Illustration Major
Ringling College Illustration students first master the fundamentals of color theory, composition, anatomy, and digital and traditional media. Essentially, we will teach you how to see—and how to illustrate what you are seeing through observational painting and drawing. Then you’ll compose works that effectively communicate a message because at the heart of every illustration is a story to be told, a problem to be solved, or a perspective to be shared. Working in 2D and 3D, students in the Illustration major are introduced to and familiarized with professional industry techniques through exercises, demonstrations, guest speakers, critiques, collaborative projects, internships, recruiter workshops, and interactions with real clients in the area. By the time you graduate, you will be prepared to take on countless illustration positions and share a comprehensive, cohesive portfolio that showcases your distinct visual voice. More About Our Program Course Descriptions
Illustration Major
Fearlessly make your mark.
BFA Program
Awards & Accolades
Student Work
Where are they now?
Ringling Illustration graduates are working in hundreds of industries around the world!
Cameron Cottrill ’14
Tampa Bay Times | News Artist
Morgan Davidson ’14
Freelance | Illustrator
Teresa Mai ’14
Creativo Surface Design | Graphic Designer
Charlotte Mao ’14
Google | Visual Designer
Veronica Valencia ’14
Floyd County Productions | Storyboard Artist
Natalie Andrewson ’13
Freelance | Editorial Illustrator
Matt Howley ’13
Harper Collins Publishers | Cover Illustrator
Andres M. Labrada ’13
Freelance | Illustrator; Storyboard Illustrator
Wren McDonald ’13
Freelance | Illustrator; Cartoonist
Patu Phan ’13
American Greetings | Lead Illustrator
Tyrell Dion Waiters ’13
Abercrombie & Fitch | Associate Graphic Designer
Brett Carville ’12
Freelance | Contract Illustrator, Puppet Fabricator and Comic Illustrator
Jordie Bellaire ’10
Freelance | Comic Book Colorist
Sarah Watts ’08
Cotton+Steel Fabrics; Wattsalot
Cofounder/Designer; Illustration/Art Licensing
Tristan Henry-Wilson ’04
McCann Echo | Senior Graphic Designer; Oil Painter
Tim Rogerson ’04
Walt Disney Company | Fine Artist
Daniel Miyares ’02
Hallmark | Master Artist; Author/Illustrator
Brian Blomer ’01
United Airlines | User Experience Designer
Shawn Barber ’99
Memoir Tattoo | Co-owner/Tattooist; Safehouse Atelier; Instructor; Self Employed; Painter/Illustrator
Phil Noto ’92
Marvel Comics/Lucasfilm | Artist
See more career opportunities on our career support page.
Turning Passion Into Profession
Opportunities for Illustration students
Student Publications
Students are invited to submit artwork each semester for collaborative, theme-based student publications. Contributing to these publications offers students exposure to art directors, editors, art buyers, and also helps them build a fan base. Current publications include a graphic novel called Meanwhile, a theme-based children's book, and a visual development book called Design Unscripted.
Work with our Career Services Center to prepare and guide you to finding an internship focused on your area of interest – we are here to help! With networks around the region and the country, we help you gain exposure to professional best practices and practical application of your technical skills. We are constantly connecting with industry professionals to find new, exciting opportunities to put your skills to work and get a taste of real-world work demands.
Society of Illustrators Annual Competiton
To date, Ringling College students have won more awards in the 40 year history of the Society of Illustrators than any other college and comprise the highest number of accepted entries into the Society’s annual Student Scholarship Competition. About 300 works are chosen from more than 8,700 entries submitted by professors of college-level students nationwide. A competition which can kick start a career, the Student Scholarship Competition challenges students to bring their most sophisticated, well-crafted and original work to be tested by a jury of professional peers, including illustrators and art directors, who selects the most outstanding works created throughout the year.
The Collaboratory
We are proud to say that every Ringling student, regardless of major, is guaranteed the opportunity to gain professional work experience. Our Collaboratory Commitment pairs teams of Ringling students with local businesses to give students a taste of real-world projects, expectations, and deadlines. Facilitated by Collaboratory staff, students will meet with clients looking for creative, unconventional solutions to their branding and design challenges and execute the entire creative process of concepting, presenting, and building campaigns that meet their demands.