Illustration students in classroom viewing storyboards

School of Visual ArtsIllustration Bachelor's Degree

  • BA
  • BFA

About the Illustration Major

Apply your passion for storytelling and the visual arts in Columbia College Chicago’s Illustration degree program. You’ll learn how visual storytelling can captivate audiences and how your distinct style and voice can make an impact. You’ll develop your artistic skills through studio classes and critiques with a dedicated faculty of professional illustrators.

Examples of Illustration Careers 

  • Animator
  • Children’s book illustrator
  • Concept artist
  • Freelance illustrator
  • Graphic novelist
  • Muralist
  • Product designer
  • Storyboard artist
  • Tattoo artist

The Student Experience

In the Illustration degree program, you’ll practice techniques in both traditional and digital illustration and apply your visual storytelling skills in hands-on, client-focused projects. You’ll learn three commercial models: freelance, institutional, and contract-based. You’ll also learn the core business skills you’ll need to thrive as a professional illustrator.

  • Start making from day oneYour courses will introduce you to drawing, painting, cartooning, typography, digital illustration, figure drawing, and more.
  • Build your artistic vocabularyIn your first year, you’ll take foundational courses in art and design. These courses will help you develop the vocabulary and context you’ll need to critique your work and the work of others.
  • Explore traditional and digital techniquesIf you focus on digital methods, you’ll master the latest painting and drawing software. If you prefer traditional methods, you’ll create with a variety of textures and surfaces, such as watercolor and gouache painting and ink applications.
  • Learn the history and future of illustrationYou’ll be introduced to important illustrators, trends, styles, and techniques.
  • Learn how to sell it

    Business classes will teach you how to maintain a freelance career in illustration. You’ll learn how to write contracts, talk to clients, complete taxes, and self-promote through branding and identity.

Illustration student painting animal

Career Readiness

Many illustrators work independently, so we emphasize business skills in entrepreneurship and freelance. Illustrators build careers in industries such as book and magazine publishing, fashion, advertising, and product packaging. They also contribute to television shows, commercials, and feature films. With the mentorship of our faculty of professional illustrators and a thriving community of students, you’ll develop your voice and chart a career path that makes sense for you. Beyond the classroom, Columbia College Chicago integrates your fine arts training with the vibrant professional scene right outside your doorstep.

  • Real-world experience

    Get hands-on work samples and explore the industry you're about to enter. Our location puts you at the heart of the city’s creative energy, with countless opportunities to exhibit your work in galleries, museums, and public spaces. You’ll work with faculty mentors to identify an appropriate path, and our Career Center will help you find opportunities. Columbia students have interned at places like Chicago Artists Coalition, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and galleries of all sizes.

  • Networking opportunities with alumni

    Build a professional network and learn how to make a career in the arts. Connect with established arts professionals through workshops, events, and internships facilitated by Columbia's industry connections.

Alumni Spotlight

Heidi Unkefer ’13 - Illustrator and Graphic Designer

Heidi Unkefer ’13

Professional illustrator and Graphic Designer at “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” formerly “Saturday Night Live” and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”

98%

of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.

Learn More

×
×