| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Hartford Art School's low-residency MFA in Illustration program empowers working professionals to advance their careers while balancing commitments. Led by renowned illustrators, the program emphasizes individualized guidance, exceptional student-faculty relationships, and a focus on developing a distinct creative voice. Graduates are prepared for diverse illustration careers and equipped with the skills to launch their own businesses.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Hartford Art School's MFA in Illustration
is a low-residency program designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers while maintaining their commitments. It is the only low-residency MFA in the country dedicated solely to illustration.
Objectives:
- To help students develop their distinct creative voice and refine their skills and techniques.
- To expose students to current professionals and practices in the field.
- To help students nurture their creative intellect and strengthen their business, promotional, and marketing knowledge.
Program Description:
- The program emphasizes challenging work and exceptional student/faculty relationships.
- It consists of intensive summer on-campus sessions, traveling fall and spring contact periods, and independent work completed in-between.
- Students receive individualized guidance from the Program Director and Thesis Advisor throughout the program.
- The program culminates in a self-initiated Thesis project that serves as a capstone body of work.
- The program is directed by Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame inductee, C.F. Payne, and was founded by the late Murray Tinkelman, a Hall of Fame illustrator, educator, and historian.
Program Outline:
Structure:
- Low-residency format with intensive summer sessions and traveling fall/spring contact periods.
- Between contact periods, students work independently on assignments and their thesis project.
Course Schedule:
- Summer: Two weeks of intensive studio work on campus.
- Fall & Spring: One week of off-campus contact periods in major cities across the country.
- Independent Work: Ongoing work on assignments and the thesis project between contact periods.
Modules:
- The program includes studio courses, professional development workshops, and independent thesis work.
- Studio courses focus on concept and technique development, with an emphasis on individual expression.
- Professional development workshops cover topics such as marketing, self-promotion, and business practices for illustrators.
- The thesis project allows students to create a focused body of work that can be used to launch their careers in new directions.
Assessment:
- Assessment methods include critiques, presentations, and the final thesis project.
- The program emphasizes student growth and development, rather than traditional grades.
- Students receive feedback from faculty and peers throughout the program.
Teaching:
- The program features instruction by leading and legendary illustration professionals.
- Teaching methods include individual critiques, group discussions, and hands-on workshops.
- The program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Careers:
- The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in illustration, including:
- Editorial illustration
- Advertising illustration
- Children's book illustration
- Product design
- Comic book illustration
- The program also helps graduates develop the skills and knowledge needed to launch their own illustration businesses.
Other:
- The program boasts a close-knit alumni community who provide ongoing support and networking opportunities.
- The program offers merit scholarships to incoming students.
University of Hartford: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
University of Hartford (UHart) is a private, non-profit university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, business, communication, education, engineering, health professions, liberal arts, music, sciences, and theatre & dance. UHart is known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, career readiness, and personalized attention to students.
Services Offered:
UHart provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Advising:
Personalized guidance from faculty and advisors to help students navigate their academic journey.Career Services:
Resources and support for career exploration, job searching, and internship opportunities.Financial Aid:
Various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students afford their education.Student Life:
A vibrant campus community with numerous clubs, organizations, and events to foster social connections and personal growth.Housing:
On-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartments.Library and Information Resources:
Access to a well-equipped library with extensive collections and digital resources.Health and Wellness Services:
Comprehensive health and wellness services, including counseling, health insurance, and fitness facilities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UHart offers a dynamic and engaging campus experience with:
Diverse Student Body:
A diverse student population representing various backgrounds and perspectives.Active Campus Community:
Numerous student clubs, organizations, and events to foster social connections and personal growth.Athletics:
A strong athletic program with NCAA Division I teams in various sports.Arts and Culture:
A thriving arts scene with performances, exhibitions, and events hosted by the Hartt School.Location:
Convenient location in West Hartford, close to Hartford city center and other cultural attractions.Key Reasons to Study There:
Hands-on Learning:
Emphasis on practical experience through internships, research opportunities, and real-world projects.Career-Ready Education:
Programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.Personalized Attention:
Small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide individualized support and mentorship.Vibrant Campus Community:
A welcoming and inclusive environment with a wide range of student activities and organizations.Strong Academic Programs:
A diverse range of academic programs with a focus on innovation and excellence.Academic Programs:
UHart offers a wide range of academic programs, with notable strengths in:
Arts:
Hartford Art School, known for its studio-based instruction and emphasis on portfolio development.Business:
Barney School of Business, offering programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and other business disciplines.Communication:
School of Communication, with programs in cinema, digital media, journalism, and communication.Education:
College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, offering programs in early childhood education, elementary education, and special education.Engineering & Architecture:
College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, offering programs in various engineering disciplines, including aerospace, biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Health Professions:
College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, offering programs in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health professions.Music:
The Hartt School, a renowned conservatory offering programs in music performance, composition, education, and music management.Theatre & Dance:
The Hartt School, offering programs in actor training, dance performance, music theatre, stage management, and technical theatre.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Admission Requirements:
Portfolio:
Submit a link to your online portfolio/website or a PDF format portfolio to the application portal. Your portfolio should showcase your artistic abilities and skills in illustration.
Letter of Intent:
Submit a letter of intent (within the online application) that addresses your influences, interests, brief life history, current direction, and reasons for applying to the program. This letter should be no more than 500 words.
Letter of Recommendation:
Request one letter of recommendation from a person practicing or teaching in the field of illustration. This letter should attest to your ability and competence.
Application Fee:
Submit a $50 application fee with your online application.
International Applicants:
TOEFL or PTE or IELTS Score:
Submit official scores for the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS. They are expected to be present in the U.S. only during the dates of each residency.
Limited Stay Duration:
International students are restricted in their stay duration between the residency sessions. They can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before each residency start date and depart up to 30 days after the end of each residency.
