Illustration: Authorial Practice MA

This studio-based Master of Arts (MA) program focuses on developing your unique authorial voice in illustration. You will join a collaborative community that encourages creative exploration and risk-taking. The course is unique in its specific focus on authorial practice, challenging you to define your own creative intent through lectures, workshops, research, and critical reflection. Supported by practicing artists and writers, you will learn to use illustration to engage with the world, building creative autonomy and gaining the confidence needed for a career in the creative industries. You will explore various areas like life drawing, visual storytelling, character development, and digital/print publications within a vibrant studio environment. Skills in research, collaboration, project planning, and production will be honed. The program also features industry speakers and opportunities to identify publishing contexts and professional pathways for your work.

Curriculum

The curriculum covers all aspects of the illustration profession, encouraging you to research, analyze, and evolve your approach with increasing independence. You will complete two analytical essays and a presentation on topics of interest. The course also emphasizes entrepreneurial skills, audience identification, and exploring various publishing channels. Longer-term projects can include children's books, graphic novels, digital work, and screen-based productions. Workshops cover creative writing, composition, visual narrative, book design, and entrepreneurship. The Illustration Discourses lecture series delves into authorial positions, theories, and contexts. A final professional presentation of your work concludes the MA. You will also benefit from insights from a local publishing house regarding the publishing process, including printing, distribution, and marketing, with opportunities for internships. The Falmouth Illustration Forum hosts internationally renowned guest speakers.

1. Year 1 (Full-time) / Years 1-2 (Part-time)
   • Negotiated Project 1
   • Critical Publication
   • Negotiated Project 2
   • Research Presentation
   • Negotiated Project 3 & Extended Essay

Careers

The course is designed to equip you for a fulfilling career in the creative industries. You'll develop the necessary skills and autonomy to identify your audience, explore publishing channels, and understand professional opportunities for your work.

• Authorial Illustrator
• Children's Book Illustrator
• Graphic Novelist
• Visual Storyteller
• Freelance Illustrator