Currently illustration exists at the intersection of graphic design, fine art, and interactive design. It is crucial in the daily workings of any kind of communication-based art and business. The Illustration Department curriculum offers both a rigorous intellectual and artistic curriculum and reflects the current career options available to graduates. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of the medium, such as conceptual thinking, problem solving and arts history, and also the logistical and technical aspects of practicing illustration, preparing students for a diverse and fulfilling professional life. New technology is increasingly a part of the contemporary illustrator’s practice, and the Department is at the forefront of training students to use the latest software and hardware to enhance students’ thinking process, drawings, and career prospects.
Requirements for the BFA Program
|
First Year |
F | S |
| Drawing Studio 1 & 2 | 3 | 3 |
| 2D Integrated Studio 1 & 2 | 3 | 3 |
| 3D Studio 1 & 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Laboratory 1 & 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Critical Reading & Writing 1 & 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Perspectives in World Art & Design 1 & 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 18 | 18 |
|
|
||
Sophomore Year |
F | S |
| Illustration Concepts | 2 | 2 |
| Materials & Methods | 1 | 1 |
| Drawing | 3 | - |
| Painting | 3 | - |
| Drawing/Painting | - | 3 |
| Digital Elective | 3 | - |
| Type (Digital) | - | 3 |
| Illustrative Printmaking | - | 3 |
| Introduction to Design Studies & Visuality | 3 | - |
| History of Illustration | - | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Elective | - | 3 |
| University Lecture Elective | 3 | - |
| Total | 18 | 18 |
|
|
||
Junior Year |
F | S |
| Illustration Concepts | 3 | 3 |
| Drawing/Painting | 3 | - |
| Studio Elective | 2 | - |
| Printmaking Elective | - | 3 |
| Drawing & Mixed Media | - | 2 |
| Digital Elective | 3 | 3 |
| Global Issues in Design & Visuality: 21st Century | 3 | - |
| Art History/Design Studies Elective | - | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 | - |
| University Lecture Elective | - | 3 |
| Total | 17 | 17 |
|
|
||
Senior Year |
F | S |
| Senior Thesis & Senior Concepts | 4 | 3 |
| Professional Practices | - | 3 |
| Digital Presentation | 3 | - |
| Digital Elective | - | 3 |
| Studio Electives | 4 | 2 |
| Senior Seminar | 3 | - |
| Advanced Art History/Design Studies Elective | - | 3 |
| Total | 14 | 14 |
Internships
In addition to on-campus classes, the Illustration Department helps facilitate in-the-field internships every semester with a wide-ranging spectrum of cutting edge illustrators, publications, and companies. Recent internships have included: the Jim Henson Foundation, Marvel Enterprises, Spin Magazine, Nickelodeon, Scholastic, Penguin Group, The New Yorker, Sesame Workshop, Thunderdog Studios, The Natural History Museum, Large Animal Games, Vivre Magazine, Jonathan Levine Gallery, and NewLine Cinema. Past internships have included Harper Collins, DC Comics, Center for Book Arts, Animation Collective, the Jewish Museum, and the Society of Illustrators.
Lectures & Critics
Recent lectures and visiting critics to the Illustration Department include: Armin Abmeier, Peter Arkle, Marshall Arisman, Natalie Ascencios, R.O. Blechman, Sarah Boxer, Steven Brodner, Chris Brown, Sue Coe, Marianne Cohen, Brian Cronin, Paul Davis, Kim Deitch, Peter deSeve, Leo and Diane Dillon, Dreamworks, Eric Farr, Friends With You, Josh Gosfield, Steven Heller, Brad Holland, Ryan Inzana, James Jarvis, William Joyce, Kelly Lynn Jones, Peter Kuper, Luba Lukova, Paul Marcus, Christoph Niemann, Jim Nutt, Paper Rad, Bill Plympton, Brian Rea, Edel Rodriguez, Arnold Roth, David Sandlin, Peter Saul, Seth, Adrian Tomine, Minh Vong, Dan Yaccarino.
Interested in the Illustration Department?
For questions about admissions to Parsons, contact the official Admissions Department. If you are a current BA/BFA Illustration student and have questions about registration or other advising matters, contact our academic advisor, Paul Nicholson.
