At MassArt, illustration is not just about making images; it’s about thinking critically, researching deeply, and responding creatively to the world. Our program emphasizes experimentation, risk-taking, and the development of a strong personal voice, preparing students for careers in editorial illustration, children’s books, fine art, public art, licensing, game design, and emerging digital markets.
This program is ideal for curious, motivated students who are passionate about storytelling, eager to explore multiple media, and interested in building adaptable skills that translate across creative industries.
Illustrators are storytellers at heart. As an Illustration major, students develop characters, construct narratives, and create immersive worlds. Video by Erielle Amboy BFA ’24
Watercolor Illustration class with Irena Roman. Photo by Tony Luong
Our BFA Illustration curriculum balances conceptual development, technical skill-building, and professional preparation. You’ll begin with core studio courses that build a strong foundation in drawing, painting, narrative illustration, and image-making technologies, while progressively expanding into interactive, time-based, and three-dimensional practices. You’ll learn to connect word and image, develop implied and sequential narratives, and apply conceptual thinking throughout the making process.
Electives allow you to shape your path and explore applied and emerging areas of illustration, including public art, game design, and professional and freelance practices. Through hands-on work in courses such as Murals as Public Art, Fundamentals of Game Design, Virtual 3D Illustration, Professional Illustration, and Freelance Illustration, you’ll gain experience with real-world workflows and market applications before you graduate.
Grounded in storytelling and adaptable visual thinking, MassArt Illustration graduates leave ready to thrive in both established and evolving creative industries. Through professional practice, portfolio development, internships, and direct engagement with industry partners, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to launch your career.
Your journey culminates in a senior thesis project and portfolio presentation—your chance to showcase your work and step confidently into the professional creative world.
Students who complete the Illustration BFA program are expected to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes in addition to our College-wide Learning Goals.
Graduates of the Illustration BFA program have made significant contributions across publishing, animation, editorial illustration, comics, children’s books, fine art, and emerging media. Alumni include Emmy Award–winning animators, influential authors and illustrators, community-based artists, fashion designers, educators, and creative leaders whose work continues to shape culture across generations.
Concept Artist, Children’s Book Illustrator, Graphic Novelist, Storyboarding Artist, Character Designer, Editorial Illustrator, Animation Artist, Packaging Designer, Art Director, Medical Illustrator, Fashion Illustrator, Graphic Designer
Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Ogilvy, Opus Design, Red Hat, Massachusetts Digital Games Institute, Eyewire, Boston Center for the Arts, Griffin Museum of Photography, Her Campus Media, Artists For Humanity
Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, New Balance, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Time Inc., PUMA, Hasbro, Epic Games/Harmonix, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
MassArt Illustration faculty are an incredible resource for our Illustration students. All faculty either actively freelance as illustrators or run their own illustration firms. Deeply invested in their students’ success, Illustration faculty offer significant insight into the demands of the professional landscape for illustration.
Meet our Faculty
Students have access to dedicated Illustration studios on the 9th floor, a multidisciplinary studio in T307, the FabLab, computer labs, RISO printer, laser cutters, scanners, and photo documentation facilities.
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