Book Illustration is a way of seeing and understanding the world. You'll discover how to connect and communicate with different audiences across a range of platforms. You’ll learn to experiment, test, and develop your illustration practice. You can explore drawing, painting, sewing, and printmaking, as well as photographic, digital, moving images, and interactive media.

What is the book illustration degree?

Immerse yourself in exploring professional and practical approaches to book illustration as well as engaging in the academic study of literature, to gain an in-depth understanding of the relationships between image, text, readers, and context in the world of literature.

The degree is distinguished by an emphasis on story-telling, character-creation, and the development of a professional ethos. Students are supported by access to industry-standard software, workshops, and studio environments. Typical graduate portfolios might include complete books, comics, animations, and films in a range of technologies and media from a mix of in-house assignments, self-starting tasks, national/international competition opportunities, and live project briefs.

What degree should you get to become a Book Illustrator?

The most common degree for book illustrators is a bachelor's degree. This degree program fosters an engaging and practical approach to illustration. Students are encouraged to develop their own unique approach to the subject, gaining the skills they need to thrive in their future careers. The course will enable you to develop your analytical and technical skills. You’ll explore innovative approaches to the subject with access to a studio environment, combining all your newly acquired skills within a dynamic and inventive visual storytelling final project.

Most book illustrators major in graphic design. Some other common majors for a book illustrator include fine arts and animation majors. In an illustration master's degree program, students may study a range of concepts to help them develop their artistic skills and style. Courses in a program may cover drawing, techniques, illustration markets, digital illustration, and composition of illustrations.

The skills you will have

Learn how to capture the imagination, delight the senses, and engage the minds of millions of children daily. You will focus on learning how to translate text into imagery that children can process and enjoy while also sharing accurate information. The program focuses on three areas to help you become a successful illustrator: Know the techniques and skills that captivate children's minds, sustain their attention, and enrich the reading experience.

Choose the best university

According to the rating of the Best universities of QS, one of the best universities hosting programs for the study of hydropower is the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna, the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, and the Macerata Academy of Fine Arts. All these universities offer very high-quality education, as well as guaranteed employment. Excellent students are provided with scholarships and other types of funding.

Job opportunities

Illustration graduates progress to careers in a variety of industries including publishing, including publishing, advertising, children's books, art direction, graphic design, film and animation, fine arts, digital media, teaching, and web design; as well as those who go on to further postgraduate studies