ONTARIO COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN · CANADA
Illustration
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Bachelor of Design (BDes) degreeDegree Awarded
- 4 yearsProgram Duration
- Portfolio requiredAdmissions
- Develop individual artistic voiceProgram Focus
- Traditional and digital techniquesSkills
- Business skills for freelancingCareer Preparation
The Illustration program at OCAD U focuses on developing your ability to create images that not only complement written text but also stand as compelling visual artworks on their own. You will learn to produce work for various media, including magazines, books, newspapers, advertisements, packaging, and graphic novels. The program encourages you to discover and express your unique artistic voice, creating art that resonates with a wide audience. You will be guided by faculty and practicing illustrators, mastering both traditional and digital techniques. By the end of the four-year program, you will possess the necessary business acumen to thrive as an independent freelancer and work effectively in diverse professional settings.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured over four years, progressively building your skills and knowledge in illustration. You will engage with core drawing and design principles, explore diverse illustrative concepts, and delve into art history. As you advance, you will have opportunities for specialization through electives and a significant final year project.
- First Year
- Observational drawing
- Design principles
- Illustrative concepts
- Observational painting
- Art and design history
- Second Year
- Graphic design for illustration
- Human form and function: anatomy
- Graphic design history
- Media studio: digital
- Third Year
- Graphic novel illustration
- Book illustration
- Storyboarding
- Concept art
- Animated illustration
- Fourth Year
- Year-long thesis project
Careers
Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in the creative industry. OCAD U's career services provide support to help you build your professional network, gain valuable experience, and develop the skills needed for a successful career.
- Publishing companies
- Advertising and graphic design firms
- Digital studios
- Community organizations
- Freelance illustration
- Fine art practice
Frequently asked questions
- What degree will I receive and how long is the program?
- Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree. The Illustration program has a duration of 4 years.
- What are the key entry requirements for the Illustration program?
- Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 70% for Ontario high school students. A portfolio and a statement of intent are also required for admission, along with official transcripts.
- How do I apply to the Illustration program?
- To apply, you need to submit an application through the university's admissions portal, prepare and submit a portfolio, write a statement of intent, and provide official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
- What career opportunities are available after graduating from the Illustration program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers in publishing companies, advertising and graphic design firms, digital studios, and community organizations. Many also pursue freelance illustration or fine art practice, equipped with business acumen for independent work.
- What will I learn in the Illustration curriculum?
- The curriculum focuses on developing your ability to create images for various media, mastering both traditional and digital techniques. You will learn core drawing and design principles, explore diverse illustrative concepts, and complete a significant final year thesis project.
Entry requirements
Ontario high school studentsMinimum overall average of 70%
A portfolio and a statement of intent are required for admission. Official transcripts must also be submitted. Refer to the detailed academic requirements for more information.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the university's admissions and fees pages for current tuition information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the university's admissions and fees pages for current tuition information.
LivingPlease refer to the university's admissions and fees pages for estimated living costs.
Information on tuition fees and funding can be found on the 'afford' section of the OCAD U website.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application through the university's admissions portal.
2. Prepare PortfolioCreate and submit a portfolio showcasing your best work that demonstrates your artistic skills and potential in illustration.
3. Write Statement of IntentCraft a compelling statement of intent to express your motivations, artistic vision, and suitability for the program.
4. Submit TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from your previous academic institutions.
Frequently asked questions
What degree will I receive and how long is the program?
+
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree. The Illustration program has a duration of 4 years.
What are the key entry requirements for the Illustration program?
+
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 70% for Ontario high school students. A portfolio and a statement of intent are also required for admission, along with official transcripts.
How do I apply to the Illustration program?
+
To apply, you need to submit an application through the university's admissions portal, prepare and submit a portfolio, write a statement of intent, and provide official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
What career opportunities are available after graduating from the Illustration program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers in publishing companies, advertising and graphic design firms, digital studios, and community organizations. Many also pursue freelance illustration or fine art practice, equipped with business acumen for independent work.
What will I learn in the Illustration curriculum?
+
The curriculum focuses on developing your ability to create images for various media, mastering both traditional and digital techniques. You will learn core drawing and design principles, explore diverse illustrative concepts, and complete a significant final year thesis project.