School of Illustration

BFA Program Learning Outcomes

It is the objective of the School of Illustration to develop a unique portfolio for each student that demonstrates a personal style and a high level of professional skills enabling them to enter the job market at a competitive level. Student portfolios are judged to be of a professional quality by how well they demonstrate the following skills: drawing and an understanding of the figure; concepts and storytelling; the use of color to convey feeling and mood; perspective and composition; mastery of technique, both traditional and digital; content, marketability and presentation.

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

• Drawing

  • Narrative, Comics, and Visual Development Artists: 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
  • Visual Development and Concept Artists: Display their process for exploring and developing ideas and designs
  • Comics and Childrens' Book artists: 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
  • Describe work in the context of historical references and current trends

• 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

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.

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