M.F.A. in Illustration

San Francisco, California

 

INTAKE: Feb, Jun & Sep

Program Overview

The M.F.A. in Illustration program at the Academy of Art University is a distinguished and comprehensive program designed to nurture and refine the talents of aspiring illustrators. With a strong focus on creative development, technical proficiency, and adaptability, this program prepares students for successful careers in the ever-evolving field of illustration. The M.F.A. in Illustration program at the Academy of Art University is designed to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and portfolio needed for a successful career in the illustration field.  If students are passionate about illustration and aspire to become a professional artist, this program provides the ideal foundation for achieving their goals.Graduates are prepared to excel in the industry, whether as freelance artists, in-house illustrators, or industry leaders. The M.F.A. in Illustration program at the Academy of Art University is a unique and innovative program that combines tradition with technology, fostering the development of illustrators who are ready to make their mark in the industry. With a strong curriculum, STEM designation, and a commitment to individualized growth, this program offers a world-class education that prepares students for a bright future in the world of illustration.

Curriculum:

1. Creative Environment: The Academy of Art University is renowned for providing an immersive and vibrant creative environment. The M.F.A. in Illustration program benefits from this artistic atmosphere, encouraging students to think outside the box, experiment, and refine their unique style.

2. Diverse Curriculum: The curriculum is tailored to provide students with a well-rounded education. It covers a wide array of illustration mediums, including digital illustration, traditional drawing and painting, character design, concept art, storyboarding, and editorial illustration.

3. Expert Faculty: The program boasts a faculty of industry professionals and experienced artists who are dedicated to mentoring students and providing insights into the illustration field. Their guidance and real-world knowledge are invaluable in helping students develop their unique style and skillset.

4. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students at the Academy of Art University have access to top-tier facilities and equipment. The program integrates the use of advanced software and equipment, allowing students to explore various digital and traditional mediums. They can hone their craft and experiment with different techniques.

5. Portfolio Development: A major emphasis of the program is on building a strong professional portfolio. Students have the opportunity to create a diverse body of work that showcases their individual style and artistic growth. An impressive portfolio is key to gaining recognition in the competitive illustration industry.

6. Exposure to Real-World Projects: Through collaborations and internships, students have the chance to work on real-world projects. This practical experience provides invaluable insights and helps students prepare for the demands of the industry.

7. Personalized Learning: The program is structured to allow students to explore their interests within the field of illustration. Whether a student is interested in animation, children's book illustration, concept art, or other specializations, they can tailor their studies to match their career aspirations.

8. Professional Networking: The Academy of Art University fosters a creative environment where students can connect with their peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Networking opportunities, workshops, and events help students build relationships that can be advantageous as they enter the professional world.

9. Career Preparation: The program integrates career development into the curriculum, helping students prepare for the job market. Graduates are well-equipped to explore various career paths in the illustration industry.

Pollster Education

Location

San Francisco, California

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 7

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

USD 25272

Entry requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 500

1. Academic Qualifications:

  • For Postgraduate Programs, international students are required to have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. The academic qualifications must be equivalent to U.S. standards.

2. English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7 with no individual band score less than 6.5.
  • TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 82.
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum DET score of 110 is required.

The Academy of Art University offers a range of scholarships to international students, helping to make art and design education more accessible. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs, and they can significantly ease the financial burden of tuition. 

  1. International Student Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for international students who are applying for undergraduate programs. The award amount varies, and eligibility criteria may include a strong academic background, portfolio quality, and a passion for art and design.

  2. The Spring Show Scholarship: The Spring Show is an annual event showcasing the best works from the Academy's students. This scholarship recognizes students who have participated in this event and demonstrated exceptional talent. It can be a substantial financial aid package.

  3. Athletic Scholarship: International students with exceptional athletic skills may be eligible for athletic scholarships. The availability and amount of these scholarships depend on the student's performance and contribution to the university's sports teams.

  4. Academic Scholarships: The Academy of Art University offers various academic scholarships based on a student's academic performance. Students who have achieved excellence in their previous studies may qualify for these scholarships.

  5. Portfolio Scholarships: Many scholarships are awarded based on the quality of a student's portfolio. These scholarships often require students to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their artistic skills and creativity.

  6. Alumni Scholarships: The Academy values its alumni and offers scholarships to relatives of alumni. This scholarship may be open to international students who have family members who attended the university.

  7. Graduate Scholarships: International students pursuing graduate programs can also access scholarships based on their academic achievements and career goals. These scholarships can help offset the costs of a master's or doctoral degree.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and criteria may change over time.

An M.F.A. in Illustration from the Academy of Art University equips graduates with a high level of expertise and a diverse skill set, opening the door to a wide range of exciting career prospects in the field of illustration. An M.F.A. in Illustration from the Academy of Art University offers a versatile skill set and opens doors to a diverse range of creative career opportunities.

  1. Illustrator for Publishing: Many M.F.A. graduates find success as illustrators for book publishers. They create captivating visuals for novels, children's books, textbooks, and magazines. The ability to bring stories to life through imagery is a sought-after skill in the publishing industry.

  2. Concept Artist: Concept artists play a pivotal role in the video game and film industry. They are responsible for visualizing characters, environments, and objects before they are created in the real world. M.F.A. graduates with strong conceptual skills are well-suited for this role.

  3. Freelance Illustrator: With the rise of online platforms and the gig economy, many illustrators choose the path of freelancing. This offers the flexibility to work on various projects for different clients, including editorial work, advertising, and digital media.

  4. Advertising Illustrator: The advertising industry relies heavily on captivating visuals to convey messages and promote products. Graduates can create illustrations for advertising agencies, working on campaigns across various media, from print to digital.

  5. Storyboard Artist: Storyboard artists create visual sequences to plan scenes in film, television, and animation. Their work is essential for directors and producers to understand how a scene will unfold. M.F.A. graduates can excel in this field, bringing creative storytelling skills to life.

  6. Children's Book Illustrator: This specialized niche offers the opportunity to create whimsical and engaging illustrations for children's books. Graduates can produce captivating visuals that resonate with young readers and enhance their reading experiences.

  7. Medical and Scientific Illustrator: This unique career path involves creating illustrations that simplify complex medical or scientific concepts. Graduates with strong attention to detail and an ability to translate complex ideas into visuals can excel in this field.

  8. Fashion Illustrator: Fashion illustrators bring clothing designs to life through their artwork. They work closely with designers to create visuals that showcase the details, fabrics, and overall aesthetic of fashion collections.

  9. Educational Illustrator: Educational institutions, museums, and science centers often require illustrators to create visuals that aid in the understanding of educational content. M.F.A. graduates can contribute to making learning engaging and accessible.

  10. Art Director: For those looking to take on leadership roles, the position of an art director may be appealing. Art directors manage creative projects, supervise teams of illustrators, and ensure the artistic vision is maintained throughout a project.

  11. Gallery Artist: Some graduates choose to create fine art illustrations and display their work in galleries. This path may involve selling original pieces or prints directly to art enthusiasts and collectors.

  12. Digital Media Illustrator: As digital media continues to grow, illustrators are needed to create visual content for websites, social media, mobile apps, and other digital platforms. M.F.A. graduates can leverage their digital skills in this field.

  13. Cultural and Historical Illustrator: Museums and cultural institutions hire illustrators to create visuals that represent historical events, cultural heritage, and artifacts. These illustrations help educate and engage visitors.

  14. Illustration Educator: Some graduates discover a passion for teaching and choose to become educators, passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation of illustrators. 


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