Illustration (M.F.A.)

Program Overview

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The Master of Fine Arts in Illustration program cultivates highly skilled illustrators, fostering advanced research and critical thinking abilities. Through a combination of required courses, studio electives, and a thesis project, students develop their creative capacities and prepare for careers in illustration, teaching, and other creative fields. The program emphasizes inquiry, authorship, and collaboration within a diverse and supportive community.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Program Overview:

The Master of Fine Arts in Illustration (MFA) degree is designed to develop students' creative abilities, research skills, and teaching capacities as illustrators, designers, and educators in the field of illustration. The program emphasizes inquiry, authorship, and critical thinking within an interdisciplinary research-oriented curriculum.

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Program Objectives:

• To nurture students as highly creative and skilled illustrators, capable of working effectively in various media.
• To promote the exploration of advanced concepts and theories in the field of illustration, fostering a deep engagement in research and critical analysis.
• To prepare graduates for careers in illustration, teaching, and other creative fields.
• To cultivate a diverse community and foster collaboration among students, fostering a supportive environment for artistic exchange and growth.
• To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary art practices, fostering a global and culturally sensitive perspective.

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Program Structure:

• Required Courses: Students are expected to complete 9 credits of the required foundation courses.
• Studio Electives: Students are required to complete 27 credits of elective courses, offering flexibility and allowing students to tailor their program according to their research and creative interests.
• Art History/Related Academics: This component requires students to complete 9 credits of art history or related academic courses, exposing students to historical and contemporary artistic contexts and theories.
• Thesis: The thesis is a significant part of the MFA, requiring students to produce an independent research project that showcases their artistic and intellectual abilities.
The project culminates in a public exhibition and written document, demonstrating a high level of creative execution, critical thinking, and research synthesis. The project is typically developed over two semesters, carrying the weight of 12 credits.
• Total Program Credits: The MFA requires a total of 60 credits for satisfactory program completion.

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Length and residency requirements

• The program typically lasts for three years, fostering continuous artistic and academic development.
• Students are expected to maintain an on-campus residency throughout their program to actively engage with the university community, participate in seminars, workshops, and access the resources and facilities the university offers.

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Outline (Curriculum Overview)

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Required Core Course:

• Research and Practice in Illustration I
• Advanced Drawing for Illustrators
• Advanced Color and Composition
• Typography for Illustrators
• Digital Illustration
• Animation for Illustrators
• Internship in Illustration
• Professional Practices for Illustrators
• Thesis: Research Project
• Thesis: Creative Project and Exhibition
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• Elective Coursework:
allows for a diverse range of options, which may include:

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Studio Courses

• Advanced Character Drawing and World Building for Illustration
• Advanced Illustration Techniques
• Drawing from the Figure
• Painting for Illustration

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Art History and Related coursework

• History of Illustration from the Renaissance to Modernity
• Asian Art History
• Art Criticism and Theory

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Interdisciplinary Courses:

• Writing for Creative Professionals
• Introduction to Design Thinking
• Topics in Contemporary Art
• Assessment:
The MFA in Illustration program employs various forms of assessment to evaluate students' progress and provide feedback:

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Grading System

• Letter-based grading (A, B, C, D, F): Used for formal assessments such as assignments and exams, reflecting the quality of the student's work and understanding of the concepts covered.

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Projects, Critiques, and Presentations:

• Students present their work regularly throughout the course to receive critical assessment from faculty and peers, offering valuable feedback and contributing to their artistic and professional development.

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Workshops and seminars:

• Attendance and engagement at workshops and seminars are monitored and considered in the overall evaluation of students' active involvement and engagement in the program's academic and artistic offerings.

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Teaching:

The program's faculty members are accomplished artists, educators, and scholars who bring a diverse range of perspectives, expertise, and experience into the classroom. Their research specializations and creative practices encompass a broad spectrum, including:

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Teaching Methods

• Studio instruction: Faculty work closely with students in studio settings, providing individual guidance, personalized instruction, and hands-on mentorship to foster technical skills development, artistic experimentation, and the refinement of creative expression.
• Lectures, workshops, and demonstrations: Students attend lectures, workshops, and demonstrations taught by faculty and visiting artists to expand their knowledge, gain new insights, and be inspired by various perspectives and approaches to illustration.
• Independent study: Graduate study emphasizes self-directed learning and artistic research.
Students work independently to develop their projects and ideas while seeking guidance and feedback from faculty during regular meetings.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MFA program pursue a diverse range of career opportunities, such as:

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Illustration fields:

• Editorial Illustration
• Book and Children’s Book illustration
• Commercial illustration
• Concept Art
• Design Illustration

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Other creative and academic roles:

• Teaching at the university or college level
• Working in non-profit organizations focused on the arts.
• Freelance illustration projects
• Museum or gallery work