Illustration (IL-BFA-KE), B.F.A.

Location(s): Kendall College of Art & Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Initiated in the early 1960s, the Illustration program continues to provide its students a resilient experience in formulating visual information and understanding its traditions, while exploring a wide variety of media and processes. Courses in general education are also studied to broaden the perspective of the contemporary illustrator. A student in the Illustration program follows a specific core curriculum that introduces the student to the conceptual development of artwork, the media processes, and procedures toward the completion of finished illustrations. This program of study is complemented by courses in drawing, computer aided imagery, art history and studio electives. The student has the opportunity to develop a professional and marketable portfolio in preparation for a career.

Admission Requirements

New Student Admission Requirements

2.50 High School GPA (on a 4.00 scale)
ACT/SAT test scores are NOT currently required for admissions consideration to KCAD. However, some Woodbridge N. Ferris Scholarship levels may require test scores be submitted to be awarded at certain levels.
Portfolio Requirement: Your portfolio should include 8-10 pieces of your best, most recent work that reflect your interests and creative potential. This collection of work could include 2D or 3D artwork, such as drawings, paintings, design, photography, sketches, animation, typography, videos, collages, ceramics, sculpture, sewn garments or other forms of creativity.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

2.50 College GPA (on a 4.00 scale)

University General Education Requirements - 30 Credits Required

KCHU 120 - Writing Credit Hours: 3
KCHU 255 - Introduction to Narrative Studies Credit Hours: 3
KCSS 229 - Introduction to Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 3
KCHU 228 - Philosophy Credit Hours: 3

Choose one of the following:

KCSC 240 - Perspectives on Science Credit Hours: 3
KCSC 231 - Math in Art and Design Credit Hours: 3
KCSC - Math/Science Elective Credit Hours: 3

Pathways:

Select one:

Narrative Studies (NR)
Cultural Studies (CS)
Philosophical Studies (PL)

At least (3) courses will be taken within the selected Pathway. Recommended at the 200-level or higher

Four NR/CS/PL Credit Hours: 3
Choose 1 of 3
KCHU 460 - Capstone in Narrative Studies Credit Hours: 3
or
KCHU 461 - Capstone in Philosophical Studies Credit Hours: 3
or
KCSS 460 - Capstone in Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 3

Minor: (Optional) 15 Credit Hours

College Requirements

Supportive Studio 27 Credit Hours

KCFN 113 - Color: Apply Credit Hours: 3
KCFN 115 - Design: Text Credit Hours: 3
KCFN 116 - Design: Image Credit Hours: 3
KCFN 133 - Drawing: Learn Credit Hours: 3
KCFN 134 - Drawing: Practice Credit Hours: 3
KCSA 221 - Figure Drawing I Credit Hours: 3
KCSA 223 - Figure Drawing II Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 244 - Narrative Perspective Credit Hours: 3
KCPH 110 - Introduction to Photography for Non-Majors Credit Hours: 3

Art History 12 Credit Hours

KCAH 101 - Global Art I: Prehistory - 14th Century Credit Hours: 3
KCAH 102 - Global Art II: 15th Century - Present Credit Hours: 3
KCAH - Art History Elective Credit Hours: 3
KCAH - Art History Elective Credit Hours: 3

Major Studio 39 Credit Hours

KCIL 120 - Introduction to Illustration Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 234 - Illustration Techniques Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 242 - Rendering Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 243 - Digital Illustration Painting I Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 252 - Watercolor Techniques Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 311 - Advanced Inking Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 312 - Natural Science Illustration Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 330 - Children’s Book Illustration Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 335 - Illustration for Publication Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 343 - Graphic Design for Illustration Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 410 - Illustration Professional Practices Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 443 - Digital Illustration Painting II Credit Hours: 3
KCIL 460 - Illustration Portfolio Credit Hours: 3

Electives 12 Credit Hours

Graduation Requirements

Complete 120 semester credit hours.
Complete a studio major program of study (at least half of the major credits must be in residence at KCAD).
Complete all Supportive, Art History, and General Education requirements.
Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours in residence at KCAD.
Earn a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher, and a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major studio core (studio electives exempted).
Submit a digital image of senior level work.
Be in good standing with the College.