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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology 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 19 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Illustration graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology have a lower likelihood (-8%) 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 5% 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 2017 from Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONWildRose Shop Owner WildRose Shop Jan 2017 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the LinkedIn profiles of graduates with degrees in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology, it’s clear that a significant number of them end up in positions that don’t directly relate to their illustration skills. Many have taken on roles like Client Advisors or Supervisors in retail, where their daily tasks revolve around customer service and retail management rather than the artistic skills honed during their studies. Even positions in design or creative roles often only partially use illustration skills or require additional expertise beyond what’s taught in an Illustration program. Only a handful of them have gone on to directly engage with illustration in their jobs, such as working as Graphic Designers, Freelance Illustrators, or Art Directors, where they apply their artistic training more comprehensively.
On the other hand, there are some notable exceptions where graduates have found opportunities that really support their creative background, like becoming a CEO of a puppetry company or taking on roles that required them to illustrate or design directly. However, it seems like the majority are navigating a broad job market that doesn’t always value their specific skills in illustration to the fullest. This reality shows that while they have strong artistic degrees, many opt for career paths that pull them into broader fields, indicating a possible disconnect between education in illustration and available job opportunities that utilize that specific skill set. It’s a mixed bag, really; lots of creativity but sometimes less direct relevance to what they trained for in school.
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 Fashion Institute of Technology):
So, when we take a look at the career paths of Illustration graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology, it's a mixed bag. A lot of these folks seem to start off in roles that are somewhat related to their field, like design assistant positions and even internships. For many, their first job after graduation is in an entry-level design role, often within the world of fashion or graphic design. For instance, we see some graduates landing gigs at big names like Louis Vuitton or getting junior positions in media companies, which shows there's a connection to their degree right out of school.
However, as we look five to ten years down the line, the picture starts to get a bit muddled. While some graduates have climbed the ranks in creative roles, like moving from a designer to art director at Vox Media, others seem to have strayed far from their original field. For example, some have taken on roles in sales, administration, or even safety and security, indicating that not everyone sticks to a path closely tied to illustration. Overall, it seems like while some have built impressive careers in creative industries, others have pivoted to more conventional jobs, possibly due to market demands or personal choices. So, it really depends—some thrive in relevant careers, while others have ventured into diverse fields!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration, especially at a place like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), can be pretty challenging but also super rewarding if you're passionate about art and design. The workload is often intense, with a mix of technical skills, creativity, and a lot of projects that require time and dedication. You'll be expected to develop your style while mastering various mediums, and there’s a good amount of critique from professors and peers, which can be tough but helps you grow. Overall, it’s not necessarily harder than other art degrees, but it's definitely something you need to commit to if you want to succeed. If you love creating and are willing to put in the effort, you'll likely find it a fulfilling experience!
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 jobs these Fashion Institute of Technology grads have taken on, it's a mixed bag when it comes to money. Some, like the one who started as a Supervisor at Michael Kors and moved up to be a Private Client Advisor at Louis Vuitton, are probably raking it in, especially given the prestige of those companies. Others, like the Early Symbolic of artists who are freelance illustrators or sales associates, might be making decent cash, but it’s likely not as high and more unstable. For those who have moved into roles like Art Director or Design Director, they likely see salaries that are pretty solid. However, there are also a few folks who have taken on roles that sound more like stepping stones, which generally don't pay as much. Overall, it seems some are doing well while others are still finding their footing in more entry-level or freelance gigs, which can be a bit of a grind financially.
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 Fashion Institute of Technology). 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 |