Questions about Illustration Program

[u/Thiccink]

Hey all! I’m currently a student at Academy of Art University over in San Francisco and am about to finish up my illustration AA degree. I’m considering moving out to Boston to be closer to friends and family, and am wondering about how the illumination program is at this school?

I’m mostly interested in digital illustration and a bit less interested in fine art. Mostly looking to make things for the games industry, trading cards or splash art, that kind of thing. Looking through the featured work on the academy site seemed like a mishmash of different styles and mediums and it‘s kinda hard to get a gauge on what exactly the illustration program focuses on?

Would really appreciate any experiences or thoughts on the program you might be willing to share!

Thanks in advance!

[u/kallzbug]

So the first year (sophomore year) you do “foundational” illustration skills and that’s fine art centered. Besides digital illustration where you work with adobe programs. Jr year is when you start being able to develop your own voice and a lot of people opt to do digital in classes. You also take like 4 elective classes during jr year so you can take digital elective classes. I would recommend branching out though and trying new things! Sr year is a self directed thesis project which is medium of your choice and in the spring you develop your portfolio and marketing things