Illustration

Illustration is a unique art form that is defined not by its medium, but by its context. Illustration finds its home in the public sphere of popular media. With a rich history and a modern, contemporary outlook, illustration brings life to concepts and stories through image-making. Whether created digitally or by hand, an illustration can be a masterful work of art or a practical business application.

Illustrators marry their ability to create visually striking images with their ability to solve problems in unique and engaging ways. Illustrators create images for a variety of outlets that include children’s books, advertising campaigns, clothing, packaging and store displays, video games, movies, animations, and comic books. Illustrators are art directors, graphic, package and web designers, computer game developers, character designers, digital artists, animators, exhibit designers, and storyboard, concept and studio artists.

Professional experience and small classes with award-winning faculty
Students work closely with successful, award-winning illustration industry professionals – including the illustrator of more than 35 Time magazine covers and the recipient of the Hamilton King Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Illustrators.

Our students learn to master a full spectrum of drawing and painting techniques as well as digital, graphic design and three-dimensional processes. They have the opportunity to have their work professionally printed and exhibited throughout the program, learning professional techniques and developing a fresh, personal and marketable portfolio. The University’s Richard C. von Hess Illustration Gallery brings the best contemporary illustrators and their work to campus for exhibitions, lectures and workshops.

Who are UArts Illustration alumni?
Our Illustration alumni are a who’s who of notable contemporary illustrators. Our grads include world-renowned children’s book illustrators Stan, Jan and Michael Berenstain, the creators of the Berenstain Bear series, and Jerry Pinkney, recipient of the Caldecott Medal for Best Illustrated Children's Book, five Caldecott honors and five Coretta Scott King Awards. Richard Amsel, who created the iconic "Raiders of the Lost Ark" movie poster, is also a graduate.

UArts Illustration graduates have been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, and How, Print and 3x3 magazines. The works of our alumni are part of the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Two Illustration graduates have been inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.

Where do Illustration alumni work?