Imagine. Create. Deliver. Delight.
Design stunning imagery that moves.
Learn to deliver compelling visual solutions on time and on brand. Whether creating dynamic presentations, engaging websites, or impactful videos, businesses depend on skilled commercial artists who can tell powerful brand stories.
With this associate degree, you’ll turn your creative talents into marketable professional expertise. You’ll master industry-standard software and develop the technical skills needed to create visual media that drives results.
Professional traits that will set you apart in commercial art:
- Creative and technical expertise: Strong design sense, mastery of digital tools and adaptability to new trends
- Professional mindset: Attention to detail, time management and problem-solving under deadlines
- Collaboration and communication: Client-focused thinking, teamwork and openness to feedback
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Arts (AA)
Department
Department of Creative Arts and Media
Required Credit Hours
63-68
An Inside Look
12
Degrees awarded last year—small class sizes = focused learning
60
Credit hours for a 2-year associate degree
$9,294
Average net price for students, below the national average for 2-year colleges
Commercial Art Trained. Career-Ready.
Blend design fundamentals with cutting-edge digital tools while building a strong portfolio. At Owens, you’ll be able to train on the industry-standard software used around the world.
Year 1: Build a creative and technical foundation. Develop core skills with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and more) while studying art history and typography.
Year 2: Refine your craft to elevate your practice. Advance your expertise through web design, and 2D foundations while taking general education courses to strengthen your communication and problem-solving skills.
Throughout your curriculum, you’ll gain client experience through service learning projects and the Commercial Art Club. In the spring, you’ll showcase your work at the juried student exhibition. By graduation, you’ll have created comprehensive traditional and digital portfolios demonstrating your creative prowess.
Career Outcomes
You will graduate with both traditional and digital portfolios, transfer-ready credits, and the communication skills needed to succeed as a freelance designer or in visual communication roles. Whether you’re ready to launch your career or continue at a four-year school, you’ll have the foundation for success.
Turn your creativity into imaginative careers in graphic design, art direction, advertising, animation, photography, and more. Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“The professors I had did such a good job of adapting to a hybrid system. They worked really hard so that we had the same quality of instruction that we did in the classroom.”
Michael Desanto, Creative Arts and Media, ’21
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.