14 Illustration Preparatory Programs

This program prepares individuals to visually communicate information and ideas through personal expression that features figurative work. This includes practical, hands-on instruction in how to plan and produce a variety of illustrated works integrating communication goals with a visual message.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Illustration and Sequential Art is designed for the student who wishes to develop an area of specialization in illustration and comics and sequential art.

The Minor in Illustration gives you a strong foundation in the conceptual and technical aspects of illustration as well as a self-directed package of courses that allows experimentation across the field or focus in a particular direction such as children’s books, games, comics or editorial. We encourage you to speak with the Chair of Illustration if you would like help picking courses that will best serve your interests.

Your experience in the CCS Illustration department integrates the fundamentals of visual storytelling, figure drawing, color, composition, and perspective with industry-relevant coursework. Our illustration elective course options form pathways in Visual Development, Publishing, Fashion Lifestyle and Licensing, Comics and Sequential, or Gallery Artist. Through these pathways, you will develop a portfolio specific to your career goals and creative interests.

This Level 3 two year course will teach you a variety of 2D mark-making skills with a strong emphasis on drawing and generating original styles and concepts for the animation, cartoon and illustration industries. On completing the course you will have a portfolio to present to potential employers as evidence of your artistic abilities. This qualification will also be suitable for those wishing to go onto higher level studies at Foundation Diploma level and then Degree.

The HND Visual Communication specialising in Illustration is a well-respected advanced studio-based course that prepares students for a successful career as an accomplished and professional Illustrator. Drawing and contextual research underpin the course delivery and you will benefit from working in our dedicated Illustration studios and MacLabs to develop advanced skills in media handling, specialist software and contemporary approaches to Illustration.

This stimulating course has a strong practical focus, embracing a broad range of approaches and media, across contexts such as editorial, illustration, or sequential narrative.

Do you possess a lively, enquiring mind? Do you enjoy developing your ideas through drawing and utilising a range of processes towards a final product? During the Illustration/Graphics course, you will learn to develop design solutions, exploring the power of visual communication as an invaluable commercial tool. The course is structured to support and develop your confidence and individual strengths, from illustrative and traditional studio-based skills through to more graphics and digitally based practice, allowing for a broad and creative approach to design.

Drawing is an essential part of every art and design specialism, as well for those who wish to work in the creative industries, and is at the heart of what we do here at AUB.

Our online fashion drawing, rendering and illustration video lessons will help you realize your designs on paper and make an artist out of you! Being able to communicate your design ideas to others is a critical step toward becoming a successful fashion designer.

Upon successful completion of the Graphic Design and Illustration degree program requirements, graduates will: to identify the array of career paths available to this and related industries (Overview) be able to conceive a visual solution to a communications problem (Concept) discern between a resolved, well-designed, illustrated, etc., a piece from a poorly designed one (Aesthetics) be able to employ a skill set to transition from an idea into print or digital media (Execution) create effective visual communications that are responsive to the needs of clients and their target audiences (Commercial Applications) create and maintain a professionally presented body of work (Portfolio) be able to critique work using an informed visual vocabulary (Presentation)

This transformative course has a strong practical focus so if you love branding, design, typography and the dynamic ever-changing language of visual communication, you'll love this course. We will introduce you to the role of the professional graphic designer / Illustrator.

Our Certificate IV in Visual Arts course is designed to develop and extend skills and knowledge across a range of 2D art forms and develop skills and confidence in using a range of techniques.

The curriculum is rooted in a strong foundation of basic drawing and design skills, with classroom exercises providing a practical and theoretical experience. Students develop strong skills and technical knowledge using various software programs, and experience with digital cameras, downloading images, scanning, printers, and digital prepress considerations.