Illustration (BFA)

As an Illustration major, you will take courses in both traditional and digital media, learning the techniques to develop an illustration for various markets.
The multidisciplinary curriculum includes:

Fine Arts Studio courses

– Progressive levels of illustration courses, including:

• Intro to Illustration
• Digital Painting Methods
• Digital Illustration
• Character Design
• Narrative Illustration
• 2-D Animation
• Cartooning
• Products and Zines
• Professional Business Practices
• Intermediate Digital Painting
• Text and Image
• Illustration Studio Concepts
• Editorial Illustration
• Advanced Illustration

– Initial project assignments include:

• Storyboard
• Mini Comic Zine
• Concept Art
• World Building
• Character Study Sheets
• Animated Walk Cycle

– Advanced projects include:

• Editorial Cartoon
• Editorial Cover
• Website Development
• Promotional and Marketing Materials
• Portfolio Development
• Final Project

For complete Illustration BFA course requirements and descriptions, go to:

Illustration Major (BFA) – Undergraduate CurriculumView the 4-Year Plan for Illustration

Prospective students must meet MSU entry requirements.

Please put together a professional presentation of 15-20 works that include labels (ex: title, medium, year completed). All work should indicate a specific light source by use of value and understanding of composition.

The portfolio MUST include the following:

• 7-10 works of observational drawing (such as still life, landscape life studies, and drawing what is in front of you)
• 3-5 examples of portraiture and figure drawing
• At least 1 three-point perspective of some form of architecture (e.g. buildings, room interior, etc.)
• Sketchbook pages
• Optional: You may also include a few examples of sequential narratives (e.g. comic book panels), original character studies, or conceptual illustration ONLY if you consider this your best work.

Please Do NOT include:

• More than 3 examples of character studies/ sequential narratives
• Unoriginal Fan Art such as drawings of licensed cartoon characters
• Artwork that is copied from another artist’s photograph

Evaluation is based upon:

• An indication of interest in narrative illustration and conceptual thinking.
• Execution and presentation of the portfolio reflecting an understanding of basic principles of art-making such as composition, design, value, color, and light.
• Sketchbook examples of ideation, that is of concept process and development.
• Potential for success in the program through a prospective concentration in the field.