Illustration
Overview
Illustration programs prepare people to apply artistic techniques to designs and ideas developed by others.In this program, students learn:
- Text layout
- Animation
- Fine arts techniques, including designing, sketching, and painting
- Color theory
- Color application
Schools
A few community colleges offer associate degree programs in illustration. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Several colleges, universities, and independent art schools offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program in illustration. A BFA degree usually takes about four to five years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in illustration. A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
- Art and Fine Arts, General
- Commercial and Advertising Art
- Graphic Design
- Medical Illustration
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Animators and Multimedia Artists
- Art Directors
- Cartoonists
- Fashion Designers
- Graphic Designers
- Sketch Artists
- Tattoo Artists
Program Admission
Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Some schools require you to complete basic art courses before you can enter their illustration program. These courses might include the following:
- Art Appreciation
- Art History
- Basic Drawing
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Art
- Art Appreciation
- Art History
- Computer Graphics
- Drawing and Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking and Graphics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Undergraduate degree or significant course work in painting or drawing
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio or exhibit review
- Personal interview
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Art History
- Color Theory
- Design
- Drawing
- Frames and Framing
- Graphic Design Software
- Kinesiology and Body Mechanics
- Life Drawing
- Oils and Acrylics
- Painting
- Pastels
- Photography
- Sketching
- Studio
- Visual Theory
- Watercolors
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in illustration typically require:
- Required courses
- Thesis and portfolio of finished work (master's degree)
- Preliminary exam (doctoral degree)
- Dissertation (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
You can begin developing your portfolio in high school with hobby and project work.
Many programs offer personal studio space to BFA art students.
Students who major in illustration are responsible for purchasing some of their own tools and supplies. These include brushes, pens, pencils, canvases, and specialty papers.
Schools
East Side Area
Walla Walla University
- Art--Illustration Concentration
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Digital Media Arts
Cornish College of the Arts
- Design
Highline College
- Visual Communications
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Design--Illustration
Seattle Central College
- Graphic Design
Seattle Pacific University
- Art--Illustration/New Pictures Emphasis
Shoreline Community College
- Visual Communication Technology--Digital Illustration/Animation Level II
- Visual Communication Technology--Foundation
- Visual Communication Technology--Foundation Program with Customized Specialization
University of Washington - Seattle
- Art--Visual Communication Design
Spokane Area
Gonzaga University
- Art
Tacoma Area
Northwest College of Art & Design
- Visual Communication--Double Major
- Visual Communication--Graphic Design
- Visual Communication--Illustration
- Visual Communication--Interactive Design