BFA in Illustration

Illustration at Otis

The Illustration program instills confidence and sophistication by emphasizing media fluency and collaboration between disciplines. You will sharpen your skills and develop your own voice through critiques, reviews, workshops, and experiential learning. Los Angeles’s thriving creative community provides added exposure to real-world applications of illustration—from animation and contemporary art to entertainment and marketing. In Los Angeles, there’s inspiration for your creativity and career everywhere you look. Recent employers and clients of our alumni include Netflix, Disney, and Nike.

What You’ll Learn

Our intensive curriculum is designed to help you cultivate a distinctive personal style and strong communication skills that translate across a range of industries and creative contexts. With guidance from experienced faculty, you'll refine your self-directed practice through courses that emphasize conceptual development, technical proficiency, and the evolution of your unique voice. As a STEM-designated program, it also offers international students the opportunity to apply for a 24-month OPT extension, allowing up to three years of professional experience in the U.S. after graduation.

• 1st Year: Core / Foundation
• 2nd Year: Immersion and Experimentation
• 3rd Year: Professional Preparation and Public Presentation
• 4th Year: Innovation and Independence
  
  

Program Curriculum

Optional Emphasis in Concept Art

In the Illustration program, the Concept Art emphasis*, immerses you in the vibrant intersection of visual storytelling disciplines where you’ll develop the skills needed to bring imaginary worlds to life. With a strong emphasis on traditional 2D art techniques, you will develop your artistic voice through training in observational drawing, storytelling, and essential production and packaging techniques required to work  as a concept artist. This program will help you build a robust concept art foundation on top of the core skills explored in the Illustration major. The curriculum emphasizes the art department perspective, teaching you  to think like a visual problem solver while working with industry-standard digital tools.

*Pending approval

Otis Design Lab

An innovative collaboration between students, staff, faculty, and external clients, Design Lab functions like a commercial art and design agency within Otis College. Projects are overseen and directed by the Creative Director and executed by a team of students from different fields of study.

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Career Possibilities

The Otis College BFA in Illustration prepares students for roles as  professional illustrators, art directors, animators, motion graphic artists, storyboard artists, children’s book illustrators, textile and fabric designers, and muralists.

Careers and Internships

Illustration Faculty

Our faculty are working professionals in a variety of fields. They bring practical insights to the classroom that help you focus your process and work.

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