Illustration
Plus, see why aliens are essential in this class
Oh, the places you’ll
go with this
Illustration student
Meet 2 student faves
Curriculum deets, student work, and more
Spruce up your screens with some Illustration vibes
ABOUT
Illustration, or ILLU, has long been one of the largest majors at Columbus College of Art & Design — and for good reason. Illustration is all about telling stories, from depicting culture to making a social impact and speaking to a commercial audience.
5 THINGS TO KNOW NOW
Plus, our favorite art and design tools, professors, and study break spots.
1
Beyond The Pen
You’re an illustrator. And a designer. And a painter, a sculptor, a photographer — and so much more. CCAD’s interdisciplinary curriculum encourages you to take classes in and outside of your major (think graphic design, photography, fine arts, and printmaking). Later on, you can specialize, but this wide-ranging training means you’ll have a strong foundation and a great opportunity to shape your artistic future. "It’s fun to explore, and by using different mediums, you can see what you’re good at. By experimenting and exploring, you make your own unique style," says Alma Kim (Class of 2020).
2
Make Your Own 3D Alien
Illustrations don’t have to be confined to the page. In 3D Illustration and Advanced 3D Illustration, you’ll bring your vision to life in clay, foam, rubber, and more. (Plus, you’ll be prepared to land a career in mechanical effects, prop-making, and commercial sculpture.) From oversize centipedes and eye-catching aliens to intricate paper figures, CCAD artists’ work makes a mark on the landscape (from movie sets to haunted houses) — and yours will, too.
3
The Business of Child’s Play
The Children’s Picture Book Class is a favorite among the ILLU crowd. In this unique class, meticulous instructor Chris Canyon walks you through the process of planning a book and the basics of publishing. At the beginning of the class, you’ll reenvision and redesign existing picture books. Then, you’ll learn how to apply your knowledge and experience to children’s literature and commercial publishing.
4
The World Needs You
From surface design for clothing to comics, cartoons, and entertainment, illustration is everywhere. The world needs illustrators. Let’s face it: the world needs you. And at CCAD, you’ll get tons of experience to create a varied portfolio of work. Class projects focus on creating editorial pieces for magazines, book cover designs, comic books, fabrics, and textiles.
5
Think Big, Think Chroma
At the end of your senior year, you’ll have a final project to be proud of — and to show off to future employers. Your final project is meant to challenge convention and help you unleash your creative visions. Top projects are picked for Chroma: Best of CCAD, the big annual campus-wide juried show and celebration — and a pretty huge deal. Chroma (@chromaccad) shows off the best of the best pieces from each of CCAD’s majors, its CORE programs, and work from first-year MFA students.
STUDENT VLOGS
TWO AMAZING FACULTY MEMBERS
Assistant Professor of Illustration
Maria Carluccio is an accomplished author and illustrator who has received multiple awards for her work from the New York Society of Illustrators and 3×3 magazine. Her children’s books have been published and reprinted in several languages throughout the world. She’s also known for inspiring wall décor and gift products, having licensed her artwork to big-name companies including Hallmark Cards, Pottery Barn Kids, and Target.
Associate Professor of Illustration
Joe Kovach is an award-winning illustrator who is at his best creating images that evoke a quiet surrealism. Iconic, moody, and sometimes whimsical, his images have appeared in books, magazines, advertising, online, and on gallery walls for more than 25 years. His clients include Sony, Scholastic, Dolby, the Franklin Mint, Opera Philadelphia, Harvard Business Review, Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, and others.
Education
- MFA in Illustration, Fashion Institute of Technology
- BFA in Graphic Design, Carnegie Mellon University
Current Practice
I recently participated in Surtex (the industry’s largest commercial art licensing show), will have a new line with Windham Fabrics, and I just completed a new children’s book, D is for Dress-Up, with Chronicle Books.
On Columbus
I recently moved from New York City and was attracted by Columbus’ more liveable lifestyle. There’s a relaxed energy here.
Inspiration
I think inspiration is the curiosity you bring to everything you do. With my daily Instagram posts, I’ve realized nature, animals, color, and exploring media attract me, but it always comes down to what I’m curious about, and that could happen anywhere.
Find her Online
Education
- MS in Marketing & Communications, Franklin University
BFA in Illustration, Columbus College of Art & Design
Current Practice
I currently work with my agent on a variety of commissions as well as exploring images inspired by nature and objects that interest me.
On Columbus
There is always something interesting to do in this town. Columbus is a vibrant and growing city and has been a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
Inspiration
I love to hike and spend time at places like Hocking Hills.
Find him Online
DOWNLOADS
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