At AIB, you'll have the chance to focus on the areas of illustration
that most interest you while also exploring other disciplines in the
arts and liberal arts. The Illustration curriculum stresses the development of unique ideas, and of drawing skills as the basis for communicating ideas. AIB's Illustration courses will help you grow your natural abilities and master the skills you need to develop as a visual thinker with a distinctive voice and authentic personal style.
The BFA Illustration program of study begins with a thorough grounding in the basics of drawing, composition, color, and art history while encouraging experimentation of all kinds. The foundation year curriculum will open you up to art in all its iterations as well as the ever broadening field of illustration. Coursework allows you to explore and experiment with traditional and digital techniques, hone your conceptual and narrative skills, deepen your knowledge and critical thinking, develop the promotional and business tools you'll need to succeed professionally.
AIB’s small size makes it possible for students to work closely with our talented teachers. Our nationally recognized faculty includes working illustrators from diverse backgrounds who represent a variety of viewpoints and illustration techniques. This group brings knowledge of current developments in the field and real-world professional skills to their classroom. Our visiting artist program gives you the chance to learn from—and exchange ideas with—some of today's foremost illustrators.
Department Outcomes:
Specific work skills for Illustration Majors
- Develop ideas, express and communicate with pencil/drawing mediums and language
- Exposure to a variety of different mediums and command of at least one or two
- The ability to combine ideas, medium, and research
- Develop a style manifested by productivity, experimentation, and exploration
- Gain a knowledge of digital technology including scanning, producing, and formatting files for print or web
- Develop and manage one's own website and link to commercial sites
- Utilize design and fine art techniques and study the work of artists, designers, and illustrators
- Possess the ability to research and pursue useful leads and develop successful networking skills
Featured Courses
Alternative Comix
Weekly assignments will push your storytelling skills, while class lectures will demonstrate the vast range of comic book genres and production methods—from low-tech to polished and low-brow to avant garde.
Anatomy & Figure Drawing
Through lectures and drawings from the figure, skeleton, and imagination, you’ll engage in a thorough study of the human skeletal and muscular systems and explore the complex issues of figure composition.
Faculty Spotlight
Susan LeVan
Associate Professor, Chair of Illustration
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Margaret Kimball
Associate Professor of Illustration
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