Program Overview
New England College's BFA in Illustration program empowers students to become skilled storytellers through drawing, concept development, and problem-solving. Led by renowned illustrators, the program offers a diverse curriculum, industry connections, and hands-on experience, preparing graduates for careers in illustration, concept art, and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
New England College's BFA in Illustration
program prepares students to tell stories through their drawings, develop powerful concepts, and solve creative problems.
Key objectives:
- Strengthen storytelling skills while developing a unique artistic style.
- Learn from working artists and nationally recognized illustrators.
- Gain experience solving creative problems.
Program description:
- Students get critiqued by prominent figures in the industry through the Visiting Artists series.
- Enjoy the support of a close-knit community of dedicated teachers and passionate students.
- Learn from a diverse group of successful working artists and nationally recognized illustrators.
- Gain experience with a wide range of approaches, applications, and mediums.
Program duration:
- Full-time students typically graduate in four years.
- Transfer students may be able to graduate in less time.
Outline:
Course requirements:
- Art Core (44+ credits)
- Illustration Concentration (28 credits)
- Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum (35 credits)
- Electives (13 credits)
Illustration Concentration course examples:
- Introduction to Illustration
- Narrative Figure
- Digital Illustration I & II
- Advanced Illustration
- Illustration Series
- Concept Art
- Children's Book Illustration
- Graphic Novel Illustration
- Community Studio
- Business of Illustration
Program structure:
- Explores mediums, styles, and digital tools to develop individual voices.
- Incorporates an internship or apprenticeship for hands-on experience.
- Culminates in a senior exhibition and portfolio building.
Faculty:
- Ryan O'Rourke: Associate Professor, Illustration. Expertise in children's books, editorials, advertising, institutional, and murals. Awarded by Society of Illustrators, SILA, 3×3 Magazine, Children’s Book Council, and International Reading Association.
- Rich Pellegrino: Assistant Professor, Illustration. Award-winning illustrator with clients such as NFL, Microsoft Xbox, AMC Breaking Bad, Wes Anderson, WWE, Valiant Comics, BOOM Studios Comics, Rovio (Angry Birds), Blue Moon Brewing Co., Planet Rock Magazine. Awarded by Society of Illustrators West 56, Spectrum 22, 24, and 26, Richmond Illustrators Club 2012, and CMYK 37.
Careers:
Potential career paths:
- Illustrators
- Concept artists
- Digital artists
- Storyboard artists
- Graphic designers
- Product designers
- User experience (UX) designers
- Art educators
Opportunities and outcomes:
- Many graduates pursue careers as professional illustrators.
- The visual training can also lead to opportunities in product design, user experience (UX) design, and art education.
- Average salaries in related fields include:
- Illustrator: $54,560
- Fine Artist: $53,140
- Graphic Designer: $50,280
Other:
Recognition and Rankings:
- NEC Ranked Top Online College in New Hampshire
- NEC Ranked Top Online Degree Program
Accessibility:
New England College
Overview:
New England College (NEC) is an accredited, private, non-profit college located in Henniker, New Hampshire. It is known for its emphasis on experiential learning and serves over 5,000 undergraduate, graduate, and online students annually.
Services Offered:
NEC offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Resources:
MyNEC, academic advising, tutoring, writing center, library resources.Student Life and Activities:
Student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, recreational activities, campus events.Housing and Dining:
On-campus housing options for students, dining services.Additional Services:
Health services, counseling services, career services, financial aid, international student support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NEC provides a vibrant and supportive learning community with a diverse student body from over 75 countries. Students can expect a range of on-campus experiences, including:
Social Events:
New and familiar events throughout the year.Athletics:
Over 20 NCAA Division III teams, recreational sports, and esports.Arts and Culture:
Putnam Theatre, Institute of Art and Design, galleries.Key Reasons to Study There:
Experiential Learning:
NEC emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities.Diverse Programs:
Offers a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.Supportive Community:
Provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for students.Strong Athletics Program:
Offers a variety of athletic opportunities for students.Academic Programs:
NEC offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:
Associate Degrees:
Various associate degree programs.Bachelor's Degrees:
Over 60 bachelor's degree programs in various fields.Master's Degrees:
Over 20 master's degree programs.Doctoral Program:
A doctoral program with multiple tracks.Other:
- NEC has a strong focus on online and graduate programs, offering over 30 programs for working professionals.
- The college has a three-year "earn while you learn" BSN program for nursing students.
- NEC is a member of the NCAA Division III and has a championship-winning athletics program.
- The college hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including admissions campus tours, presentations, and conferences.
Entry Requirements:
Domestic Applicants (U.S.):
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Portfolio of artwork that demonstrates your skills and interests
International Applicants:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Proficiency in English (see Language Proficiency Requirements below)
- Proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses
Additional Requirements for All Applicants:
- Personal statement outlining your interest in the Illustration program and career goals
- Letter of recommendation from an art teacher or mentor
- Interview with the Illustration faculty
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- All applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from one of the following English proficiency tests:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 80
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum score of 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 115
- International Baccalaureate (IB) English A Language and Literature: Minimum score of 5
Note:
Specific entry requirements and language proficiency standards may vary for students transferring from other institutions or seeking admission to specific concentrations within the illustration program.