what you can accomplish is what Art is all about.
Here are just a few examples of the jobs you could perform as a trained working artist with a college education:
- Graphic design for magazines, small businesses, or print on demand producers
- Illustrator for medical journals or children’s books
- Website designer
- Freelance surface designer
- Three-dimensional product designer
- Design for the gaming industry
- Mural painter
- Art studio operator
- Animator
- Printmaker
- Floral designer
- Art director
- Tattoo artist
- Freelance photographer (animals, children, weddings, landscapes, etc.)
- Art teacher in elementary school, high school or college
- You can combine your art skills and training with further education in other fields such as welding, furniture design, architecture, set design, event planning.
- Design is everywhere, and designers are (of course) Artists! Depending on your interests, you can create a design career working with: jewelry, interiors, greeting cards, textiles, book covers, fashion, automotive design, marketing, and so much more.
Career Opportunities
Fine Artists including Painters, Sculptors and Illustrators
Median Salary (2021) in the U.S.: $60,820
Employment growth (2021-31): 3%
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $49,710
Employment growth (2021-31): 3%
Salary data according to O*NET Online
If employment is not your goal, but rather growing as an artist, you can look forward to:
- continual and dramatic growth in your art form and skill set
- generous inspiration to try new things
- expert instruction from someone who will push you to expand beyond your current perceived limitations
- a gorgeous and fully-equipped studio to work in on a regular basis
- a diverse community of encouragers to share your work with who will cheer you on and, in many cases, learn from you
- opportunities to show your work
- a positive addition to your artist’s resume
Is this a program where YOU can develop your portfolio and create a career in Art or Graphic Design?
If you agree with most of these ideas, the answer may be YES …
- I took art classes in high school and was considered one of the best in your Art classes but I may not have gone directly to college for a variety of reasons. Now is my time!
- I am highly creative and have a love for expressing myself through Art.
- I have a desire to advance in life, to become the best version of myself I can be.
- I want to feel successful and happy doing the things I love.
- It’s important to me to find a career where I can feel engaged and satisfied with the work I’m doing, where I am able to make good use of my creative mind.
- I’m looking for an Art program with a positive and encouraging environment, a community of fellow students where I can be myself fully.
- I want to develop my portfolio and see what doors it can open for me.
- I want an instructor on my side with a proven method for helping me improve and understand the requirements of a professional art career.
OR, you may be more interested in achieving your creative potential
- I’m coming to Art later in life.
- I’ve always wanted to pursue Art but didn’t think it was practical when I was young and making my career decisions.
- I want to see how far I can go with my Art, to learn more about myself as an artist, to go deeper into what I already know while expanding my horizons.
- I don’t have a good place to work on my Art at home, and would love a beautiful, state-of-the-art studio to work in regularly, for several hours a week or more.
- I want to learn how to make things I can be proud of, to expand the skills and techniques I can use to pursue my artistic and creative ideas.
- I want to get back into the learning process, to re-experience the joy of learning like I did as a younger person.
- I want to have an instructor who’s a highly experienced working artist, someone who’s proven again and again that he can teach older adults to dramatically improve.
In the Kirtland ART program you have three good choices
Foundations in Fine Art and Illustration, Associate in Applied Science — 4 semesters
If you plan to transfer to a four-year program, whether college or art school, you will be well prepared in a wide array of topics preparing you for a professional art career. Your studies will culminate in production of a portfolio to use in applying to schools or for job-seeking.
Essentials of Graphic and Product Design, Associate in Applied Science — 4 semesters
OR
Graphic Design, Certificate of Completion — 2 semesters
Our associate in applied science and certificate programs will provide you with the advanced training you need to enter and enjoy continuing success in the graphic design and visual communication industry, including practical and technical skills, and the use of technology. Whether you’re starting from scratch, or coming back to school to get re-trained in software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign, this could be the path for you. The overall goal is to provide you with the education that will assist you in creating a world-class portfolio.
Your Kirtland education is respected by the broader Michigan Art community
Our instructors are nationally awarded professional working artists. Our program director has a reputation for winning state and national juried competitions and has been awarded National Teaching Who’s Who in America for college professors several times over.
Michigan private colleges offering degrees in Art are well aware of the preparedness of Kirtland students. If your dream is to continue your studies, you’ll have a great advantage when it’s time to share your portfolio and apply for admission and scholarships.
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to our students’ success. They’ll do their best to answer your questions and get you the correct information so you’re on the right track.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your path to a engaged and creative future
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s!
Step 3
Complete your program courses.
(below are examples of student artwork — click on a thumbnail to view gallery)
Step 4
Victory! Graduate with an Associate Degree in Art or a Certificate in Graphic Design!
FINAL STEP
Take your portfolio and see what doors will open for you now that you’re prepared!