Illustration is visual communication. The curriculum of the department emphasizes the development of a creative understanding of contemporary themes and concepts and an inventive clarity of response in image making and design.

The sophomore year is devoted to training both the creative intelligence and the technical facility of each student. Courses in illustrative problem solving are focused on nurturing original thinking and conceptual clarity, while drawing and painting classes provide practice in basic skills of image making, including the depiction of form, space and light, pictorial compositiion and the organizational and expressive uses of color.

Junior year presents students with a broad variety of electives covering various traditional and digital media (oil painting, computer imaging, printmaking, pen and ink, watercolor, animation and photography). Conceptual electives are devoted to advanced skills in image formulation and professional application (book design, web design, editorial illustration, advertising, comics and caricature, narrative storytelling, and art direction). Many students pursue independent study projects closely supervised by individual faculty. Computer courses explore the diverse applications of new media in relation to animation, design and image generation.

Senior year is devoted to the development of a personal and distinctive artistic voice in each student, and to professional preparation and skills of presentation. Courses include Portfolio, Advanced Projects, Professional Practice and other advanced techniques courses. Each senior is expected to mount an exhibition of his or her work in the departmental gallery. A full roster of visiting artists and art directors provides outside perspective on various aspects of the profession, and there is an annual portfolio review staffed by a distinguished panel of profesionals from Boston and New York City.