Illustration is a versatile degree that can lead to jobs and careers in many different areas. Visit the department website, watch the videos below, or scroll down and select an option under Related Career Fields to see more information about potential careers you can pursue.
Illustration Minor
Related Career Fields
Select a career field below to see some of the various areas it encompasses, types of employers, and some sample occupations.
Commercial Art
Career Areas
- Graphic art
- Motion design
- Web design
- Graphic novels
- Illustration
- Story boards
- Advertising
- Medical and scientific illustration
- Typography
- Animation
- Art direction
- Logo/Branding
- Advertisement, magazine, layout, book, packaging, stationary, wallpaper design
Employers
- Advertising agencies
- Public relation agencies
- Design firms
- Company marketing departments
- Publishing companies: magazines, newspapers, books
- Department stores
- Television and motion picture industry
- Governmental agencies
- Universities
- Manufacturing firms
- Greeting card companies
- Internet media companies
- Self-employed
- Large corporations
General Information
- Develop excellent technical and computer skills in a variety of platforms and design software.
- Maintain an up-to-date physical and digital portfolio of your work.
- Gain relevant experience through part-time jobs and internships.
- Obtain summer or part-time experience with book, magazine, or newspaper publishers.
- Develop attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
- Supplement curriculum with course work in advertising or business.
- For medical illustration, undergraduate coursework in anatomy and biology may be necessary, as well as a master’s degree in medical illustration.
- Participate in the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition to build a greater understanding of the industry and to gain recognition.
Print Design
Career Areas
- Type design
- Magazine design
- Newspaper design
- Book design
- Brochure, flyer, newsletter, menu, packaging, poster publication design
- Cover/label design
- Advertising layout
- Photo editing/Photoshop art
- Illustration
- Identity/Branding design: Logos, business cards, stationery, billboard, car wrap, etc.
- Infographics
Employers
- Magazine, Periodical, Book, Directory, Newspaper, Textbook Publishers
- Greeting card, Design firm Publishers
- Advertising agencies
- Publishing houses
- Business form companies
- Publicity firms
- In-house creative departments
- Large retail stores
- Toy companies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
- Universities
- Self-employed (freelance)
General Information
- Graphic designers create numerous visual and text communication works, small to large, from posters to identity systems. Research all the niche areas and gain the tools and technological skills to succeed in that area.
- Assemble a portfolio of work samples.
- Complete a related internship to gain relevant experience and to contribute to your portfolio.
- Work on campus publications in design or layout or find a part-time position with a local publication.
- Develop excellent communication skills and learn to work well on a multidisciplinary team.
- Volunteer to create brochures, newsletters, or other publications for campus organizations.
- Develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Join professional associations as a student member.
- Become knowledgeable in production and printing processes.
- Develop broad software application skills in MAC and PC based programs and a solid background in design.
- Participate in local or campus design contests.
Media
Career Areas
- Media
- Journalism:
- Production
- Design
- Art criticism
- Editing
- Art direction
- Sales
- Programming
- Video
- Illustration
- Animation
- Story board
- Film
- Social media
- Digital imaging and editing
Employers
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Websites
- Book publishers
- Studios
General Information
- Develop excellent grammar and writing skills along with knowledge of the history and culture of art.
- Learn HTML and other computer programs to prepare for online work.
- Become comfortable working in a deadline-oriented atmosphere.
- Work with campus or local newspapers. Create a portfolio of work samples, especially those that have been published.
- Seek opportunities for recognition and networking through contests and other design submissions.
Join Organizations
Being active in both student and professional organizations can help boost your career. You'll have the opportunity to network with and learn from peers, mentors, and professionals. Working within these groups helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You'll gain hands-on experience, showing employers your proactive attitude and commitment to growth, making you a stronger job candidate.
Student Organizations
Check out the organizations listed below, search Laker Life, or talk with a Career Coach to find others.
Search for Employers
General Guidelines and Strategies
- Internships are crucial in obtaining experience, building relationships, and reality testing career choices.
- Begin cultivating creative talents as soon as possible.
- Develop a portfolio of creative materials related to career goals.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, team work, integrity, good judgment, and intelligence.
- Gain experience with campus publications.
- Develop excellent writing and grammar skills.
- Read extensively in areas of interest.
- Minoring in business administration, political science, technical communication, natural or social sciences, sport management, cinema studies, or art media may provide greater job opportunities and complement the major.
- Pick electives in a variety of subjects as you may be asked to do design work for many topics.
- Take classes in computers, graphic design, and website management.
- Participate in the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition to build a greater understanding of the industry and to gain recognition.
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Phone: 315-312-2255
Email: [email protected]
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