Studio Art BFA - Illustration
Undergraduate students can pursue study in illustration at 7M视频 through the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Illustration.
At 7M视频, illustration combines strong foundational drawing skills with visual storytelling, creative problem-solving and technical proficiency in both traditional and digital media. Students learn to communicate ideas and narratives through images while developing skills in areas such as digital illustration, concept development and professional creative practices.
As a concentration area, illustration prepares students to develop a professional portfolio and apply their artistic skills across a range of creative industries, including commercial art, concept art, publishing and animation. Students also gain experience with the professional and business practices needed to pursue freelance and other careers in illustration.
Illustration as Visual Storytelling and Professional Practice
The Illustration concentration at 7M视频 combines a strong foundation in drawing and design with the development of visual storytelling, conceptual thinking and technical proficiency. Students work in both traditional and digital media, using research, experimentation and image-making to communicate ideas and create engaging visual narratives. As they progress through the program, students develop their own artistic voice while learning to approach illustration as both a creative discipline and a professional practice.
Drawing and design remain central to the illustration curriculum. Students apply observational drawing, composition, color and design principles to the creation of images intended to communicate characters, environments, stories and concepts. Coursework introduces contemporary approaches to illustration while encouraging students to explore a variety of media and methods. Digital tools are incorporated alongside traditional processes, allowing students to develop the technical versatility needed for work in areas such as publishing, commercial art, concept art, animation and other creative industries.
Throughout the concentration, students are encouraged to move beyond technical proficiency and develop a recognizable personal style. Illustration projects emphasize research, concept development, narrative clarity and thoughtful execution while introducing professional workflows and presentation standards. Character Art coursework further develops skills in concept art and visual development, particularly character design for entertainment-related fields.
Classes and the Senior Thesis
Students begin their illustration studies with a foundation in drawing, two- and three-dimensional design, color theory and other studio disciplines before advancing into dedicated illustration coursework. Illustration I introduces contemporary illustration through traditional and digital media, emphasizing idea development, visual narrative and emerging professional practices. Illustration II advances technical ability, narrative development and personal voice while introducing more sophisticated professional workflows and presentation.
Advanced coursework provides students with opportunities to create increasingly self-directed and concept-driven work. Illustration III focuses on refining narrative skills, technical ability and individual style while producing portfolio-ready work using industry-standard workflows. Students also study Character Art and Professional Practices, connecting their studio development with concept art, visual development and the practical business considerations of working as a professional artist or freelance illustrator.
The undergraduate illustration experience culminates in 7M视频’s Senior Thesis & Exhibition. As part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, students develop a body of original work that demonstrates the artistic direction, technical skills and personal voice they have developed throughout the program. The senior thesis serves as both the culmination of their undergraduate studio education and an important step toward building a professional portfolio for careers or continued graduate study.