Illustration is visual communication: meaning made visible. Visual thinking, the creative process by which all successful illustration is developed, constitutes the development of an articulate images through thorough, iterative exploration of ideas. This class emphasizes process over finish, idea over application and significance over style-exploring both ways of seeing and ways of showing. Coursework will encourage conceptual invention and application fundamental to an understanding of what the practice of illustration is and can be. The object of the course is to strengthen the students' inventive talents and interpretive skills - and thereby to augment their ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity, eloquence and power.

Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Preference is given to Sophomore Illustration Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Illustration

What is it like to make a living creating imagery for the numerous printed outlets of American culture in contemporary times? This course will emphasize problem-solving in a commercial situation while steadfastly holding on to your personal integrity. In addition to responding to editorial-based assignments, the student will be exposed, through slide lectures to the work of artists and illustrators who are burning a path right through the past and into the future of illustration.

This course fulfills the Illustration Concepts Elective requirement for Illustration majors.

Open to Junior or Senior Illustration Students.

Elective

The New Yorker is among the most respected periodicals in America, and it is one of the few publications that features an illustrated cover for every issue. This is an introduction to editorial illustration, as seen through the lens of this magazine. The content of this publication spans a wide spectrum, including investigative reporting, humorous pieces, and short fiction. Articulate and influential, these dense articles are offset by imagery that is just as thought provoking. Students will be challenged to develop a body of work consisting of covers, spots, and full/half page illustrations related to topics of cultural interest, literature, science, the seasons, and current events. This course is for those with a keen interest in translating the written word into visible form with wit and style.

This course fulfills the Illustration Concepts Elective requirement for Illustration majors.

Open to Junior or Senior Illustration Students.

Elective

This course will approach visual problems within the context of creating goods for sale. Some of the projects we will work on include coming up with a brand identity, producing limited edition risograph zines, prints, and other handmade tangible goods. A guest artist will be invited to present case studies will provide real world insights into starting a small business. The work produced in the class will be sold at the ISB Spring Art Sale (happening in late April/early May) and all students in the class will participate in order to gain a hands-on understanding of the business side of illustration, including pricing, promotion, and market research. Class time will be divided between group critique and exercises introducing new techniques and design principles. The assignments will provide opportunities to apply these principles in real world scenarios. This course fulfills the Illustration Concepts Elective requirement for Illustration majors.

Open to Junior or Senior Illustration Students.

Elective

The finest illustrated book covers from graphic novels to literary classics captivate the reader both emotionally and intellectually, reflecting the essence of narrative content through potent imagery. This course explores the generative process of making illustrations for book covers from sketch to finish, from comprehensive image to final revisions. Students will be engaged in analysis of narrative content, preparatory drawings and finished work and requires the student to construct a portfolio of solutions in various genres of publishing and other media packaging: Mystery, Science Fiction, Literature, Non-Fiction, Biography, products etc. Particular attention will be given to the successful integration of type and image essential to each genre. Such work may serve as the nucleus of a larger portfolio requisite for freelance work in this field, or as an adjunct to a professional portfolio of editorial illustration. Weekly demonstrations will provide an intensive look at how an illustrator approaches formal material and aesthetic decisions in support of content, helping students gain confidence in the use of processes and materials. This course fulfills the Illustration Concepts elective requirement for Illustration majors.

Open to Junior or Senior Illustration Students.

Elective

This course is designed to help students find their way to the professional marketplace utilizing the best tool available - the portfolio. Be it the freelance advertising, editorial or children's book markets, an animation or gaming studio, a publishing house, gallery or other venue, this course will introduce the components of the portfolio necessary for success. It includes development of both a traditional and online presence, discussions on specific industries, copyright issues, client contracts and pricing guidelines. Each student will create new work to augment their existing portfolio, as well as business cards, a resume, a contact list, invoice and letterhead. The course will also include visiting guest lecturers from a variety of industries. The focus will be to complete a portfolio that serves as a professional tool most suited to each individual's talent and aspirations.

Enrollment is limited to Senior Illustration Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Illustration