Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 University Catalog 
    
2020-2021 University Catalog [Archived Catalogue]

Illustration, BFA


Damali Beatty, ‘19

Rosae Reeder, Interim Program Director
rreeder@uarts.edu
(215) 717-6240

C O N T E N T S

Description

Illustration is a unique art form that finds its home in popular media, bringing life to concepts and stories through image making. Whether created digitally or by hand, illustration can be both a masterful work of art and a practical business application. Illustrators work in a variety of mediums to create images with meaning, purpose, and unique vision. UArts Illustration helps students discover and develop their unique visual voice through training in technique, image-making, concept development, and self-promotion. Our curriculum encourages students to dive deep and explore options that are relevant to their field of interest. We have a big tent philosophy that celebrates the range of career paths for an illustrator, from children’s books to concept art to product design, and beyond. Located within the School of Design, Illustration students experiment and collaborate with related disciplines.

Program Objectives

The BFA in Illustration prepares students to:

  • Make professional-quality illustration that effectively combines skills in drawing, traditional and digital media, and design theory.
  • Solve illustration tasks and visually communicate concepts, ideas and narratives for intended audiences and contemporary markets.
  • Develop a unique, innovative and cohesive point of view.
  • Employ the skills and habits required for successful professional practice, which include communication, direction, collaboration, research, iteration, time management and presentation.
  • Join the design community by leveraging study, experiences and collaborative opportunities outside the discipline to further individual practice and professional development.
  • Launch a creative career with branded promotional materials, marketing plans and knowledge of finances and contracts in order to promote and conduct business.

Program Requirements (120 credits)

Critical Studies (30 credits)


Composition (6-9 credits)


Students are placed into one of the following composition sequences after the completion of a writing placement exam. Students who do not complete the exam may be placed based on standardized tests scores (if available) or high school GPA.

CRIT Choice (9 credits)


  • Select 3 courses from subject CRIT

Science (3 credits)


  • Select 1 course from subject ANTH, PSYC, SOCI, or SCIE

Critical Studies Electives (9-12 credits)


Students who complete the developmental composition sequence complete 9.0 credits of CS electives; all other students complete 12.0 credits.

  • Select courses from subjects:
    • AHST (Art History), HIST (History)
    • FRCH (French), ITAL (Italian), LITT (Literature)
    • PHIL (Philosophy), RELI (Religion)
    • SCIE (Science)
    • ANTH (Anthropology), PHIL (Philosophy), PSYC (Psychology), SOCI (Sociology)
  • Select courses from  : Art History or Critical Studies Elective.

Electives (9 credits)


  • Complete 9 credits. This requirement is satisfied by any undergraduate course that isn’t required by the program.