As an Illustration major, students are trained in a variety of digital and traditional mediums, with an emphasis on building strong practical skills that can be applied in diverse ways.
After mastering the foundation level curriculum including painting and figure drawing, students may choose to create coursework that emphasizes Illustration for Publishing, Illustration for Entertainment Design, Illustration for Surface Design, Motion design and Illustrative Fine Art.
- A minimum of 90 credits are required for this major, including at least 37 upper-division credits.
- Application to this major requires submission of an online portfolio and written statement in addition to the online major application.
- As a condition of graduation in this major, students are required to participate in the Illustration Portfolio Exhibition during the Spring Quarter of their senior year.
entering and completing the Illustration Major
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major.
- Apply to the Illustration major in Banner by following these instructions.
- In addition to submitting the online application form in Banner, you must also submit the following:
- A written statement on why you are choosing to pursue studies in the Illustration major and how this degree will benefit you. (One page.)
- An online portfolio for review. (See "Portfolio Guidelines" below.)
- Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.
Junior transfers to the Illustration major
If you are a transfer student with class status beyond the sophomore level, you may apply to the major after an advising/work sample review with the head of the Illustration major. The last date to submit your portfolio for entrance into the major for fall admissions is June 15th prior to the autumn quarter you intend to begin the program. The Illustration major has sequenced courses and will require a minimum of two years from the start of the admitted Autumn Quarter.
See degree requirements for a full list of required courses and electives within the major or minor program.
Portfolio guidelines
The Illustration major requires submission of an online portfolio. Before submitting a portfolio, you must apply for entrance to the major in Banner by following these instructions. The application in Banner should be submitted after you have completed the following courses: ART 1105 Art Foundations 1: Surface; ART 1106 Art Foundations 2: Space; and ART 1107 Art Foundations 3: Time, or equivalent courses. For equivalency of previous course offerings and/or transfer credits, please consult with the head of the Illustration major.
Portfolios must include:
- A declaration that you intend to pursue studies in the Illustration major and how this will benefit you (one page).
- Anticipated date of graduation.
- A current transcript.
- A document listing the address of your online portfolio.
- Required artwork samples: Three projects from each core course, for a minimum of nine pieces.
- A current transcript.
- Required artwork samples: Three projects from each core course, for a minimum of nine pieces.
The required contents may be emailed to the head of the Illustration major or sent to the Art Department Administrative office.
Application deadlines for Illustration Majors
- Freshmen/Sophomores: We have a rolling deadline with opportunities to submit your portfolio throughout your freshman and sophomore years. Please notify the head of the Illustration major to let them know you have submitted your application and portfolio. Deadline for the academic year is no later than June 15th for admittance the following autumn quarter.
- For Juniors or Transfer Students: The last date to submit your portfolio for entrance into the major for fall admissions is June 15 prior to the Autumn Quarter you intend to begin the program. The Illustration major has sequenced courses and will require a minimum of two years from the start of the admitted Autumn Quarter.
Post-application review process
You will be notified by email of the status and final decision regarding your application. Criteria for acceptance will be based upon the quality of the work, grades, essay content, and success in academic coursework.