Illustration
Illustration is a form of visual communication in which students use their artistic abilities to effectively convey ideas for a specific use. The illustration program is rigorous in its demands, emphasizing conceptual problem solving, technical expertise, meeting deadlines and other professional practices. The program is structured to develop drawing abilities, skill with diverse traditional media and digital technology in progressive stages. Techniques classes prepare students for the editorial, advertising, and children’s book markets that are explored through challenging assignments.
The professional standards of the program are maintained through sophomore and junior reviews, which students must pass in order to advance. The program prepares students to work at a professional level, giving them a comprehensive understanding of illustration and the ability to merge client needs with their own creative problem solving.
Curriculum
Illustration Credit Requirements
The typical Illustration curriculum is as follows:
Sophomore
- 3 Introduction to Illustration
- 3 Drawing for Illustration
- 3 Studio Elective
- 3 Drawing, Painting, or Visual Communication Design
- 3 Sculpture or Ceramics
- 3 Photo, Video, Printmaking, or Media Arts
- 3 Academic Elective
- 3 AUC Other Cultures or Academic Requirement
- 4 AUC Science/Tech. or Academic Requirement
- 3 Mathematics or Academic Requirement
- 0 Sophomore Review*
Junior
- 9 Intermediate Illustration I, II & III
- 3 Intermediate Illustration: Figure
- 3 Digital Illustration
- 3 Studio Elective
- 3 Art History or Academic Requirement
- 3 AUC Western Heritage or Academic Requirement
- 3 AUC Social Context or Academic Requirement
- 3 Academic Elective
- 0 Junior Review*
Senior
- 6 Two from the following: Book Illustration, Editorial Illustration or
Advertising Illustration
- 3 Senior Project: Illustration
- 3 Senior Portfolio Preparation
- 6 Studio Elective
- 3 Art History or Academic Requirement
- 3 Academic Elective
- 6 Unrestricted Elective
*All students must pass a department review prior to undertaking further course work