Illustration (BFA)

The School of Illustration's BFA program embraces the art of visual and conceptual storytelling in any medium. Students develop the skills necessary to transform themselves into skilled, distinctive, professional illustrators able meet the marketplace’s growing need for artists trained in visual problem solving in both traditional and digital media. Exciting career paths await in comics and graphic novels, children's books, advertising, editorial illustration, and interactive illustration.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree
Core Classes

This program is available online and on campus

FA 222

Heads and Hands Core/3

Attention Illustration, Visual Development, Animation, and Fine Art students: take this class. You'll focus on the form and structure of the head and hands to create dynamic drawings that include expressions and emotions.

FND 110

Analysis of Form Core/3

In-depth study of classical drawing principles on achieving heightened realism in imagery. Learn how to incorporate accurate geometrical construction and use the five-value system to analyze light and shadow on forms. Gaining skills in perspective, composition, and rendering of various textures and materials.

FND 112

Figure Drawing Core/3

Learn to draw the human figure with accuracy. You'll draw from the nude model to develop an understanding of gesture, proportion, rhythm, balance, structure, and musculature.

FND 116

Perspective Core/3

Learn comprehensive principles of perspective drawing. You'll gain conceptualization skills to create credible real-world and otherworldly environments from imagination. Plus, you'll integrate figures, specific atmospheres, and moods into scenes by plotting accurate light and shadows.

FND 125

Color and Design Core/3

Take a deep dive into color and design. Using traditional media, explore color harmony using different color schemes. Learn how psychology, simultaneous contrast, proportion, atmospheric depth, muting and toning, light temperature, design unity, and visual emphasis can enhance imagery.

ILL 120

Clothed Figure Drawing 1 Core/3

Draw the clothed figure in various situations. You'll study physical flexibility in observational drawing, the essential relationships of the body, how to achieve three-dimensional form, proportion, foreshortening, and how to construct folds.

ILL 133

Digital Media: Digital Manipulation Core/3

Combine essential camera and digital imaging skills to augment your imagery. Using a camera for reference, inspiration, and digital imaging to manipulate photo images, you'll learn to create narrative content, increasing your skills in a fun yet challenging environment. Phone camera or digital camera and computer access are required.

ILL 232

Studio 1 Core/3

Develop illustrations using a clear concept, professional procedures, and core design principles. You'll learn the process, media, tools, and current industry techniques in black and white, water-based media, and mixed media in color.

ILL 491

Portfolio Preparation and Self Promotion Core/3

Make illustration your business. Most working illustrators also have skills in accounting, interviewing, taxes, legal matters, self-marketing, agent selection, self-promotion, and more. You'll learn to reproduce, present, and sell your artwork.

PH 103

Photography for Artists Core/3

Designed for all majors interested in photography, students will be presented an inspired approach to using photography across mediums. Topics include proper exposure, lighting, composition, and optimizing photos for a digital workflow. A smartphone or digital camera is required for this course.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Core24
Sophomore Portfolio3
Senior Portfolio3
Major39
Electives9
Liberal Arts42
Total120

BFA ILLUSTRATION DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
    4 Art Historical Awareness courses
    1 Art & Design Communication course
    1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
    1 Historical Awareness course
    1 Quantitative Literacy course
    1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
    1 Employment Communications and Practices course
     

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Research Skills

  • Conduct research for quality and usable reference
  • Create coherent thumbnails, comps, and layouts

Drawing

  • Effectively use line, edge, and or value
  • Accurately depict gesture in proper proportion

Composition and Color

  • Effectively apply value pattern and establish focal point
  • Communicate underlying concept and mood
  • Effectively harmonize color
  • Apply perspective when appropriate

Tools and Technique

  • Execute illustration work using appropriate tools and media

Personal Style

  • Demonstrate evidence of individual style – personal voice

Presentation Skills

  • Professionally present work, orally and digitally

Professional Development

  • Demonstrate the ability to tell a story visually and meet client-based solutions
  • Create a consistent, marketable, quality portfolio