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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 408 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 66%, Illustration graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 12% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Illustration graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 92% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Maryland Institute College of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Illustration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONProduct Design Intern SCG America Group Inc. Sep 2022 - Dec 2022 Graphic Designer  SCG America Group Inc. Feb 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job paths of many graduates with a degree in Illustration, we can see some clear patterns and trends that emerge, particularly in terms of relevancy to their field of study. A majority of formerly aspiring illustrators have found their way into roles that directly engage their artistic skills, often in the fields of graphic design, animation, and illustration itself. Freelance work emerges as a significant pathway; many graduates have carved out independent careers as illustrators, using their degree to create diverse visual content tailored to clients and projects.
A large number of graduates have also taken on positions within companies that focus on media and entertainment, such as graphic design roles at animation studios, visual development artists, and character designers. These roles generally leverage the skills honed during their degree programs, offering graduates the opportunity to work directly in fields such as animation, game design and publishing, which fundamentally rely on strong illustration skills. However, not all paths have been so aligned; a notable segment of graduates have landed in positions outside the creative arts, often in unrelated fields like customer service, administrative roles, or retail. While some of these roles may benefit from creative problem-solving or visual presentation skills, they do not directly utilize the specialized training in illustration that these graduates received.
Overall, it appears that while many illustration graduates have secured relevant roles that align well with their training, there exists a noticeable divide for those who have pursued jobs unrelated to their degree. For those who engaged in freelance work or roles within creative industries, the degree's skills were essential and directly applied, showcasing the relevance of their specialized training. On the flip side, for graduates veering into unrelated areas, it becomes clear that their individual definitions of 'creativity' may not have been fully encompassed by traditional illustration roles, leading to a mix of satisfaction and missed opportunities to fully capitalize on their artistic background. In conclusion, while the degree in Illustration offers many fertile ground opportunities in creative fields, the divergent career paths chosen underscore how transferable skills can sometimes lead individuals away from their intended discipline.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Illustration graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of Illustration graduates from various schools, it’s clear that there's a range of experiences—their paths can vary quite significantly. Many of these graduates initially find their first jobs in roles relevant to their degree, like graphic designers, freelance illustrators, or in creative roles within companies. However, it’s important to note that not all of them have managed to stick to traditional illustration or design roles over the long term.
In their early careers, many graduates tend to find positions directly related to illustration, graphic design, or something in the creative industry. For instance, graduates from schools like the Savannah College of Art and Design and the Rhode Island School of Design often land jobs as graphic designers, illustrators, or in animation roles soon after graduation. Five years or even ten years into their careers, many remain in creative positions, which is a positive indicator that a degree in Illustration can lead to fulfilling roles in relevant fields.
However, it becomes evident that after a decade or so in the industry, a significant number of these graduates have shifted into positions that, while creatively fulfilling, may not directly align with pure illustration skills. Some have transitioned to management roles, education, or completely different sectors, which might suggest a certain level of disenchantment with the limitations of traditional roles within illustration. Others have taken more generic creative positions that, while still impactful, lack the focus on illustration they may have pursued initially. For instance, there are graduates who are now project managers, social media managers, or even instructors rather than concentrating solely on illustration or design work.
Overall, while there are definitely successful examples of graduates thriving in their illustration careers, many have had to diversify their skill sets or change directions in ways that dilute the effectiveness of their illustration degree. It’s a mixed bag, and the outcomes typically depend on individual circumstances, including determination, adaptability, and sometimes a bit of luck. For anyone considering a degree in Illustration, the landscape suggests that while passions may evolve and career paths may twist and turn, a degree from a reputable art school can still be a solid stepping stone into the creative industries.
Getting a Bachelor's degree in Illustration can be a mixed bag—it really depends on your passion for art and your willingness to put in the effort. If you love drawing and creating, you'll probably find that it's challenging but also super rewarding; a lot of it comes down to honing your skills, developing your unique style, and grasping concepts like color theory and composition. You’ll face critiques and projects that can be stressful, which might make it feel tougher than some more straightforward subjects. But for those who are truly into it, it can feel more like an enjoyable journey than a traditional grind. Overall, it’s a bit more demanding than a standard degree, especially since there's a whole lot of self-directed work involved, but if it’s your thing, the challenge can be really fun!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Illustration.
Based on the jobs these illustration graduates have taken since graduating, it appears that some have managed to secure decent income while others are still on their way up the financial ladder. For instance, graduates who landed roles at major companies like Warner Bros, Disney, and Netflix likely have found themselves in relatively high-paying positions, given the prestige and resources of these organizations in the creative field. In contrast, individuals working as freelancers or in less stable roles may be facing more financial uncertainty, especially if their work hasn't consistently delivered high-paying gigs.
Overall, it looks like there's a mixed bag of financial success among these graduates. Those who quickly transitioned into full-time positions within prominent organizations likely have a better shot at making a stable income. On the flip side, those still piecing together freelance projects or working in lower-tier roles may be struggling more. The field is known for its volatility, so while some are thriving, many are working hard to establish their footing and can still benefit from additional income opportunities wherever they can find them.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Illustration. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Illustration (ordered by the average relevance score of their Illustration graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 ArtCenter College of Design
|
83 | 16 |
 Ringling College of Art and Design
|
79 | 17 |
 Columbus College of Art & Design
|
72 | 16 |
 Rhode Island School of Design
|
71 | 15 |
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
65 | 40 |
 Academy of Art University
|
65 | 13 |
 Maryland Institute College of Art
|
65 | 13 |
 School of Visual Arts
|
61 | 20 |
 Pacific Northwest College of Art
|
61 | 10 |
 Fashion Institute of Technology
|
59 | 19 |