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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates from ArtCenter College of Design 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 83%, Illustration graduates from ArtCenter College of Design have a much higher likelihood (+16%) 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 0% 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: 34% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from ArtCenter College of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Illustration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFreelance Concept Artist Lightforge Games Jun 2022 - Sep 2022 Environment & Prop Concept Artist Tic Toc Games Sep 2022 - Jan 2023 Marketing Illustrator  Activision Jan 2023 - May 2023 Freelance Artist  Freelance May 2023 - Present ABOUTHi there!Im [NAME REMOVED], a concept artist and illustrator working in the entertainment industry, based in Los Angeles, California. Im an avid gamer and binge watcher, and I love creating stories as much as I enjoy experiencing them. Whether its small group passion projects, or AAA studio work, Im always down for a new and fun challenge. Feel free to connect and reach out, whether just to chat or about any opportunities!Please check out my extended portfolio at https://www.yvonneliuart.com/ |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we take a look at the job paths for graduates from the Illustration program at ArtCenter College of Design, several patterns stand out. Many of these individuals have landed positions that are closely tied to their degree, with roles like Concept Artist, Character Designer, and Narrative Designer being quite common. These positions require strong illustration skills, storytelling abilities, and a creative mindset. Jobs in creative companies like Warner Bros. and Netflix are especially notable, as they directly leverage the skills these grads honed during their studies. However, it's not all about illustration-specific roles; many have also worked in broader creative capacities, such as Designers and Creative Producers, which might not delve deeply into illustration but still benefit from a strong artistic foundation.
Overall, while these graduates have a wide range of roles, a significant number maintain strong relevance to the field of Illustration. Positions directly utilizing their illustration skills, like Freelance Illustrator, Graphic Designer, and even interactive roles like VR Designer, show that the education they received is being put to good use. That said, some roles, like graphic design positions in marketing or general design internships, may not fully engage their illustration skills, reflecting a blend of artistic experience with other creative requirements. Nonetheless, for the most part, it seems like they're steering their careers in ways that keep that artistic flame alive and flourishing.
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 ArtCenter College of Design):
When you look at the career trajectories of graduates from the ArtCenter College of Design's Illustration program, a pretty interesting pattern emerges. Right after graduation, many of them start off with internships or assistant roles in creative companies, like designers at Warner Bros. or interns at big studios like Cartoon Network. This seems fairly typical in the art and design field, as it allows fresh graduates to get practical experience and build their portfolios while rubbing shoulders with industry professionals. For example, someone who graduated in 2016 started their first job as a designer at TASCHEN, and a 2018 grad started with internships at major companies before landing a more solid role as a concept artist. It’s a solid launchpad for many, typically leading to relevant roles within a few years.
Fast forward 5 to 10 years, and you'll see that a good number of these alums manage to find great careers directly tied to their illustration skills. Many transition into roles like narrative designers, character designers, and freelance illustrators, often working for recognizable brands or studios, which indicates a steady climb in their careers. However, there are also some who take a more circuitous route, landing freelance gigs or roles in related fields like graphic design. It’s not all sunshine, though; there are a few who seem to have trouble finding stable, relevant positions right after college, opting for freelance work or smaller jobs that aren't purely illustration-focused. Overall, though, many graduates do seem to channel their education into substantial and creative careers over time, which is pretty encouraging for anyone looking to make a similar path in the art world!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration at ArtCenter College of Design can definitely be a challenge, but it really depends on your perspective and dedication. The program is known for its intensity, so expect long hours of drawing, critique sessions, and a lot of hard work to develop your skills. It’s not just about being able to draw well; you’ll also learn about storytelling, color theory, and how to develop your own unique style. If you're passionate about art and willing to put in the effort, it can be super rewarding, but it’s definitely not a walk in the park. Overall, it tends to be on the harder side compared to a lot of other degree programs, so be prepared to hustle!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Illustration.
Looking at the careers of these ArtCenter graduates, it seems like many of them have landed pretty solid jobs in the creative field—especially those who graduated a few years back. For instance, graduates from 2012 and 2016 have moved up into roles like Senior Narrative Designer and Creative Producer, which usually come with decent pay, especially in tech and gaming. The younger grads from 2022 and 2023 are still on the grind, doing internships and freelance work, which might be less stable in terms of income, but it's a good starting point in the industry. Overall, it seems like those who graduated earlier are likely making a good living in their respective niches, while the newer folks are still paving their way, but with plenty of potential ahead!
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 ArtCenter College of Design). 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 |