Illustration at CIA
As an Illustration major at one of the best art schools in the country, you will learn how to creatively translate conceptual ideas and emotions into visual imagery.
Acquire Valuable Job Skills
Original thinking, the ability to formulate and express clear, relevant thoughts, and problem solving are core skills we teach in our Illustration program. You also will master a broad array of materials and techniques, ranging from pencils, acrylics, oils, and inks to contemporary collage, photographic, and digital processes. You will develop and complete projects in areas such as storytelling and advertising, editorial, and print illustration.
Experiential Learning at Its Best
Draw inspiration for your work from field trips to professional art studios and advertising agencies as well as from interactions with our talented visiting artists. Share your portfolio with employers, illustrators, and designers, who are invited each year to the Institute.
Learn More
Find out more about our illustration facilities, faculty, courses, and available scholarships. Check out potential career paths in illustration or works created by our students.
Click on an image to see a larger view.
Adam Roush: Ritual |
Albert McClelland: Geminus Jungle |
David Kegg: Desert Priest |
David Sladek: Explosive |
Torianna Bekoscke |
Yusef Abonamah: Jabberwocky |
Illustration Facilities
As an Illustration major, you will work in your own studio space complete with a professional drafting table. While much of your work will be done by hand, your major also requires extensive technology use. So you'll have access to the Integrated Media Environment facilities, which include much more than just our state-of-the-art computer labs. You can check out the latest equipment for digital video, lighting, and sound. And for your projects will look professionally produced with the help of a motion capture system, a green-screen Chroma Key studio area, two separate lighting and shooting spaces, and a sound recording studio.Careers in Illustration
When you graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration, you will be prepared for a successful career in:
- Advertising illustration
- Animation
- Book illustration
- Character development
- Editorial and magazine illustration
- Game character design
- Graphic novels
- Greeting card illustration
Download the Illustration program of study
Access Course Schedules and Description
Illustration Courses
- Advanced Illustration: Studio Projects
- BFA Preparation
- BFA Thesis and Exhibition
- Character Design and Development
- Community Projects: Illustration and Production Workshop
- Freshman Environmental Elective: Integrated Media Environment
- Fundamentals of Illustration: Illustration I
- Graphic Novels and Sequential Art
- Illustration Final Project: Illustration Portfolio/Visual Essay
- Illustration for Publication
- Layout Rendering Techniques
- Narrative, Sequence, and Storyboarding
- Principles of Illustration: Illustration II
- Professional Standards in Illustration
- Visual Organization and Media
- Web Presence and Practice
Scholarships
The Cleveland Institute of Art offers an extensive merit recognition program, using endowed scholarships and other private monies, to support our students. We offer scholarships through our academic departments, the Office of Admissions, and the Office of Financial Aid. Learn more about scholarships at CIA.
Download Institute Wide (Open) Awards
Download Award Recipient Information Sheet
Illustration Scholarships
American Greetings Scholarship for Excellence in Illustration
Awarded for outstanding achievement and potential to current 2nd or 3rd year students majoring in Illustration. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $1,225, shared by 1 or more winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Audrey '48 and Harvey Feinberg Scholarship
Awarded for exceptional talent to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Illustration. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $630, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Elizabeth Hughes Crall '39 Prize for Excellence in Illustration
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd year student majoring in Illustration. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $110, shared by 1 or more winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Robert E. Morrow '46 and Barbara Price Morrow '43 Scholarship for Excellence in Illustration
Awarded for excellence in illustrating children's books and related print documents to a current 3rd year student who is majoring in Illustration. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $630, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Susan Lipman '88 Award for Excellence in Illustration
Awarded for exceptional talent to a current 3rd year student majoring in Illustration who demonstrates financial need. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $430, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Willard W. Combes '24 Memorial Scholarship in Illustration
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Illustration. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $810, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.