Illustration.

CN

General introduction:

Illustration is a dynamic and versatile field that combines artistic creativity with visual storytelling. This major typically focuses on the creation of images that convey ideas, narratives, or messages through various mediums. Students in illustration programs learn to develop their unique styles and techniques, often exploring both traditional methods, such as drawing and painting, and digital tools, including software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

The curriculum often covers a range of topics, including character design, editorial illustration, children’s book illustration, and concept art for films and video games. Students are encouraged to build a strong portfolio that showcases their skills and versatility, which is crucial for entering the competitive job market. Art history and theory may also be integrated into the coursework to provide a broader context for students’ work.

Illustration graduates can pursue various career paths, including freelance illustration, working in publishing, advertising, animation, and even education. The demand for skilled illustrators continues to grow, particularly with the expansion of digital media and online content creation. As such, illustrators play a vital role in branding, marketing, and communication, making their work essential in today’s visually driven society.

Overall, the illustration major fosters not only technical skills but also critical thinking and creative problem-solving, preparing students to effectively convey complex ideas through visual art. It is a field that rewards innovation and personal expression, making it an exciting choice for those passionate about art and storytelling.

Graduates information


The data presented for the Illustration major reveals noteworthy trends in graduation statistics over the years, alongside insights into the demographic composition of graduates in 2023.

The first dataset indicates a steady increase in the total number of graduates in the Illustration program from 2003 to 2023, with a notable jump from 2,411 graduates in 2019 to 2,934 in 2023. This upward trend suggests a growing interest in the field and possibly an expansion of the programs offered across various institutions. The number of international students has also increased, reflecting the program's global appeal. For instance, the percentage of international graduates rose from about 2% in 2003 to approximately 17.7% in 2023, implying that the Illustration major is increasingly attracting talent from abroad.

In terms of degree levels, the majority of graduates in 2023 obtained a bachelor's degree (2,524), followed by associate degrees (242) and a significantly smaller number of master's degrees (168), with no doctoral graduates reported. The data suggests that the bachelor's degree is the primary pathway for students in this field, which is common in creative disciplines where practical experience and portfolio development can be more critical than higher degrees.

The second dataset provides a detailed breakdown of the demographic composition of graduates in 2023. Notably, white students constitute the largest group among associate degree holders (116 out of 242), but the representation of international students is significant at 422 out of 2,524 bachelor’s graduates, highlighting the program's diversity. Asian students make up a considerable portion as well, especially at the bachelor level (322).

The Hispanic and Pacific Islander demographics also show strong representations, with 307 and 230 respectively among bachelor’s graduates. This diversity suggests that the Illustration major is not only growing in numbers but is also appealing to a broad spectrum of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

In conclusion, the data on the Illustration major indicates a healthy growth trajectory in graduate numbers, with a notable increase in international representation and a diverse student demographic. This trend positions the major as an attractive and inclusive option for aspiring artists and illustrators in the United States.


List of colleges that has Illustration. degree

The data on the "Illustration" program across various US universities provides an interesting insight into the distribution of graduates by school ranking. Examining the numbers, we see a limited number of institutions offering this program, especially in the higher-ranked categories.

In the top 50 universities, there are no recorded graduates for the Illustration program, which suggests that the most prestigious institutions may not prioritize this specific discipline or may offer it under different program names. This lack of representation in the upper echelon of rankings could indicate that students seeking a career in illustration might find better opportunities in schools that specialize in arts rather than traditional academic powerhouses.

Moving to the 51-100 ranking range, we find the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), which has produced 32 graduates for this program. RIT is well-known for its emphasis on technology and arts, making it a fitting choice for students interested in illustration. Additionally, Syracuse University (Syracuse), ranking at 67, has a smaller output of 15 graduates, comprising 11 undergraduates and 4 master’s students. This indicates a healthy interest in the program, albeit on a smaller scale.

In the 101-150 ranking range, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) stands out with a notable 131 undergraduate graduates in illustration. This significant number suggests that VCU might be a leading choice for students pursuing illustration, emphasizing the program's reputation and the university's commitment to arts education. Meanwhile, Brigham Young University-Provo (BYU) contributes an additional 16 undergraduate graduates, albeit at a lower scale.

As we move down to the 151-200 range, we find St John's University (NY) (St John's) with only 6 graduates. This low number reflects the challenges some institutions face in attracting students to specialized programs like illustration.

In the 201-250 range, The New School (The New School) showcases a more substantial output of 89 undergraduate graduates, suggesting a vibrant community and strong curriculum in illustration. This aligns with the institution's overall focus on creative education. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) contributes 13 graduates, while Belmont University (Belmont) has only 1 graduate, indicating a lesser engagement with this field.

Finally, in the 251-300 ranking category, both George Fox University (George Fox) and Seattle Pacific University (Seattle Pacific) each produced 9 graduates. These numbers reflect a smaller pool of students and perhaps a more niche offering in illustration.

In conclusion, the data illustrates that while many universities offer illustration programs, the output varies significantly, particularly in the mid-tier schools. Institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University and The New School appear to be leading the way in terms of graduate numbers, suggesting they are attractive options for prospective students interested in the field of illustration. The lack of representation in the top universities highlights a trend where specialized art programs may be more prevalent and robust in schools focusing on creative disciplines.

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