Illustration Careers Start at Columbia
Make Your Mark With an Illustration Degree at Columbia College Chicago
From comics to concept art, the Illustration major at Columbia College Chicago gives you the tools to turn your ideas into powerful visuals that connect. Whether you pursue the BA in Illustration or the more specialized BFA, you'll learn from professional illustrators while building a portfolio that showcases both traditional and digital techniques.
Classes you'll take as part of the illustration degree include:
- Figure drawing and painting
- Cartooning and comics
- Digital illustration and typography
- Concept art and storyboarding
- Professional practice in freelancing, branding, and client communication
As you complete your illustration degree, you'll develop the artistic skills and business know-how to thrive in fields including publishing, advertising, concept art, and product design. We're excited to help you get started on your path with one of the top colleges with illustration programs. Connect with Columbia today.
Learn More About Columbia College Chicago
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Gain a Competitive Edge at a Top School for Illustration
Live in a City at the Forefront of Arts and Culture
At Columbia, your campus is the city. Our South Loop location puts you steps from world-class museums, theaters, design firms, and media outlets, meaning inspiration and opportunity are never far away. Chicago is a living lab where you'll test ideas, build meaningful connections, and gain real-world experience.
Plus, as a full-time student, you'll have a Ventra U-Pass, giving you unlimited access to the city's transit system so you can explore every area of Chicago with ease. From grabbing food with friends to walking through exhibits at the Art Institute, the city is part of everyday life.
A High-Level Look at Columbia's Illustration Major
Illustration School in Illinois 2025
Animation Career Review
Choose to Earn a BA or BFA in Illustration
Practice Both Traditional and Digital Image-Making
Creative Careers Start at Columbia
Columbia grads launch creative careers across industries — from design and media to performance, business, and tech. Ninety-six percent of recent graduates report being employed or achieving success in creative practice, and you'll graduate career ready and connected too.
Columbia Illustration grads are prepared for a wide range of creative careers, including animator, children's book illustrator, concept artist, freelance illustrator, graphic novelist, muralist, product designer.
"My experience at Columbia has allowed me to advance my skillset, develop my creative practice, and build my confidence as an artist."
— Emmalyn Mueller ‘23, Fine Arts BFA
Columbia Makes Art School in Chicago More Affordable
A Columbia degree is an investment in your creativity—and we're committed to making it accessible. With 99 percent of first-year students receiving financial aid, you'll find the support you need to focus on what matters most: creating.
Ways Columbia helps you save:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: You're automatically considered for these when you apply to Columbia.
- Talent-Based Scholarships: You can choose to apply by submitting a portfolio or completing an audition.
- Visit and FAFSA Awards: Up to $8,000 over four years for visiting campus, plus $1,000 just for filing the FAFSA.
Faculty Spotlight: Ivan Brunetti
Ivan Brunetti is an Associate Professor of Illustration in Columbia College Chicago's Design Department, teaching courses in illustration, cartooning, graphic novels, and visual narrative. His minimalist, emotionally resonant cartoons have been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Entertainment Weekly.
“This is something I want my students to understand: If you can tap into something deep, honest, personal, and risk letting your guard down … you might tap into something real and universal — and hopefully, lasting.”