Illustration Bachelor’s Program

In the four-year Illustration BFA program you take on a largely self-directed exploration of media, gaining a solid understanding of contemporary themes and concepts. Faculty encourage keen observation, strong conceptual thinking, and the mastery of manual skills and techniques you need to convey ideas in a compelling manner.

Curriculum

In the first year, sophomores focus on developing both creative intelligence and technical facility. Courses in illustrative problem solving nurture original thinking and conceptual clarity, while classes in drawing and painting strengthen basic image-making skills.

Juniors choose among a range of electives in both traditional and digital media, along with image formulation for specific professional applications. The program also encourages you to take on professional internships and independent study projects.

View the curriculum

Learning outcomes

Graduates are prepared to:

  • build on technical, material, and formal investigation developed in the undergraduate setting.
  • manifest maturing artistic voice and original thought through the melding of form, conceptual content, and technical proficiency.
  • articulate knowledge of art historical precedents and their significance to creating contemporary images.
  • connect with the viewer, strengthening meaning through the use of metaphor, pointed ambiguity, and cultural references.
  • develop critical insight in the interpretation and evaluation of visual communication in a broad range of works, with an eye toward civic responsibility and cultural dialogue.
  • demonstrate artistic consciousness through intelligent and sensitive use of symbolism and representational vernacular.
  • confidently pursue professional goals, through a distinctive portfolio of work that exhibits expertise in visual communication strategies, content creation, and artistic excellence, as well as a keen awareness of professional standards, comportment, and self-advocacy.

Undergraduate student work

Student work by Illustration student Hailey Hagan of a brown bird in green foliage.
Student work by Illustration alum Ziruo Wang of a person smoking in front of a background scene with trucks and trees and people doing various activities.
Student work by Illustration student Matteo Mastrangelo of a dog lying in the grass looking at a butterfly.
Student work by Illustration student Grace Tasel of a black person looking to the left with their hands around their face.
Student work by Illustration alum Leah Lara of a pink carriage flying through pink clouds.
Student work by Illustration alum Sichen Grace Chen of a small person looking up at a large monkey.
Student work by Illustration alum Xinyi Liu of a loop with several cows on it around a house.
a many-colored illustration of human figures, statues and other beings inhabiting a psychedelic scene, as a glowing red hand intrudes the upper left corner of the frame.

Inspiring community

As RISD's largest major, Illustration is home to approximately 300 undergraduates with a diverse range of skills and interests. This, combined with the Illustration MFA program (established in 2022) and a large and eclectic faculty, leads to dynamic discussions in studios and other workspaces and a fruitful cross-pollination of ideas.

Each year visiting artists and art directors provide their perspective on various aspects of the profession. Distinguished professionals from around the country also offer valuable feedback through annual portfolio reviews.

Learning environment

From painting with pure egg-yolk tempera to creating 3D imagery for computer gaming, students in Illustration work across the full spectrum of media. They also hone conceptual and image-making skills through electives focused on virtually every professional application imaginable. Faculty with experience in specific fields offer courses on book and web design, editorial illustration, comics, caricature, picture books, graphic novels and much more.

For in-depth information about current studios and more, take a look at the Illustration detailed course listing.

Degree project

During the final year, seniors work to define a distinctive artistic voice while honing their portfolio and professional presentation skills. They also complete a final body of work and mount a public exhibition in the Illustration Gallery.

Apply to RISD

Interested in applying to RISD? Our Admissions team is here to guide you and answer any questions you have along the way.

Apparel student with pink hair measures pattern.