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Illustration

Academics

Technology Package Information

On-ground students are required to maintain a laptop that meets these degree specific minimum requirements. Online students may choose either a desktop or laptop, but a laptop is recommended.

Illustration

Illustration (On-Ground)

Software:

Adobe

Office 365

Minimum Hardware Requirements:

Windows

  • OS: Windows 10 Version 1809 or Later
  • Core: 64-Bit Multicore Intel or AMD CPU 2GHz or faster 
  • Memory: 8 GB
  • GPU/ Video Card: GPU with DirectX 12 Support and 2 GB of VRAM
  • Display: 1280×1080 minimum resolution
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB

Mac

  • OS: macOS 10.15 or Later
  • Core: Multicore Intel or M1 Processor with 64bit support
  • Memory: 8 GB
  • GPU/ Video Card: GPU with Metal Support and 2 GB of VRAM
  • Display: 1280×1080 minimum resolution
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB

Recommended Hardware Requirements:

Windows

  • OS: Windows 10 Version 1809 or Later
  • Core: Intel i7 or Higher or AMD Ryzen 7 or Higher
  • Memory: 32 GB
  • GPU/Video Card: GPU with DirectX 12 Support and 4GB of VRAM
  • Display: 1920 x 1080 resolution or greater
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB (SSD or mm2) or greater sized drive

Mac

  • OS: macOS 11 or Later
  • Core: Multicore Intel or M1 Processor with 64bit support
  • Memory: 32 GB
  • GPU/Video Card: GPU with Metal Support and 4GB of VRAM or Higher
  • Display: 1920 x 1080 resolution or greater
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB (SSD or mm2) or greater sized drive

Required: Device for Digital Painting (iPad or Tablet)

Recommended Options:

  • iPad Pro with Pencil, 12.9″ (Recommended)
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 6
  • Wacom One (Pen Display)
  • Wacom Intuos (Pen Tablet)

Illustration (Online)

Software:

Adobe

Office 365

Minimum Hardware Requirements:

Windows

  • OS: Windows 10 Version 1809 or Later
  • Core: 64-Bit Multicore Intel or AMD CPU 2GHz or faster 
  • Memory: 8 GB
  • GPU/ Video Card: GPU with DirectX 12 Support and 2 GB of VRAM
  • Display: 1280×1080 minimum resolution
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB

Mac

  • OS: macOS 10.15 or Later
  • Core: Multicore Intel or M1 Processor with 64bit support
  • Memory: 8 GB
  • GPU/ Video Card: GPU with Metal Support and 2 GB of VRAM
  • Display: 1280×1080 minimum resolution
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB

Recommended Hardware Requirements:

Windows

  • OS: Windows 10 Version 1809 or Later
  • Core: Intel i7 or Higher or AMD Ryzen 7 or Higher
  • Memory: 32 GB
  • GPU/Video Card: GPU with DirectX 12 Support and 4GB of VRAM
  • Display: 1920 x 1080 resolution or greater
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB (SSD or mm2) or greater sized drive

Mac

  • OS: macOS 11 or Later
  • Core: Intel i7 M1 or Higher
  • Memory: 32 GB
  • GPU/Video Card: GPU with Metal Support and 4GB of VRAM or Higher
  • Display: 1920 x 1080 resolution or greater
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB (SSD or mm2) or greater sized drive

Required: Device for Digital Painting (iPad or Tablet)

Recommended Options:

  • iPad Pro with Pencil, 12.9″ (Recommended)
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 6
  • Wacom One (Pen Display)
  • Wacom Intuos (Pen Tablet)

Let's Design Your Future NOW
LET'S GET STARTED!
Game Art studio background
Game Art robot
RMCAD Game Art student
Game Art controller

Illustration

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Draw Your Future Into Reality

Video: Learn Illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Play Video about Video: Learn Illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Illustration allows you to create emotions that will last a lifetime. Being an illustrator is like being a magician; only instead of a wand, you use a pencil to make magic!

ARE YOU READY TO BRING YOUR CREATIVITY TO LIFE?

Program Overview

As an Illustration Program student, you’ll learn key fundamentals of illustration like drawing and painting.  With smaller class sizes that allow for more personalized instruction from practicing industry professionals, you’ll master these foundational skills while developing the conceptual, technical, and business skills necessary to become a successful illustrator.

You’ll graduate confident in the expertise you’ve acquired and the ability to create unique and inspiring illustrations across many spectrums.

Robot character concept drawings.
Illustrator sketching ideas for a children's book, surrounded by Procreate UI elements and the finished illustration.
Illustration program overview icon

Program Highlights

Innovative Storytelling

Traditional + New Media

Drawing Mastery

Composition Theory

Self Promotion

Portfolio Development

Degree Options

At RMCAD, we believe in a balanced approach to the curriculum for the Illustration Program, with a focus on observational drawing, media use, and storytelling. Our students receive instruction in the technical, conceptual, and business aspects of illustration with the goal of striking the perfect balance of coursework to help students develop a strong and diverse skill set.

* RMCAD offers classes year-round in both on-campus and online delivery formats. At RMCAD, we believe that online learning is an important part of the overall college learning experience. To provide students multiple scheduling options, diverse learning modalities, and experience in the virtual environment, all on-campus students are required to take part in online education.

Tech + Tools

To make sure all students seeking RMCAD’s Bachelor’s Degree in Illustration receive the highest quality education possible, we incorporate industry standard software, personal one-on-one instruction, small class sizes, and collaboration with seasoned professional illustrators.

View Course Materials
stylus
fineliner felt-tip pen

Illustration Careers

RMCAD Illustration graduates are launching exciting careers all over the map and there are no limits when you draw your own future! When you have a RMCAD Bachelor’s Degree in Illustration, you can work in the following areas: 

  • Editorial Illustration
  • Children's Book Illustration
  • Concept Art for Games + Animation
  • Comic Books + Graphic Novels
  • Technical + Medical Illustration
  • Product Design + Licensing
  • Freelance Commissions

Let's Design Your Future NOW
LET'S GET STARTED!

Student Work + Success

By Illustration students Abbey Bryant and Barry Kooser
By Illustration students Christina Moore and Larry Kresek
By Illustration students Liliya Rattari and Alice Feagan
By Illustration student Elijah Huskey
By Illustration students Jackson Christopher and Ellie Rusinova
By Illustration students Rachael Wilts and Brenda Lyons
By Illustration students Sydney Blake and Philip Ferretti
View More Student Work

Get to Know Our Grads

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Stories @ RMCAD

Illustration Faculty

RMCAD’s team of Illustration instructors are dedicated to the success of our students and are there to provide critical support throughout your illustration education.

Learn More

Illustration Events

Our Illustration events are drawing a crowd. Come check it out!

 
 
Learn More

Ready to Illustrate Your Creativity?

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