The Illustration Minor prepares students to enter a world where boundaries between artistic disciplines are constantly changing and art is activated in the service of multiple audiences, in diverse venues and across existing and emerging markets. This minor provides a curriculum emphasizing strong concepts, proficient skills, and civic mindedness to support the communication needs of a variety of contexts, including client-led publications, merchandise, and self-directed exhibitions. A balance of conceptual, historical, and technical instruction helps students locate their own style, voice, and conceptual foothold to meet the rich opportunities afforded by today’s shifting creative landscape. Illustration minors may participate in the Communication Arts Department's senior show on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Department Chair.
Eligibility
The Illustration minor is open to students majoring in Animation, Game and Entertainment Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Product Design, and Toy Design. Because of their major curricular requirements Environmental Design majors will only be approved to enroll on a case- by-case basis. Students must be on track in their major and in good academic standing, with fewer than 6 credits behind and a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Graphic Design minors may participate in the Communication Arts Department’s senior show on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Department Chair.
Requirements
Students select courses based on guidance from the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies, Minor Area Heads and Academic Advisors and must follow prerequisites when applicable. Can be 5 studio courses or 4 studio courses + 1 LAS course. For the full list of courses that will count for this minor, along with recommended courses to take first, see the Minors Course Lists on the Registration page of the Dashboard (my.otis.edu). Students are advised to take minor classes in place of studio electives (or in place of one LAS elective), or for majors without electives by taking one extra class in each of 5 semesters spread out between sophomore and senior year.
Course Descriptions are listed in the Communication Arts and Liberal Arts and Sciences sections of the Course Catalog.
Download one of the following PDFs to see how the Illustration Minor fits into your chosen major:
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2021-22 (class of
2025):
Illustration Minor Academic Plan 21-22
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2022-23 (class of
2026):
Illustration Minor Info Sheet 2022-23 (see Degree Works for Academic Plans)
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2023-24 (class of
2027):
Illustration Minor Info Sheet 2023-24 (see Degree Works for Academic Plans)
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2024-25 (class of
2028):
Illustration Minor Info Sheet 2024-25 (see Degree Works for Academic Plans)
Learn more about Interdisciplinary Studies, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
For more info about the Illustration Minor contact Minor Area Head, Allen Brewer