Programs - Applied Arts Illustration

The Illustration Program is a one-year intensive Diploma Program that prepares students for a career in illustration. Through hands-on studio courses paired with theory, history and business seminars, students will learn the technical, conceptual, and professional methods necessary to navigate a variety of illustration fields including editorial, picture books, comics, graphic novels, and concept art. The program utilizes both analog and digital techniques, allowing each student to hone their unique skill, develop a marketable style, and strengthen their creative voice, all while learning the ins-and-outs of the illustration industry, and how to thrive in it.

At the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Communicate that illustration is a technical rendering process as well as a conceptual process. 
• Demonstrate their drawing, painting, and digital application skills. 
• Identify some of the myriad fields that Illustration is connected to, including picture book art, sequential art, visual development art, editorial art, and alternative practices. 
• Develop their ability to take risks, innovate, and experiment with materials and substrates. 
• Demonstrate not only artistry, but also critical thinking, networking, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and developing steadfast business practices. 
• Develop a portfolio of finished artwork which they can use to secure a job in their field.

Classes include:

• Illustration Principles 
• Drawing Fundamentals
• History of Illustration 
• Drawing: Figure and Form 
• Digital Fundamentals 
• Painting Fundamentals 
• Business of Illustration 
• Illustration Topic: Editorial 
• Illustration Topic: Picture Books 
• Illustration Topic: Environment and Landscape 
• Illustration Topic: Visual Development 
• Illustration Topic: Alternative Practices 
• Professional Practices 
• Illustration Topic: Sequential Illustration 
• Thesis I 
• Thesis II