This course will provide an in-depth exploration of the contemporary science fiction and fantasy marketplaces, from book cover illustration to film/animation concept design. Emphasis will be placed on figurative narration, draftsmanship and aesthetics of abstraction as generated through the traditional media of drawing and painting. Assignments will be based upon actual commercial commissions and constraints, leading the student through the sketch, reference, preliminary and finishing stages of a project. Imaginative development within these parameters will be stressed. Professionals from the top of the science fiction and fantasy genres will visit as guest lecturers.