Illustration Degree Programs
Professional Illustrators provide drawings for a variety of fields including medical, fashion, book and magazine publishing, advertising, video gaming and other broadcast media. Illustrators may use computer software to digitally create or modify illustrations. Students often choose to specialize in one type of illustration such as fashion, children's books or medical.
The job market for Illustrators is competitive, with many Illustrators working as freelancers on short-term projects for a variety of companies. Medical Illustrators earn the highest salaries due to their more intensive education and specific subject knowledge. Training and experience in using various software packages is an important part of an illustrator's resume as many jobs require the use of a specific software product.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree - An associate's degree in illustration will prepare students for some entry-level jobs or to become a freelance Illustrator.
- Bachelor's Degree - Bachelor's degree programs provide education that will enable graduates to qualify for most entry-level positions or to take on freelance jobs.
- Master's Degree - A master's degree in medical illustration is often required for medical illustrator jobs. Other master's programs typically cover more specialized skills such as graphic design or digital media and are appropriate for illustrators who want to specialize.
Schools
Illustration programs can be found at art and design schools, community colleges, online schools and in the fine arts departments at universities.
Coursework
Illustration programs may include courses such as those listed below:
- Fashion Applications
- Anatomical Life Drawing
- Dynamic Drawing Techniques
- Applying Color
- Perspective Drawing
- Figure Drawing
- Computer Typesetting and Design
- Drawing for Animation
- Digital Sketching
- Adobe Illustrator
Aptitudes and Interests
Individuals who choose to attend an illustration degree program should have excellent drawing skills, be creative, imaginative and be able to use a variety of drawing styles they can adapt to specific needs. Software tools now play a significant role in the field of illustration, so those considering this major should enjoy working with technology.
Career Options
Some illustrators are employed by advertising agencies, design companies or publishing companies but most are self-employed, working on a project basis. Those who have chosen to specialize in medical or technical illustration will draw for textbooks, journals, product manuals and other technical documentation. Fashion illustrators will draw for magazines, catalogs and other fashion publications. General illustrators may draw for any number of purposes including product packaging, advertising, websites and may also be hired for fashion or technical illustration jobs.
Related Programs
Other programs that may interest those considering a major in illustration include:
- Graphic Design
- Digital Media
- Fine Arts
- Fashion Design
- Photography
How to Evaluate Illustration Degree Programs
Some things to consider when selecting an illustration program are discussed below:
- Curriculum - Prospective students should carefully review the curriculum to make sure their areas of interest are included.
- Medical Illustration Focus - Anyone interested in a career in medical illustration should choose a program that specializes in that field as the curriculum differs substantially from a general illustration program.
- Software Training - Hiring companies today often look for illustrators who have experience with specific software so choosing a program that incorporates the most popular software products is important.
- Accreditation - Programs need to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Resources
The Association of Medical Illustrators
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
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