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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates from Columbus College of Art & 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? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 72%, Illustration graduates from Columbus College of Art & Design have a slightly higher likelihood (+5%) 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 6% 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: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Columbus College of Art & Design with a Bachelor's Degree in Illustration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssociate Product Designer American Greetings Aug 2016 - Oct 2019 ABOUTExperienced Product Designer with a demonstrated history of working in the consumer goods industry. Skilled in Vector Illustration, Art Education, Paper Cutting, Painting, and Typography. Strong arts and design professional with a Bachelor's Degree focused in Illustration from Columbus College of Art & Design. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with a degree in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art & Design, it's clear that many have pursued jobs closely related to their field. The most common positions include Production Artists and Graphic Designers, which heavily utilize the illustration skills developed during their studies. Many of these roles involve applying artistic techniques on a daily basis, such as creating visuals for marketing campaigns, advertisements, or other projects where their illustration abilities shine. Freelancing also appears frequently, with many graduates offering their skills independently as illustrators or graphic designers, further showcasing the versatility of their qualifications.
However, not every graduate has followed a path directly tied to illustration. Some have taken on roles like Mortgage Underwriter or Guest Experience Analyst, which do not leverage their artistic training at all. This suggests that while a degree in Illustration provides valuable creative skills, the job market can lead graduates in unexpected directions that may not be related to their studies. Overall, despite the presence of unrelated positions, the majority of graduates tend to find jobs that have good relevance to their Illustration degree, illustrating the demand for creative talents in various creative fields.
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 Columbus College of Art & Design):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Columbus College of Art & Design who majored in Illustration, it seems like many of them started off strong, diving into positions that are related to design and illustration right after college. For their first jobs, a lot of them have taken on roles like production artists, graphic designers, and even freelance work, which is pretty common in the creative field. This initial experience often helps them build a solid portfolio and gain the skills they need to progress in their careers.
However, as we look further out, say five to ten years after graduation, the picture becomes a bit more mixed. While some graduates have landed fantastic roles in reputable companies—like graphic designer positions at well-known brands—others have moved into fields that aren’t directly aligned with their Illustration degree, like mortgage underwriting or customer service. Some have become educators, which speaks to how they’ve turned their skills into teaching roles, but there are also quite a few who are still freelancing or working in various tangential jobs to make ends meet. Overall, it's a mixed bag; a number of graduates are following rewarding paths in creative industries, while others seem to have strayed from their original focus on illustration. So if you're eyeing a career in this field, it's worth noting that while opportunities exist, the journey can lead you in various directions based on choices and circumstances after graduation.
Honestly, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration at Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) can be a pretty challenging but rewarding experience. It’s not just about drawing pretty pictures; you’ll be pushed to develop your technical skills, along with your creativity and style. The coursework is pretty robust, with a mix of studio work, critiques, and projects, and you’ll definitely have to put in hours outside of class to really hone your craft. If you’re passionate about art and willing to dedicate time to improve and experiment, it can be super fulfilling, but it’s definitely not a walk in the park. So, if you're ready to work hard and grow your skills, then you might just find it to be a great fit for you!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Illustration.
Alright, so looking at the job histories of these Illustration grads from Columbus College of Art & Design, it seems like they're kind of all over the map when it comes to making real bank. Some of them have steady jobs in graphic design and more specialized roles, like being a Senior Designer at Wizards of the Coast, which typically pays well and shows a nice career progression. But then there are others bouncing between freelance gigs and less stable positions, like working as a guest experience analyst at Chipotle or even doing cake decorating. Freelancing can be hit or miss, depending on projects, and it looks like some of them haven’t exactly landed gigs that scream "big bucks." So, while a few seem to be doing pretty decently, overall, it’s a mixed bag, and some of them might want to step it up if they’re hoping for those higher salaries down the line.
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 Columbus College of Art & 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 |