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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates from Maryland Institute College of Art 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 Maryland Institute College of Art 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, 38% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Illustration graduate.
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:
After analyzing various LinkedIn profiles of graduates from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a degree in Illustration, it's clear that many of them ended up in jobs that vary in relevance to their field. A significant number of positions truly resonate with illustration skills, like freelance illustrator roles at notable companies, graphic design positions, and colorist jobs in well-known animation studios. These roles directly apply the artistic techniques and knowledge they honed during their studies, making them fitting career paths for illustration graduates.
However, there are plenty of jobs where the connection to their illustration degree seems tenuous. Graduates have taken on roles that are completely unrelated to art, like working as front desk receptionists or line cooks. You'll also see positions like teaching interns or design interns where the tie to illustration is vague or only partial. Overall, it seems that while there are fantastic opportunities that capitalize on their skills, many graduates find themselves in jobs that don’t fully align with their illustration background. This mix highlights the diverse routes these graduates take—some stay closely connected to their art, while others branch into different fields altogether.
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 Maryland Institute College of Art):
When you look at the career paths of graduates from the Maryland Institute College of Art with degrees in Illustration, it seems like they have a mixed bag of job experiences. Many of the graduates appear to be starting off in roles that aren't heavily centered on illustration itself, especially right after graduation. For example, some recent graduates ended up working as receptionists, line cooks, or in sales, which might not seem super relevant to their degree. However, as you start looking at the more seasoned graduates, you’ll notice a shift. A more significant number of people seem to find their rhythm as they gain experience, stepping into roles like freelance illustrators, graphic designers, or even teaching positions. This suggests that while the first job might not always align perfectly with their field, many eventually find their way back to creative roles.
Fast forward about five years, and it looks like these graduates tend to settle into more relevant careers within the art and illustration realm. There’s a notable increase in the number of individuals taking on freelance roles, graphic design, adjunct teaching, and even working for big names like Warner Bros and Disney. This trajectory indicates that while the initial post-college phase can feel a bit all over the place, many graduates do pivot back to what they love. They may start in unrelated jobs, but with time, they transition into roles that utilize their artistry and creativity—showing that perseverance can pay off in this world. So, it seems like a degree in Illustration does open doors, but new grads might have to wiggle through a few unrelated ones before finding the right fit.
So, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration, especially at a place like the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), can be pretty challenging, but not in a way that's totally overwhelming. You’ll need to put in a lot of time and effort to develop your skills and find your unique style, but if you’re genuinely passionate about art and illustration, it can be an awesome experience. You’ll be juggling coursework, projects, and critiques from professors and peers, which can be intense at times. Plus, there’s a good amount of creative pressure that comes with it, so it’s definitely not a walk in the park, but with dedication and a love for illustration, it’s totally doable!
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 Maryland Institute College of Art grads, it seems like they’ve had a pretty mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some of them, especially those who've landed jobs at bigger companies like Warner Bros. or have freelance gigs with established clients like The Atlantic, are likely pulling in a decent income, especially if they've stuck with those roles for a few years. On the flip side, others are in more entry-level or part-time positions, like being a line cook or a front desk receptionist, which probably isn’t raking in the big bucks. So overall, while a few are likely doing well, many are still hustling in jobs that don't pay much, especially early in their careers.
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 Maryland Institute College of Art). 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 |