B.A. in Art & Design: Illustration
Illustration uses visual imagery to communicate ideas and tell stories across editorial, publishing, advertising, education, and freelance work.
Expand Your Impact
in Illustration
Illustration is about more than just drawing. It’s about conveying messaging through imagery and problem solving complex communication in a visual form that an audience can better understand.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts in Art & Design: Illustration
Total Credits: 120
Format: In-seat, classroom and lab settings
Program
Overview
Bring stories, ideas, and imagination to life through illustration. Our Illustration program empowers students to develop their artistic voice while learning to create impactful imagery for books, advertising, editorial publications, educational materials, and beyond. Illustration is the art of visual storytelling. In this program, students learn how to interpret, explain, and enhance written and conceptual ideas through original imagery, using both traditional and digital media to create work that informs, inspires, and engages audiences.
Who This
Program Is For
The Visual Storyteller
Students who are passionate about bringing stories, characters, and ideas to life through imagery. They are interested in narrative art, book illustration, comics, or conceptual storytelling and want to create work that informs, inspires, or entertains.
The Creative Artist
Students with a strong interest in drawing, painting, and developing their personal artistic style. They are motivated to refine their technical skills, explore different media, and create visually compelling work for artistic or commercial purposes.
The Freelance Creative Professional
Students who aspire to turn their artistic talent into a career. They are interested in opportunities in editorial, advertising, educational, or commissioned illustration, and want to build a professional portfolio and learn how to work with clients or as independent artists.
What
You’ll Learn
Students in the Illustration program develop the artistic, technical, and conceptual skills needed to create compelling visual stories and communicate ideas through imagery. Through hands-on projects and portfolio-building experiences, graduates leave prepared for careers in publishing, advertising, entertainment, education, and freelance illustration.
Drawing & Visual Storytelling
- Build strong foundational drawing skills in anatomy, perspective, composition, and form
- Create illustrations that interpret, explain, and enhance written or conceptual ideas
- Develop storytelling techniques for editorial, narrative, and conceptual work
Traditional & Digital Illustration Techniques
- Explore a range of traditional media such as ink, paint, and mixed media
- Use industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate for digital illustration and design
- Create polished artwork for print, web, and multimedia applications
Professional Practice & Portfolio Development
- Build a professional portfolio showcasing a range of illustration styles and applications
- Present and refine work through critiques and client-style feedback
- Gain experience in freelance practices, commissions, and creative entrepreneurship
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum for Illustration is designed to provide students with the foundational elements of all aspects of storytelling and design, from basic elements of artistic design to creating complex illustrations in a variety of mediums.
Program Structure
- General Education & Prerequisites: 47 credits
- Illustration Coursework: 81 credits
Career &
Outcomes
Transform your artistic talent into a versatile career with the visual storytelling and technical skills top creative industries demand.
Employers around the world are constantly in need of skilled illustrators and artists. Some jobs may include:
- Illustrator
- Editorial Illustrator
- Book Illustrator
- Children’s Book Illustrator
- Concept Artist
- Storyboard Artist
- Character Designer
- Visual Development Artist (VisDev Artist)
- Comic Book Artist / Graphic Novelist
- Editorial Artist
- Advertising Illustrator
- Medical Illustrator
- Scientific Illustrator
- Technical Illustrator
- Packaging Illustrator
- Surface Pattern Designer
- Freelance Illustrator
- Conceptual Illustrator
- Art Director (with experience)
- Game Artist (2D)
Admission
Requirements
Students who are admitted to West Liberty University are able to begin coursework within Illustration.
Requirements:
- Admission to West Liberty University
An advisor will be assigned to you upon admission to help guide you through planning your coursework each semester.
Cost, Aid &
Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
Step 1: Apply to West Liberty University
Step 2: Declare your Illustration major
Step 3: Review the advising guide and prepare for enrollment
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.