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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates from Rhode Island School 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 15 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Illustration graduates from Rhode Island School of Design have a slightly higher likelihood (+4%) 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 20% 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 2020 from Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Illustration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONStoryboard Artist Millionvolt Animation Studios Sep 2021 - Jan 2022 ABOUTHello, I'm a storyboard artist and revisionist looking for work! |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
So, when you look at the careers of people who graduated with a degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, you'll notice a mixed bag of job roles. On one end, there are those who found their way into positions that really align with their skills, like freelance illustrators, background painters, and concept artists—jobs that are all about using their illustrative talents day in and day out. In particular, many graduates have landed roles in animation studios and publishing houses, where their skills in creating visuals directly tie into creating characters, backgrounds, and books. That's like the dream for someone studying Illustration, right?
However, there’s also a noticeable number of grads taking on jobs that aren’t quite as relevant to their degree. Roles such as customer service agents, legal interns, and even café jobs pop up frequently. While some of these positions might involve a touch of creativity here and there, they mostly aren't tapping into the artistic foundations cultivated during their schooling. It can be a bit disheartening to see, but it reflects a broader truth about art degrees—sometimes, they lead you to unexpected paths. So, while some RISD graduates are living the illustrator dream, others are finding their way in jobs that, while rewarding in other ways, stray from the heart of what they studied.
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 Rhode Island School of Design):
Looking at the career paths of graduates from the Rhode Island School of Design's Illustration program, it seems that many have found their footing in creative roles related to design and illustration soon after graduation. For instance, typical first jobs include positions like design assistants, freelance illustrators, and entry-level roles in publishing. It's common for recent grads to start with internships or jobs that might not fully align with pure illustration, but they often lead to more relevant positions in the creative industry. Five to ten years down the line, many graduates have climbed the ladder to more established roles, such as art directors, graphic designers, or even in animation studios, showcasing a positive trajectory within fields that value their skills.
However, not all paths taken lead to a fulfilling career directly tied to illustration. Some graduates veer off into unrelated areas or take on roles that seem tangential to their degree. For example, jobs in retail or consumer relations pop up and suggest that a few individuals might have struggled to find their niche right after college. Still, there is an encouraging trend where many graduates end up back in creative fields, often utilizing skills acquired in their illustration education. Overall, it looks like the majority of RISD Illustration grads steer toward successful careers that make good use of their artistic talents, even if they take some winding paths to get there.
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration at RISD is no walk in the park—it’s pretty tough! RISD is known for its rigorous curriculum and high expectations, so you'll definitely be pushed to develop your skills and creative thinking. You’ll spend a lot of late nights in the studio, working on projects and perfecting your portfolio. The critiques can be intense, too, so you've got to be open to feedback and willing to improve. It’s not just about drawing pretty pictures; it’s about finding your unique voice and experimenting with different styles and techniques. Overall, expect a challenging but rewarding journey if you go for it!
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 job histories of these RISD grads, it seems like their financial paths vary quite a bit. Some alumni, especially those who jumped into roles at big companies like Hasbro or Warner Bros., likely found themselves in pretty decent positions salary-wise, especially considering the cool roles they landed, like background painters and product designers. But for others, like those doing freelance work or roles in libraries, it might not be as lucrative, particularly in the early years. Overall, it looks like those who went more commercial or got into the animation and gaming sectors did pretty well, while those pursuing more niche or freelance careers probably had to hustle a bit harder for their paychecks. So, while some are probably making a solid income, others might be more on the struggle bus.
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 Rhode Island School 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 |