Illustration BFA
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Learn MorePushing Visual Boundaries as an Illustrator
MassArt alumna Abby Ouellette ’19 explores girlhood, nostalgia, and editorial illustration as a bold, boundary-pushing freelance illustrator.
MassArt alumna & Illustrator, Abby Ouellette.
Photo by Tannan Flanery
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Written by Rachael Dubinsky
Art has always been a big part of Abby Ouellette’s (BFA ‘19) life. Her mother was a working artist and it felt like she was always surrounded by creative inspiration throughout her childhood. So, when it came time to decide where to go to school, she was immediately enamored with the innovative, tight-knit community at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt).
As an Illustration major, Abby spent a lot of time exploring her artistic style, both inside and outside of the classroom. “I immersed myself fully in the experience of creating, even if it wasn’t for an assignment,” said Abby. “MassArt gives you the space to play creatively and build a strong foundation for a lifelong artistic practice.”
During her time as a student, Abby found herself coming back to themes of nostalgia and girlhood in her work. For her senior thesis she even used weeds as a metaphor for the different stages of growing up.
Illustration by @abby.ouelette
Today, Abby continues to take the lessons she learned at MassArt into her freelance illustration business. She’s found that maintaining a daily sketchbook practice and reflecting on past critiques of her work helps drive her current editorial illustrations for clients like the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Politico, and others. Her long term goal is to be the main contributing illustrator for a weekly column.
Abby Ouellette ’19 BFA Clouded, Illustration, 2025
A page of Abby Ouellette’s sketchbook, courtesy of the artist
MassArt gives you the space to play creatively and build a strong foundation for a lifelong artistic practice.Abby Ouellette, BFA ‘19
The biggest lesson she’s learned so far: “Pushing visual boundaries is what helps illustrators succeed.” And while the media landscape continues to evolve, she’s found that news outlets are trying to prioritize illustration where they can, particularly when it comes to small-scale animation.
Since graduating, Abby has moved out west, but continues to stay involved with the MassArt community as a member of the Alumni Leadership Council. As for her advice for students: “Keep the momentum going in your artistic practice and maintain relationships with your peers and professors. And most of all, don’t be afraid to promote yourself.”
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