ILLUSTRATION : DESIGN ARTS

Through the crafting of images, illustrators give form to ideas and bring stories to life. In the Illustration concentration at Memphis College of Art you learn to communicate and engage with a unique personal vision.

IL 220 Illustrated Story 1: Cartoons & Sequential Art.

This course explores the formal language of storytelling with multiple images, including comics, cartoon strips, and children’s picture books. This course is writing and drawing intensive.

Prerequisite: HU 102, DW 220


IL 240 Illustration 1: Drawing for Illustration.

This is an introductory course in the fundamentals of representational drawing for the purposes of communication. Images are created in several media, using a variety of visual references, including photography, life, memory, and found sources. Conceptualization, composition, clear rendering, and staging of the figure are emphasized.

Prerequisite: GD 200 Co-requisites: DW 220


IL 270 Illustration 2: Illustrated Media.

This course continues the development of representational drawing and communication skills from Illustration 1. Perspective, color composition, and wet media are explored as tools for solving narrative and conceptual challenges.

Prerequisite: IL 240


IL 320 Illustrated Story 2: Comics & Picture Books.

Building on the skills developed in Illustrated Story 1, students develop long-form illustrated stories, and study professional and production requirements of the comics, children’s books, and cartooning marketplace.

Prerequisite: IL 220


IL 360 Illustration 3: Professional Applications.

This year-long course is an overview of Illustration as a field. Assignments reflect the scope of Illustration, including Editorial, Children’s, Business, Book, and Information Illustration. An emphasis is placed on concept development, communication, and professional practice.

Prerequisite: IL 270


IL365 Illustration 4.

Continuation of IL 360.

Prerequisite: IL 360


IL 460 Illustration 5: Visual Essay.

In pursuit of a personal voice and process, students develop a Visual Essay: a self-directed series of related images on a chosen subject. Additionally, the professional
business and contractual practices necessary for a working Illustrator
are covered in detail.

Prerequisite: IL 365

IL 465 Illustration 6: Portfolio and Presentation.

Advanced students will continue creating a personal and professional body of work in preparation for graduation and employment. Students develop a portfolio, web representation and self-promotional materials.

Prerequisite: IL 460