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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates from Academy of Art University 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Illustration graduates from Academy of Art University have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) 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 15% 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: 37% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Academy of Art University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSeasonal Sales Associate Unknown Oct 2013 - Jan 2014 Summer Tutor Unknown Jun 2014 - Jul 2014 Freelance Artist  Unknown Jan 2014 - Aug 2014 Paratransit Driver Unknown Sep 2014 - Dec 2014 Body Artist  Unknown Mar 2015 - Jul 2015 Transportation Care Worker Unknown Aug 2015 - Nov 2016 Photographer Unknown Jun 2017 - Nov 2017 Bakery Clerk Unknown May 2019 - Jul 2019 1:1 Paraeducator Unknown Jul 2020 - Oct 2022 ABOUTA Creative, Child-at-Heart Woman, who enjoys and finds fulfillment in sharing her gifts and talents. In great hopes to nurture those unique abilities in others. :) |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the data I've analyzed, it seems that graduates from the Academy of Art University with a degree in Illustration land a mix of jobs, but many of them tend to stick closely to creative fields like graphic design, concept art, and freelance illustration work. A good number of them have embraced roles like Illustrator or Concept Artist, which directly utilize the skills they honed during their studies. It's clear that careers in game design and visual development are also pretty popular, with many graduates finding themselves in positions where their illustration expertise is a key component of the job. Positions like Lead Graphic Artist or Freelance Artist appear to be common too, showcasing how versatile their skills can be when applied in various artistic contexts.
However, not all their job choices align with their illustration background. Some graduates have ventured into areas that don't really tap into their artistic training, like roles in customer service, logistics, or unrelated freelance gigs that focus more on practical tasks rather than illustration techniques. While it’s great to see that a good number of alumni find relevant work, the reality is that not everyone is employed in positions that fully utilize their illustration skills. Some have taken paths that stray away from their passion, which is totally normal, but it highlights the challenge many creatives face in today’s job market. Overall, it seems like there’s significant potential for illustration graduates to find fulfilling work in their field, but there’s also a fair share of jobs that don’t quite hit the mark in terms of relevance.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Illustration graduates (this is across all Illustration graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Academy of Art University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Illustration program at the Academy of Art University, there's a mixed bag of outcomes. Generally, right after graduation, many graduates jump into roles that are somewhat related to their field, like freelance work as illustrators or graphic designers, as seen with people taking positions at companies and also pursuing independent projects. For instance, some found consistent roles like Illustrator at cultural organizations or as freelance graphic artists, which suggests they leveraged their skills effectively right out of school.
However, as we look five to ten years down the line, the picture becomes less rosy for some. While some graduates solidified their careers in the creative industry, moving up to roles like Concept Artist or Co-Founder of their own companies, others drifted into unrelated jobs or freelance gigs that may not align directly with their Illustration training. It's not uncommon to see some people working in seasonal retail or hospitality, which doesn't harness their creative skills. So, while a fair number manage to find their way into rewarding careers within the realm of illustration and design, there's also a significant portion who might not feel they're using their degree to its fullest potential. If you're considering this path, know that it can lead to solid opportunities—but it can also require persistence and adaptability along the way!
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration, whether at the Academy of Art University or somewhere else, can be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, if you’re passionate about art and have a strong work ethic, you might find it really engaging and rewarding—the assignments let you explore your creativity and push your skills. But on the flip side, it can also be pretty demanding. You’ll have a lot of projects, tight deadlines, and critiques that can be tough to handle. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but if you love drawing and storytelling through visuals, it’ll feel less like a grind and more like a fun challenge!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Illustration.
Looking at these Illustration grads from the Academy of Art University, it seems like their financial outcomes are pretty mixed. Some have found decent roles, particularly those in concept art or leading roles in creative teams, which generally pay better—like the concept artists and co-founders of game studios. Others have a bit of a patchy career trajectory, juggling freelance gigs with less stable jobs, which might not bring in solid income consistently. The ones who went freelance right after graduation seem to be making it work, but it's hard to say if they're raking in the big bucks or just getting by. So, overall, while some are likely doing well, others might still be hustling to pay the bills.
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 is across all Illustration graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Academy of Art University). 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 |