New York School Of Fashion & Art
Undergraduate Program in Illustration
The undergraduate degree in Illustration is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of visual storytelling and communication. Through a combination of theoretical and practical coursework, students will develop their artistic abilities, gain proficiency in various software tools, and cultivate a strong understanding of design principles. This comprehensive program aims to prepare students for a variety of professional opportunities in illustration, including freelance work, publishing, advertising, animation, and more.
Degree Highlights
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- Intensive hands-on training in traditional and digital illustration techniques
- Exploration of various illustration styles, including traditional, digital, conceptual, and sequential art
- Emphasis on developing a personal artistic voice and style
- Integration of technology and software tools commonly used in the industry, such as Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, Photoshop, and more
- Opportunities for collaborative projects and interdisciplinary work with other creative disciplines
- Exposure to art history, visual culture, and contemporary trends in illustration
- Professional development and portfolio building guidance to facilitate successful entry into the industry
Curriculum Breakdown
1. Foundation Courses
- Introduction to Illustration: A comprehensive overview of the field, exploring its history, techniques, and applications.
- Drawing Fundamentals: Development of observational skills and fundamental drawing techniques.
- Color Theory: Understanding color principles, color mixing, and application in illustration.
- Design Principles: Exploration of composition, visual hierarchy, and effective use of space in illustration.
2. Advanced Illustration Techniques
- Traditional Media Techniques: In-depth exploration of traditional illustration techniques, such as ink, watercolor, and mixed media.
- Digital Illustration: Proficiency development in industry-standard software tools like Adobe Illustrator and Procreate, focusing on digital painting, vector illustration, and image manipulation.
- Conceptual Illustration: Experimentation with ideation, visual storytelling, and conceptual thinking in illustration.
- Sequential Art and Storyboarding: Understanding the art of narrative illustration through sequential storytelling techniques, including storyboarding for animation and comics.
3. Specialized Electives
- Children's Book Illustration: Techniques and considerations specific to illustrating for children's books, including character design, narrative flow, and age-appropriate content.
- Editorial and Advertising Illustration: Exploring the intersection of illustration and graphic design in editorial and advertising contexts.
- Character Design: Creation of compelling and visually appealing characters for various media platforms, such as games, animation, and films.
- Interactive and Motion Graphics: Introduction to interactive and motion-based illustration, including animation principles and designing for digital platforms.
4. Professional Development and Portfolio Buildingitle
- Business of Illustration: Practical aspects of freelancing, self-promotion, contracts, and negotiation skills.
- Professional Portfolio Development: Guidance on creating a cohesive and visually impactful portfolio showcasing students' best works across different illustration styles and projects.
- Industry Exposure: Guest lectures, workshops, and field trips to connect students with professionals in the illustration industry and gain real-world insights.
Graduates of the undergraduate degree program in Illustration will possess a diverse skill set and a strong foundation in both traditional and digital illustration techniques. They will be prepared to pursue careers as professional illustrators, concept artists, storyboard artists, children's book illustrators, editorial illustrators, and more. Additionally, they will have the flexibility to adapt to evolving technologies and industry demands while maintaining a unique artistic voice and style.