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Model Curriculum Standards (MCS)
Design, Visual, & Media Arts Pathway

Design, Visual, & Media Arts Pathway

The Design, Visual, & Media Arts Pathway Standards (17.0–20.0) build on the foundational standards to incorporate technical skills, industry software workflows, and specialized creative production.

Our three-year curriculum centers on the Game Design (GD) specialization, with interdisciplinary modules drawn from Animation & VFX (AV) and Design & Graphic Arts (DGA).

17.0 Animation & VFX (AV): Skill Building

  • AV.17.1 Art & Design Fundamentals — Apply elements and principles of art and design to characters, props, and environments; differentiate lighting sources and types, and apply color theory to establish time, atmosphere and mood when lighting and shading a scene. [^9]  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.17.2 Life Drawing, Anatomy & Perspective — Create anatomically and physiologically accurate bipedal (human) and quadrupedal (animal) forms for use in animation; apply proportion, depth of field, anatomy, body mechanics, and facial expressions when designing characters.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.17.3 Layouts & Environments — Design layouts, environments, and backgrounds using principles of visual composition; refine setting, lighting, and depth to align with character scale, story, style, and animation requirements.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.17.4 Character Design & Posing — Use dynamic poses to develop turnarounds and action poses that convey emotion, gestures, personality and traits; generate multiple turntable and orthographic views including a range of character body types and costume designs.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.17.5 Storyboarding — Apply principles of composition, camera shots and angles (wide, medium, closeups, and extreme closeups), line work, and visual storytelling when developing storyboards for 2D and 3D animation.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.17.6 Animation Types — Compare different types of animation tools, workflows, visual styles, and industry applications (i.e., 2D, 3D, stop motion, and motion graphics).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.17.7 Animation Principles — Apply the twelve principles of animation to characters, objects, and text (e.g., squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, straight ahead action and pose to pose, follow through and overlapping action, slow in and slow out, arcs, secondary action, timing, exaggeration, solid drawing, and appeal).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.17.8 3D Animation Fundamentals — Design and model props, vehicles, and characters to demonstrate core animation principles (e.g., weight, timing, visual storytelling); develop and apply rigging systems to enable animation using keyframing and/or match moving.[^10]  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.17.9 VFX Techniques — Use VFX tools and techniques (i.e., rotoscoping, digital painting, and compositing) to isolate elements, enhance visuals, and seamlessly integrate layers within a scene; analyze emerging VFX technologies and workflows.  View Aligned Modules →

18.0 Animation & VFX: Process and Practice

  • AV.18.1 Production Pipelines & Department Roles — Evaluate the production pipeline, roles, and responsibility of each department, including the steps, skills, and processes within each pipeline stage (e.g., pre-production, production, and post-production).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.18.2 Storyboarding & Animatics — Develop detailed storyboards and animatics that incorporate timing, camera framing, sound, and motion to plan scenes for both 2D and 3D animation.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.18.3 Previsualization Techniques — Convert animatics into detailed previsualizations by integrating characters, props, and environments to accurately plan timing, camera angles, and scene composition (rendered or in real-time).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.18.4 Animation Production — Animate scenes using keyframes, frame-by-frame techniques, motion capture, or procedural animation; apply animation principles to both 2D and 3D characters and elements in multiple scenes.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.18.5 Basic Effects — Enhance scene realism and visual interest by creating and integrating dynamic simulations and digital effects in alignment with the show’s style and aesthetic (e.g., particle systems, smoke, fire, water, fur/hair, and destruction). AV.18.6 Cinematic Lighting & Effects: Enhance realism and visual interest in animated scenes by integrating lighting effects, advanced shading, textures and material rendering techniques to define mood, simulate real-world surfaces, and support the story. AV.18.7 Rendering & Compositing: Render final sequences or export frames; composite multiple layers, effects, and color corrections to produce seamless, polished animations for both 2D and 3D projects. AV.18.8 Editorial Workflow: Collaborate with an editorial team to sequence shots, integrate sound design, voiceover, and music, apply color grading, and finalize the animation for distribution across platforms.[^11]  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.18.9 Pipeline Collaboration & Project Management — Coordinate workflows and communication among departments, utilize asset/version management systems, and follow project timelines and quality standards for both 2D and 3D animation productions.  View Aligned Modules →

19.0 Animation and VFX: Career Exploration

  • AV.19.1 Pre-Production, Previs, & Concept Art — Explore careers in pre-production (e.g., pre-visualization, visual development, storyboarding, layout, voice casting, art direction, scriptwriting, and concept art).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.19.2 Production Management — Explore careers in production management (e.g., production coordination, line production, asset management, post-production supervision, pipeline supervision, and operations).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.19.3 Digital FX and VFX — Explore careers in VFX (e.g., digital matte painting, 3D modeling, rigging and animation, technical direction, FX animation, lighting, compositing, match moving, and coloring).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.19.4 Virtual production — Explore careers that support integration of virtual production and real-time VFX technologies on set (e.g., LED walls, real-time compositing, camera tracking, and motion capture (MoCap), supervision).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.19.5 Cross-Sector — Explore careers for animation and VFX professional across industry sectors (e.g., healthcare, automotive, aerospace, education, retail, and virtual training).  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.19.6 Organized Labor — Demonstrate understanding of the role of unions and professional organizations in animation production, including labor rights, project jurisdiction, and collaboration with unionized artists and technicians.  View Aligned Modules →

20.0 Animation & VFX: Advanced Technology and Impact

  • AV.20.1 Virtual Production Technology — Investigate how animation and VFX workflows change in virtual production environments; explain how virtual production technology, including the use of MoCap, LED volume sound stages, gaming engines, and real-time rendering, has changed animation and VFX industries.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.20.2 Immersive Media — Adapt animation techniques for extended reality (XR), including 360° staging, character animation, and environmental interactions that respond to user input or gaze direction.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.20.3 Protecting Intellectual Property — Analyze how animation studios are developing and utilizing AI technology and workflow; identify the processes, tools, and methods for safeguarding intellectual property and preventing unauthorized use of digital artwork.  View Aligned Modules →

  • AV.20.4 Social Impact — Create animated stories that address social or environmental issues by building meaningful narratives and authentically portraying characters and communities.  View Aligned Modules →

17.0 Design & Graphic Arts (DGA): Skill Building

  • DGA.17.1 Art & Design Fundamentals — Apply principles of art and design to original work; incorporate color theory, color modes, contrast, opacity, transparency, shading, and layering to create depth and movement within designs.[^15]  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.17.2 Human-Centered Design — Prioritize the needs, behaviors, and experiences of people at every stage of the design process; emphasize empathy, prototyping, and iterative testing to develop practical and meaningful solutions to design challenges.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.17.3 Visual Communication — Use narrative, decorative, informative, persuasive, and/or conceptual illustrations to explain a creative idea or vision.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.17.4 Typography & Visual Messaging — Apply knowledge of typography and letterforms to set visual tone, deliver clear messages, and organize information (e.g., hierarchy, legibility, alignment, kerning, and tracking).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.17.5 Print Design — Use layout and vector-based software to create print applications like logos, posters, packaging, brochures, or signs.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.17.6 UX & UI Design — Apply UX and UI principles to design experiences for websites, applications, social networks, and digital services (e.g., wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and responsive design).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.17.7 Interaction Design — Apply principles of interaction design to identify user flow, logic, and behaviors of interactive elements and prioritize UX and UI in digital products and services.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.17.8 Accessibility — Use accessible and inclusive design practices, considering the needs of people with different abilities (e.g., designing for diverse cultural perspectives, using accessible color contrasts, providing alt text for images, incorporating captions, following universal design principles, and testing with assistive technologies).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.17.9 Motion Graphics & Effects — Create and integrate images, effects, motion graphics, and/or animation into final content (e.g., title sequences, animated infographics, visual transitions, and kinetic typography).[^16]  View Aligned Modules →

18.0 Design & Graphic Arts: Process and Practice

  • DGA.18.1 Creative Problem-Solving — Explore and apply different approaches to solving design problems (e.g., brainstorming, mind mapping, iterative prototyping, and design sprints) and evaluate what makes each approach successful.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.18.2 Project Briefs — Read and interpret a project brief and generate multiple relevant concepts that align with project goals and target audience.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.18.3 Storytelling Through Design — Use design elements to convey a clear narrative and evoke emotion in the intended audience (e.g., composition, pacing, symbolism, and visual metaphors).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.18.4 Defining Client Objectives — Help clients define clear and actionable design objectives that satisfy their goals and allow creative exploration while staying within scope, budget and timeline.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.18.5 Proposal Development — Write a proposal for a client, including scope of work, pricing, timelines, relevant case studies, and work samples.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.18.6 Project Execution — Collaborate on all phases of a complex design project within a professional setting (e.g., research, concept development, prototyping, production, quality review, and final execution).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.18.7 Project Management Technology — Assign, track, maintain, and report progress for all tasks and deliverables using industry-standard project management software.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.18.8 Project Management Best Practices — Monitor project milestones, deadlines, and deliverables; create project status presentations, present concepts, drafts, and final outcomes to clients and interest holders.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.18.9 Meeting Deadlines — Collaborate with a cross-functional design team to finalize and deliver a project on time while ensuring quality standards are met.  View Aligned Modules →

19.0 Design & Graphic Arts: Career Exploration

  • DGA.19.1 Cross-Sector — Explore the range of design careers across industry sectors (e.g., architecture, automotive design, industrial design, and visual communications).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.19.2 Graphic Design — Explore careers in packaging, publication, and graphic design (e.g., book design, product packaging, magazine layout, social media, digital curation and exhibition).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.19.3 Interactive Design — Explore careers in interactive and web design (e.g., app development, UX and UI, product design, system and information design, and digital wayfinding systems).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.19.4 Advertising & Marketing — Explore careers in advertising, and digital marketing (e.g., social media management, advertisement design, influencer marketing, and brand strategy).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.19.5 Entertainment — Explore careers for designers in film, television, and live entertainment (e.g., set design, lighting design, costume design, motion graphics, and event production).  View Aligned Modules →

20.0 Design & Graphic Arts: Advanced Technology and Impact

  • DGA.20.1 Environmental Sustainability — Apply sustainable design practices (e.g., selecting eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, optimizing energy use, designing for reuse, minimizing carbon footprint, and following certification standards).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.20.2 Accessibility Compliance — Adhere to compliance standards (e.g., American with Disabilities Act [ADA], and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines [WCAG]).  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.20.3 Social Impact — Employ human-centered design practices and design solutions that address community, social, and environmental issues and concerns.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.20.4 Computer-aided Design (CAD) — Examine and explain how CAD software and other advanced design technology is used in environment, product, and/or scenic design.  View Aligned Modules →

  • DGA.20.5 Protecting Intellectual Property — Analyze how software companies are developing and embedding AI technology and workflow into design software; identify the processes, tools, and methods for safeguarding intellectual property and preventing unauthorized use of digital artwork.  View Aligned Modules →

17.0 Game Design (GD): Skill Building

  • GD.17.1 Game Design Fundamentals — Identify and explain core components of game design (e.g., gameplay systems, level design, world design, rules, user interfaces, reward structures, and accessibility features) that create immersive player experiences.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.17.2 Game Concept Development — Develop original game ideas by choosing a genre, defining target player profiles, and designing the worlds, mechanics and themes that will drive gameplay and player engagement.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.17.3 Narrative Design — Design branching narratives that use player choice, interactive dialogue, and worldbuilding to shape outcomes and give players influence over the story progression.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.17.4 Art & Design Fundamentals — Apply elements and principles of art and design to develop game environments, characters, and props for use in interactive 3D games.[^12]  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.17.5 Character Design — Design game characters using anatomy and movement principles that communicate personality and gameplay function.[^13]  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.17.6 Scripting & Level Layout — Use visual scripting or basic coding to control game logic, activate in-game events, and structure levels to guide player movement and interaction.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.17.7 Gameplay Systems & Balancing — Design and balance core systems (e.g., movement, combat) and supporting systems (e.g., economy, difficulty, crafting, scoring, and upgrades) to align with the desired pace and theme of a game.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.17.8 Feedback Systems — Implement responsive feedback systems such as animations, cutscenes, sound effects, heads up display (HUD) updates, and dynamic Non Player Characters (NPC’s) based on player actions to communicate gameplay systems and updates to players.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.17.9 Multiplayer & Networking Basics — Explain core multiplayer design principles and networking concepts (e.g., client-server models, latency, session management) that impact online and local player interactions.  View Aligned Modules →

18.0 Game Design: Process and Practice

  • GD.18.1 Production Pipelines & Department Roles — Analyze the game production pipeline by identifying department roles and collaborative processes from concept through prototyping, design, development, testing, and launch.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.18.2 Game Design Document (GDD) — Create and maintain a comprehensive GDD (or equivalent) detailing gameplay mechanics, narrative structure, art direction, systems design, and technical requirements to guide development.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.18.3 Concept Pitch & Iteration — Develop and pitch high-level game concepts, incorporating player demographics, gameplay loops, narrative arcs, and thematic pillars; iterate concepts based on feedback.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.18.4 Worldbuilding — Construct and document immersive game worlds using spatial logic, environmental storytelling, visual themes, and narrative alignment to support exploration, gameplay, and storytelling.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.18.5 Player Immersion — Build player immersion by integrating consistent visuals, interactive narrative elements, real-time feedback, and environmental storytelling techniques.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.18.6 Playtesting — Conduct playtesting sessions to evaluate prototypes; collect data and iteratively refine gameplay systems, level flow, user interface, and player engagement.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.18.7 UX & UI — Design intuitive UX and UI that support navigation, enhance usability, and provide seamless interaction between the player and the game system.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.18.8 Game Performance & Evaluation — Evaluate and optimize game performance through frame rate management, asset loading strategies, and hardware compatibility testing to ensure a smooth player experience.[^14]  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.18.9 Monetization — Analyze monetization strategies (e.g., premium, freemium, in-app purchases, ads) and evaluate their design integration, player impact, ethical considerations, and application in different game genres and platforms.  View Aligned Modules →

19.0 Game Design: Career Exploration

  • GD.19.1 Pre-Production — Explore careers in pre-production for games (e.g., prototyping, concept art, visual development, storyboarding, layout design, art direction, scriptwriting, and pre-visualization).  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.19.2 Game Design & Development — Explore careers in game design and development (e.g., animation, VFX, gameplay programming, technical art, level design, UX and UI design, and quality assurance).  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.19.3 Esports — Explore careers in esports (e.g., competitive gameplay, team management, coaching, event production, broadcasting, shout casting, content creation, marketing, social media, and esports analytics).  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.19.4 Cross-Sector — Explore careers for game designers across sectors (e.g., virtual training environments, drone interfaces, medical simulations, architectural visualization, and interactive media for learning).  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.19.5 Entrepreneurship — Explore entrepreneurial and freelance career opportunities for game designers.  View Aligned Modules →

20.0 Game Design: Advanced Technology and Impact

  • GD.20.1 Virtual Production Technology — Examine and differentiate the use of MoCap and game engines in traditional gameplay development versus virtual production (e.g., real-time rendering, live camera tracking, and on-set performance capture).  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.20.2 Accessibility & Ethics — Employ responsible and ethical game design practices; identify and Integrate accessibility features throughout the game design process (e.g., subtitles, colorblind modes, and control remapping) to ensure access for all players.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.20.3 Game Development — Demonstrate knowledge of common programming languages (e.g., C++, Python, and JavaScript) used in game development by identifying their applications, syntax basics, and use cases across engines and platforms.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.20.4 Extended Reality (XR) — Identify how animated 3D environments are optimized for real-time rendering in XR platforms (e.g., Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) headsets); apply 360° staging, character animation, and environmental interactions that respond to user input or gaze direction.  View Aligned Modules →

  • GD.20.5 Social Impact — Design games that address social or environmental issues by integrating meaningful narratives, ethical game mechanics, and inclusive design principles.  View Aligned Modules →

17.0 Studio Arts (SA): Skill Building

  • SA.17.1 Art & Design Fundamentals — Apply elements and principles of art and design to original artwork and photography; incorporate color theory, shading, line, value, and contrast to create depth and movement when producing and refining visual compositions.[^17]  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.17.2 Visual Communication — Use photographic storytelling, conceptual imagery, and illustration to express ideas, topics, and stories.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.17.3 Perspective & Dimension — Apply knowledge of perspective and spatial relationships to enhance dimension in environments, scenic design, photography, and other artistic compositions and products.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.17.4 Anatomy, Posing & Character Expression — Apply a knowledge of anatomy, movement, and facial expressions, to design realistic and imaginative figures; pose and direct subjects in photography to convey emotion and capture expressive and well-composed images.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.17.5 Equipment & Image Production — Responsibly and correctly handle and operate shared studio tools and equipment (e.g., cameras, lenses, art supplies, printmaking tools, and ceramics tools) using professional workflows.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.17.6 Artistic Techniques & Mediums — Apply a variety of techniques, materials, textures, mediums, and tools (e.g., traditional, digital, and photographic) to experiment, refine, and finalize original work.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.17.7 Image Manipulation — Combine and/or alter physical and digital images using various mediums and techniques (e.g., collage, painting, color, opacity, transparency, and layering).  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.17.8 Documentation of Finished Work — Photograph or record artwork to accurately depict the physical qualities (e.g., scale, textures, colors, and materials) for promotion and preservation in digital or print formats.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.17.9 Critique — Apply critical response strategies throughout the creative process to support creative decision-making and to guide the refinement of original work.  View Aligned Modules →

18.0 Studio Arts: Process and Practice

  • SA.18.1 Themed Artwork — Produce a cohesive body of 2D or 3D work that reflects intentional creative decisions, aligning tools, media, and techniques with a chosen theme, concept, or story.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.18.2 Public Exhibition — Prepare and submit original visual work to public events (e.g., juried exhibitions, competitions, open calls, and gallery shows) in accordance with submission guidelines, media requirements, themes, and professional standards.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.18.3 Collaborative Exhibition Production — Collaborate with artists, directors, curators, and technical staff to realize an artistic vision in galleries, events, or public installations; plan exhibition logistics, including venues, permits, scheduling, budgets, insurance, transportation, equipment, and staffing.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.18.4 Professional Art Documentation & Installation — Apply professional gallery and exhibition standards to photograph, document, prepare, mount, label, and install original visual work (e.g., framing, matting, lighting, spatial planning, hanging systems, signage and accessibility).  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.18.5 Installation Strike — Coordinate and execute the professional strike of an exhibition or installation, ensuring proper disassembly, documentation, packing, condition reporting, and storage or return of visual work and materials.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.18.6 Client-Based Artistic Production — Create artwork and photography that meets client specifications for commissioned or commercial purposes (e.g., murals, illustrations, photography, design work, and branded content), using appropriate materials, processes, and timelines.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.18.7 Art Valuation & Pricing Strategies — Determine the value of original artwork and apply appropriate pricing strategies for commercial sale, licensing, reproduction, exhibition, and consignment, factor in materials, labor, market trends, and gallery commission.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.18.8 Digital Marketing — Design and implement a marketing campaign to promote a product, service, public event, exhibition, or body of work using contemporary tools and platforms (e.g., social media, websites, email marketing, and digital portfolios).[^18]  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.18.9 Developing a Professional Portfolio — Create, refine, and present a cohesive professional portfolio of original work that reflects a personal artistic voice, technical proficiency, and consistent style in a selected medium (e.g., painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and digital media).  View Aligned Modules →

19.0 Studio Arts: Career Exploration

  • SA.19.1 Cross-Sector — Explore careers for visual artists and photographers in commercial settings and across industries (e.g., graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, print production artist, and advertising artist).  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.19.2 Arts Education — Explore careers in arts education and arts management (e.g., kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) teacher, university professor, teaching artist, arts nonprofit director, community arts facilitator, and after-school program leader).  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.19.3 Museum & Gallery — Explore careers for museum and gallery professionals (e.g., curators, archivists, exhibition designer, collections management and restoration professionals, gallery assistant, conservator, and museum education).  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.19.4 Entertainment — Explore careers in visual development and art design/direction (e.g., concept artist, character designer, environment designer, art director, matte painter, storyboard artist, and pre-visualization artist).  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.19.5 Entrepreneurship — Explore entrepreneurial and freelance careers for fine artists (e.g., freelance illustrator or painter, photographer, business owner, commission-based artist, printmaker, and muralist).  View Aligned Modules →

20.0 Studio Arts: Advanced Technology and Impact

  • SA.20.1 Creative Coding & Tech-Driven Art — Explore advanced technology (e.g., coding, computation, and data) as an artistic medium for art production, augmentation, and exhibition.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.20.2 Social Impact — Create art for the greater good; address a community need or problem with public art.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.20.3 Archiving & Preservation Technologies — Explore modern archiving and preservation techniques for maintaining artistic works.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.20.4 Protecting Intellectual Property — Analyze how software companies are developing and embedding AI technology and workflow into photography and illustration software; identify the processes, tools, and methods for safeguarding intellectual property and preventing unauthorized use of digital artwork.  View Aligned Modules →

  • SA.20.5 Accessibility & Inclusion in Creative Spaces — Implement accessibility practices in galleries, museums, and studios to ensure inclusive participation (e.g., ADA compliance, physical access, digital accessibility, assistive technologies, and inclusive program design).  View Aligned Modules →