About Our MFA Program

School of Illustration

About Our MFA Program

The MFA curriculum in Illustration emphasizes visual communication and a mastery of technical and conceptual abilities and involves intensive education in the formulation of ideas, problem solving and artistic skill. Students are asked to stretch their talents and refine the skills that will enhance their art, broadening the opportunities for their work. Development of the individual's style and viewpoint is a focus of graduate studies in Illustration.

Graduate students receive classical art instruction and an exposure to new media. The graduate student will develop a portfolio that demonstrates a personal style and a high level of professional skills. A refined illustrative style and voice will culminate in the graduate student's individual focus for their Final Project in areas such as editorial, advertising, graphic novel and children's books. The Final Project is exhibited to the public upon approval of the Final Review committee.

MFA Program Learning Outcomes

School of Illustration

MFA Graduates of the School of Illustration will meet the following student performance criteria:

1. MFA Thesis Project

   • Ability to plan and produce an advanced-level thesis project demonstrating mastery and synthesis of the skills taught in the program, appropriate to the student's professional goals. Graduate Students are required to present to a professional review committee and peers prior to being granted an MFA degree.

2. Professional Readiness

   • Ability to produce professional quality work at a level commensurate with the MFA degree.

3. Artistic Ability

   • Ability to tell stories in pictures, whether to sell ideas, objects, or experiences, in market places including comics, illustration, and fine art galleries.
   • Ability to create compelling images from imagination and reference and to merge the two seamlessly.
   • Ability to draw with understanding from figure, landscape and interiors.
   • Ability to draw with authority and opinion about subject.
   • Ability to maintain a consistent “language” of drawing.
   • Ability to demonstrate mastery of line, edge, value, color and design.
   • Ability to use wide variety of tools and media as derived or needed.
   • Ability to illustrate using digital tools as well as traditional.
   • Ability to execute pictorial processes from thumbnails, to pencils, to color and execution.
   • Demonstrate a great sense of color and value in medium of choice.
   • Ability to apply a solid grasp of art history, illustration history and current trends and visual standards to their work.
   • Ability to pursue inspiration in the world and other artists.
   • Demonstrate passion about being an artist.

4. Critical Thinking Skills

   • Ability to conduct research for reference, inspiration, professional and development.
   • Ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment.
   • Ability to ask questions and to challenge assumptions.
   • Demonstrate curiosity and mental flexibility.
   • Ability to generate ideas from disparate sources.
   • Ability to take directions well and give more back than is asked for in quality.
   • Ability to apply a broad-based education and understanding of the world to create ideas of substance.

5. Professional Skills

   • Develop and maintain professional portfolio website as well as collateral items necessary for successful career.
   • Ability to market themselves.
   • Ability to understand contracts, pricing, and work conditions and expectations for a professional/illustrative artist.
   • Ability to understand taxes.
   • Demonstrate a sufficient grasp of accounting and money-handling skills to run the business of being an illustrator.
   • Ability to generate a business/career plan and regularly review it.

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.

For application and portfolio requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions at 800-544-2787 or info@academyart.edu.

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