If you love to draw or paint, you may be interested in a major in illustration. Read on to learn about degree options, course content and career possibilities.
What Classes Will I Take as an Illustration Major?
As an illustration major, you'll be encouraged to find your own creative and original artistic style, while also following clients' directions. Your illustration classes will involve hands-on studio assignments and projects, where you'll receive direct feedback from your instructors. You'll also likely take basic business and management courses, where you'll learn to work with clients and companies in a professional manner. Some Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs will allow you to choose a specialization, such as design illustration or digital illustration, after your second year of study. Typical courses in a bachelor's program in illustration include:
- Graphic design
- Advanced illustration
- Three-dimensional design
- Painting
- Typography
- Storytelling through art
- Marketing your art
- Using color in illustration
At the end of your bachelor's program, your school might provide a chance to exhibit your recent work in a senior showcase. Some BFA in Illustration programs also offer internships, giving you a chance to work with potential clients on actual projects.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Typography, color usage, painting, three-dimensional design, graphic design</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Fully online degree programs are available but rare</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Graphic designer, illustrator, multimedia artist, animator</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>4% decline <i>(for all graphic designers)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEnrollInAnOnlineIllustrationProgram">Can I Enroll in an Online Illustration Program?</h3><p>You can earn your illustration BFA entirely online, although these programs are rare due to the studio requirements of most illustration schools. You also can earn an associate's degree in graphic design online, which will allow you to take illustration, design and photography courses. These programs can prepare you to transfer to a BFA in Illustration program.
</p><p>For an online program, you'll typically complete all assignments and illustrations at home and e-mail them to your instructors. To submit drawing and designs, you'll usually need a digital camera and a flatbed scanner. Other technology requirements for an online illustration program might include a sound card, speakers, headphones, Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader and Quick Time Player.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do with this Degree?</h3><p>With a degree in illustration, you might find a job creating illustrations for advertising, children's books, graphic novels, magazines or newspapers. You also can choose to work as a freelance illustrator or an animator. A bachelor's degree in illustration, along with an emphasis in graphic design, can prepare you for work as a graphic designer or website designer.
</p><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), competition for artistic jobs is high since there are often more applicants than there are job openings. Artists who specialize in multimedia artwork or graphic design are expected to have the best employment opportunities. The average annual salary for illustrators and other fine artists was $65,020 per year in 2020, compared to $58,370 for graphic designers and $88,080 for multimedia artists and animators.</p>
