Currently illustration exists at the intersection of graphic design, fine art, and interactive design. It is crucial in the daily workings of any kind of communication-based art and business. The Illustration Program curriculum offers both a rigorous intellectual and artistic curriculum and reflects the current career options available to graduates. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of the medium, such as conceptual thinking, problem solving and arts history, and also the logistical and technical aspects of practicing illustration, preparing students for a diverse and fulfilling professional life. New technology is increasingly a part of the contemporary illustrator’s practice, and the Program is at the forefront of training students to use the latest software and hardware to enhance students’ thinking process, drawings, and career prospects.

Requirements for the BFA Program (as of 2011-2012)

Note: The office of Advising reserves the right to correct errors at anytime Please see an Academic Advisor for assistance in selecting courses and reviewing requirements.

Internships

In addition to on-campus classes, the Illustration Program helps facilitate in-the-field internships every semester with a wide-ranging spectrum of cutting edge illustrators, publications, and companies. Recent internships have included: the Jim Henson Foundation, Marvel Enterprises, Spin Magazine, Nickelodeon, Scholastic, Penguin Group, The New Yorker, Sesame Workshop, Thunderdog Studios, The Natural History Museum, Large Animal Games, Vivre Magazine, Jonathan Levine Gallery, and NewLine Cinema. Past internships have included Harper Collins, DC Comics, Center for Book Arts, Animation Collective, the Jewish Museum, and the Society of Illustrators.

Lectures & Critics

Recent lectures and visiting critics to the Illustration Program include: Armin Abmeier, Peter Arkle, Marshall Arisman, Natalie Ascencios, R.O. Blechman, Sarah Boxer, Steven Brodner, Chris Brown, Sue Coe, Marianne Cohen, Brian Cronin, Paul Davis, Kim Deitch, Peter deSeve, Leo and Diane Dillon, Dreamworks, Eric Farr, Friends With You, Josh Gosfield, Steven Heller, Brad Holland, Ryan Inzana, James Jarvis, William Joyce, Kelly Lynn Jones, Peter Kuper, Luba Lukova, Paul Marcus, Christoph Niemann, Jim Nutt, Paper Rad, Bill Plympton, Brian Rea, Edel Rodriguez, Arnold Roth, David Sandlin, Peter Saul, Seth, Adrian Tomine, Minh Vong, Dan Yaccarino.

Interested in the Illustration Program?

For questions about admissions to Parsons, contact the official Admissions Department.  If you are a current BA/BFA Illustration student and have questions about registration or other advising matters, contact our academic advisor, Paul Nicholson.