Illustration
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About the Program
Students in the Illustration program learn to communicate ideas and narratives visually for print and digital media. The curriculum emphasizes working from life, direct observation, and the development of original content.
Courses introduce design, color, perspective, digital media, and figure drawing, leading to advanced studios where students refine their personal voice and build a professional portfolio.
Instruction combines demonstrations, lectures, critiques, and peer discussion, fostering creative problem-solving and critical thinking. Graduates are prepared for careers in fields such as publishing, editorial, comics, entertainment, fashion, and architecture.
Illustration Faculty
Illustration Courses
AD 219 Illustration: Foundations
4 credit hours
Offered: Fall, Winter
Introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques of illustration, with a focus on narrative picture-making using ink and watercolor media.
AD 319A Illustration: Digital Media
4 credit hours
Offered: Fall, Winter
Prerequisite: AD 102 or AD 219, and AD 218; or instructor permission.
Digital media is employed as a tool for storytelling and visual communication, tailored to meet client needs. Explore how images effectively convey social messages through real-world illustration projects.
AD 319B Illustration: Narrative Figure
4 credit hours
Offered: Fall, even-numbered years
Prerequisite: AD 102 or AD 219 or instructor permission.
Exploration of the human figure as a structural form and vehicle for expression in narrative art and illustration. Emphasis is placed on anatomy, drawing, and painting from observation, construction, gesture, composition, research, and creating reference to aid imagination.
AD 419 Illustration: Advanced Studio
4 credit hours
Offered: Fall, odd-numbered years
Prerequisite: AD 303 or concurrent enrollment, and either AD 319A or AD 319B; or instructor’s permission.
Development of conceptual and problem-solving abilities within the framework of varied commercial situations, while encouraging personal artistic voice. Ideation, research, and the professional practice of an illustrator are emphasized.
AD 431 Portfolio: Illustration & Painting
4 credit hours
Offered: Winter, odd-numbered years
Prerequisite: AD 303, and at least two from AD319A, AD319B, AD320, AD419, or AD420; or instructor's permission.
Through individualized projects, students will refine their technical skills, artistic vision, and professional presentation to create portfolios and promotional materials that reflect their career goals and unique strengths.
Illustration Studio
The Illustration Studio is located on the second floor of the Art & Design Building. This spacious, multi-purpose space offers both natural and artificial lighting, creating a flexible environment for a variety of projects. In addition to scheduled class times, the studio is open to illustration students during evenings and weekends.
The facility includes flat-file storage, a sink, still life props, plaster casts, light tables, and Wacom Cintiqs, providing a professional setting for work in both traditional and digital media.
Illustration FAQ
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration and a Bachelor of Arts (BA)or Bachelor of Science (BS)?
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is considered the professional studio degree, as it has more credits in the illustration concentration and more studio credit hours than a BA or BS degree.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees provide students with the option to pursue a minor in another area of interest, such as Writing, English, etc., alongside their major in Illustration.
Does the school require a portfolio review before you are accepted into our programs?
If you are accepted to the university, you may pursue a degree within the School of Art & Design. While a portfolio is not required for entry, you may choose to present one to a professor in your studio area. Faculty can use this portfolio to determine whether you qualify for advanced placement credit (replaces both the course and credit hours), a waiver (replaces the course but not the credit hours), or to identify the appropriate studio level for you to begin. Portfolios may be reviewed during a campus visit or during a faculty member’s office hours during the semester.
Although there is no required portfolio review to enter the program, all Art & Design majors are required to complete a portfolio review with faculty (Individual Art Review, AD 303) during the twelfth week of each semester.
For information on general University admission requirements, contact the Admissions Office.
What equipment is required for Illustration majors?
As a student at NMU, you will be issued a laptop computer, and as an Art and Design major, the laptop will be an Apple MacBook. In AD319A Illustration: Digital Media, students are also required to have a digital drawing tablet or iPad.
Throughout the curriculum, students also work extensively with traditional media such as graphite, charcoal, ink, watercolor, colored pencil, pastels, collage, and acrylic, with opportunities to explore additional materials based on individual interests.
What are the prospects for employment with a degree in Illustration?
Earning a living as an illustrator today is achievable with the right mindset, preparation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Our graduates often work as freelance artists, collaborating with a wide range of clients across industries on a project-by-project basis. While this career path offers exciting opportunities, it can sometimes feel overwhelming for students and their families.
Our curriculum prepares students not just artistically, but professionally. We provide essential training in marketing their work, negotiating contracts, protecting intellectual property, setting sustainable pricing, and maintaining high ethical standards. These real-world skills lay the foundation for launching and sustaining a successful creative career.
Equally important is a student’s internal drive. Qualities like self-discipline, persistence, and a willingness to learn from setbacks are essential for success. Our program is designed to nurture both artistic talent and the determination and adaptability needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of illustration.
What will I study in the Illustration program?
Our illustration curriculum places a strong emphasis on working from life and developing keen observational skills. This foundational approach helps students build essential techniques that strengthen their ability to visually communicate ideas and narratives across a wide range of media, including both print and digital platforms.
While students are encouraged to pursue specialized areas of interest, the program also provides broad exposure to the many professional paths within the illustration field. This range of experience is invaluable in preparing students to excel in a continuously evolving job market.
To further this goal, students are encouraged to cultivate their own original content and personal projects. This approach gives them greater creative control and confidence in their work, fostering a spirit of artistic independence that is key to a lasting and meaningful career in illustration.
Are there scholarships available for incoming first-year students?
For information about scholarships for incoming freshmen, please visit the Scholarships & Financial Aid page.