Illustration is the interpretation and translation of text and narrative into visual form. A BFA is a professional degree with concentrated areas of specialization. At UMass Dartmouth, students have the advantages of a university education where they can diversify studies and expand career opportunities.

The program will focus on the understanding and application of meaning as it applies to visual communication. Students will be introduced to specialized areas such as book illustration, character development, concept art, and documentary illustration and experience in the fundamental principles of color, composition, drawing, and rendering.

As graduates develop their own personal style, they will build a professional portfolio and learn about the business aspects of illustration. A degree in illustration will prepare graduates for careers in animation, illustration, multimedia design, scientific visualization, as well as for graduate study.

The Illustration curriculum combines traditional studio media—drawing, painting, and printmaking—with contemporary electronic media. The program emphasizes stylistic experimentation and the imaginative use of visual metaphor.

Through close work with faculty, students will explore: