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A student sits at a desk and draws on paper.

Illustration B.F.A.

Illustrators arouse curiosity, tell stories and illuminate issues. Our bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree program balances imagination and self-expression with refinement of skills in drawing, painting, digital media and research.

As an illustration major, you will take classes in traditional, digital and alternate media to develop competency with techniques. You’ll study conceptual thinking, research methods and how to communicate narrative while developing familiarity with illustration history and the contemporary field. You’ll be encouraged to develop your unique vision and aesthetic, with guidance toward your professional goals.

A gallery wall and pedestal showing illustrations of a musician with a guitar.

Senior illustration majors may show their work in the B.F.A. thesis exhibition at VPA's Warehouse Gallery. Work by Mohamed Keita '25

The Illustration Concepts classes focus on industry specialties. If interested, you can  explore more than one focus:

  • Visual Development Focus: visual and character development for animation and gaming 
  • Editorial Focus: magazine, newspaper, book jacket and online publishing
  • Sequential Focus: comics, graphic novels or children’s books
  • Product Focus: patterning, packaging and products

Alumni from the illustration program are successful in children’s books, comics, graphic novels, greeting cards, licensing, advertising and editorial illustration, as well as visual development in animated films, television and the gaming industry. 

Video: Industry Specialties

Program Coordinator Frank Cammuso explains the different tracks in the illustration program.

Watch the video
Admission and portfolio requirements
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Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 122-credit curriculum includes major and academic requirements as well as studio and academic electives. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

View degree requirements, courses and student learning outcomes
A student paints on a canvas in a studio.

Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. Illustration majors often choose to study at the Syracuse University center in Florence, Italy, in the spring semester of their third year, and/or in Los Angeles via the VPA LA Semester program in the fall semester of their fourth year. Your advisor can discuss your options with you.

A person takes a photo of a historic building in Torino, Italy.

Career Exploration

The illustration program intersects with the profession through visiting artists, with workshops and lectures and on trips to New York City and elsewhere. You’ll visit the Society of Illustrators (where the program has membership) in the fall and participate in MoCCAFest in New York City in the spring.

In addition, all illustration majors have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking opportunities, mentors and more.

Two people sit at a table looking at a laptop.

Program Faculty

An illustration of a blue individual with a snake wrapped around their body.

Illustration by Alexis Mohammed

An illustration of a ship surrounded by waves.

Illustration by Cassianne Cavallaro

Illustration of a girl on the back of a monster.

Illustration by Emilie DelSignore

Illustration of a dragon. Planes circle it.

Illustration by Jamie Kiemle

An illustration of a cave in a river with two glowing eyes peeking out.

Illustration by Jonathan Corby

An illustration of a person in the water. Smoke seems to come out of her hair. Planes come crashing down around her.

Illustration by Katie Mulligan

An illustration of a hand that is all sewed up.

Illustration by Lingyan Chen

An illustration of a person floating. People swim around them.

Illustration by Trang Pham

Illustration of a punch bug parked on the street.

Illustration by Chloe Perline