School of Illustration

BFA Program Learning Outcomes

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration emphasizes concept development and both traditional and digital execution skills. Fundamental courses provide a solid foundation in understanding the figure, traditional rendering and digital media.  As students progress through the program, they apply these skills with storytelling to create visually engaging and conceptual meaningful imagery. Graduates enter the field armed with portfolios demonstrating their uniquely identifiable style and their expertise in illustrating client-based solutions.

BFA graduates of the School of Illustration will meet the following student performance criteria:

• Drawing

  • Effectively utilize line, edge, value and design in their work
  • Draw with opinion and evidence of individual style
  • Accurately and appropriately interpret the figure, landscape, and architecture

• Composition and Color

  • Effectively use focal point, eye path and value
  • Create coherent thumbnails, comps, and layouts
  • Use color and value effectively to enhance story and ideas

• Tools and Technique

  • Execute their illustration work using appropriate tools and media

• Visual Problem Solving

  • Demonstrate in their portfolio the ability to meet client needs and solve client problems
  • Tell a story visually and/or create visually engaging and conceptually meaningful imagery
  • Entertainment Art: Display their process for exploring and developing ideas and designs
  • Publication & Print: Display continuity and consistent character in layouts

• Personal Style

  • Illustrate in a consistent and uniquely identifiable style

• Critical Thinking and Development

  • Demonstrate the ability to research for inspiration, reference, accuracy, and incorporate findings into client-based solutions.
  • Articulate intentions and analyze whether or not work meets objectives

• Presentation Skills

  • Professionally articulate ideas and proposals

• Professional Development

  • Create cohesive digital and printed portfolios that incorporate current industry practices and presentation standards
  • Generate and maintain a business/career plan
  • Understand and practice professional pricing, contract, and bookkeeping skills
  • (Midpoint) Clearly articulate career goals

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Campus Tour

If you're interested in signing up for one of the Academy of Art University's campus tours, please click here for more information.

You're Invited

Click here to view upcoming Academy events.