Illustration Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Draw Your Future Into Reality

Video: Learn Illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Play Video about Video: Learn Illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Illustrate your creative side. Creating an artistic vision with illustration is a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled illustrator. Whether created by pencil, brush, or stylus, it is the illustrator who decides what that vision is with each line, stroke by stroke. 

Illustration Degree Program Overview

As an Illustration Program student, you’ll learn key fundamentals of illustration like drawing and painting. With smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction from practicing industry professionals, you’ll master foundational skills while developing the conceptual, technical, and business skills necessary to become a successful illustrator.

You’ll graduate confident in the expertise you’ve acquired and the ability to create unique and inspiring illustrations across many spectrums.

Robot character concept drawings.
Illustrator sketching ideas for a children's book, surrounded by Procreate UI elements and the finished illustration.
Illustration program overview icon

Illustration Program Highlights

Innovative Storytelling

Students demonstrate proficiency in storytelling and communication.

Traditional + New Media

Students demonstrate proficiency in technical skills, using traditional and digital media.

Drawing Mastery

Students demonstrate proficiency in value and drawing skills, using traditional and digital media.

Composition Theory

Students demonstrate proficiency in composition.

Self Promotion

Students demonstrate an understanding of professional practice in Illustration.

Portfolio Development

Students demonstrate an understanding of professional practice in Illustration.

Liberal Arts

The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.

Global Consciousness

The curious engagement with communities, perspectives, and narratives that do not match our own offers the opportunity to see one’s personal and creative role in our local, national, and global communities. 

Critical Awareness

The willingness to ask questions and resist easy answers & simplistic dualities offers the opportunity to more clearly understand the complexity and multifaceted reality of history, creativity, and human communities. 

Information Literacy

The ability to read closely, critique freely, and seek additional verifiable information offers the opportunity to more holistically discern the veracity of the information that inundates our lives.

Illustration Degree Requirements

At RMCAD, we believe in a balanced approach to the curriculum for the Illustration Program, with a focus on observational drawing, media use, and storytelling. Our students receive instruction in the technical, conceptual, and business aspects of illustration with the goal of striking the perfect balance of coursework to help students develop a strong and diverse skill set.

* RMCAD offers classes year-round in both on-campus and online delivery formats. At RMCAD, we believe that online learning is an important part of the overall college learning experience. To provide students multiple scheduling options, diverse learning modalities, and experience in the virtual environment, all on-campus students are required to take part in online education.

Tech + Tools

To make sure all students seeking RMCAD’s Bachelor’s Degree in Illustration receive the highest quality education possible, we incorporate industry standard software, personal one-on-one instruction, small class sizes, and collaboration with seasoned professional illustrators.

stylus

Illustration Careers

RMCAD Illustration graduates are launching exciting careers. When you have a RMCAD Bachelor’s Degree in Illustration, you have the opportunity to pursue the following creative paths.

Potential Career Paths

Student Work + Success

Red Shoe Guild logo

Red Shoe Awards

Every year, the RMCAD Illustration Department hosts this juried competition. The title Red Shoe Awards is a tribute to the department’s Red Shoe Guild. Student work is exhibited and judged by a panel of experts.

Stories @ RMCAD

Illustration Faculty

RMCAD’s team of Illustration instructors are dedicated to the success of our students and are there to provide critical support throughout your illustration education.

Illustration Events

Our Illustration events are drawing a crowd. Come check it out!

 
 

Ready to Illustrate Your Creativity?

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