Illustration

FAQs

• What are some of the career paths for someone who majors in Illustration?

  Illustrators work for a variety of printed matter and publications, screen based, and product lines. Examples include, childrens’ books, graphic novels, comics, book covers, magazines, newspapers, posters, maps, charts, websites, apps, concept art, toys, and games.

• How do you prepare your students for the real world?

  Our professors are all working in various illustration fields, often multi-disciplinary in their methods and careers, so our students are exposed to a variety of venues. Students engage with illustrators through studio visits, field trips, portfolio reviews, and are encouraged to network. Our professors are current in their experiences and offer up--to-date information through class discussion, critiques, reviews, and one on one conversations. Fourth year Illustration majors are required to take Professional Studio in which they obtain additional information about business practices, networking, and visual promotion.

• What are some examples of what your alums are doing?

  Our illustration alum are working as freelance illustrators creating illustrations for books, magazines, logos, posters, wine labels, CD covers, and storefronts. They are full time art directors in agencies and employed in game companies and animation studios. Students work and show in galleries, as well as create products to sell online and in shops.

• What are the prerequisites to major in Illustration?

  Students must have all of the Foundation requirements, including Liberal Arts, Art History, and have taken at least one elective illustration course.

• What unique skills do your students get?

  Students work independently with faculty to develop their individual abilities. Deep research skills are fostered so that students are dextrous in working on any assignment about any subject. Our students acquire the traditional and digital skills necessary to build a portfolio that reflects their talents, versatility, and interests.

• Will I be able to incorporate other media or interests with my work as an Illustration major?

  Students are encouraged to explore any media or incorporate any interests into their work so they can better define what kind of illustrator they wish to be. Students are welcome to take electives outside the major to build upon and support their diverse curiosities.

• What are some of the classes that are offered in your department?

  Our electives include: Picturebook, Editorial Illustration, Experimental Illustration, Narrative, Graphic Novel/Sequential, Character Design, Motion Graphics, Hand Lettering, Advanced Techniques, and Advanced Techniques in Pen and Ink.

• What are some of the unique aspects of this program?

  The one-on-one attention faculty offer the students is exemplary and shows the dedication and care of faculty to address and support student's needs on an ongoing basis. Faculty work to keep what they teach relevant, and present their own current experiences so students can hear what is happening in the field. Faculty emphasizes the need for a practice that includes editing and refinement, research and informed solutions, and ways to incorporate a student's interests as well as individuality. Students are supported in developing their ability to articulate their work and process, so that they can discuss projects with future clients, and develop a strong sense of self while remaining flexible with a given assignment, as well as find solutions that go above and beyond the obvious choices.

• What are the faculty like?

  Our faculty are a diverse group with multiple talents and interests which bring a wide variety of teaching potential for a vast range of students. Our faculty is engaged, dedicated, and kind. Oh, and sometimes, silly.

• What are your facilities like?

  Our illustration studio has brand new individual working stations designed and constructed by MECA’s Woodworking facility. Our studio shares a large combined space with Graphic Design. In the studio, students also have access to digital equipment - computers, Cintiques, scanners, copiers, and printers.

• What are some examples of internships your students have done in the past?

  Internships have included: Hasbro Toys, Curious City, The Via Agency, Illustration Institute, Hugh McCormack Design, Andres Vera Martinez illustration studio, Ben Bishop studio.

• How many students (juniors and seniors) do you typically have in your major?

  The illustration program typically has 25 - 35 majors.