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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates from Savannah College of Art and 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 40 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Illustration graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design 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, only 10% 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: 84% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Illustration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION2D Layout Artist Freelance Jan 2021 - May 2021 Art Director, Layout Artist Freelance Apr 2021 - May 2021 Sales Associate / Tea Barista  The Spice & Tea Exchange Sep 2021 - Mar 2022 Visual Designer Phoenix Construction Group, LLC Apr 2022 - Feb 2023 Artist Artistic Talent Group Feb 2023 - Present ABOUTHello ~ I am a visual development artist and illustrator currently living in Kissimmee, Florida. I am currently creating custom artwork for guests visiting The Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA with a B.F.A in Illustration.I adore working alongside other talented artists in the collaborative process to create captivating imagery foraudiences of all ages. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When it comes to jobs taken up by alumni of the Illustration program at Savannah College of Art and Design, there's definitely a mix in how relevant those roles are to their degree. One of the most common job types seems to be graphic design, which regularly utilizes skills learned during their studies, especially in roles where vision and creativity are key. Many alumni found work in major companies like Disney, Warner Bros., and CBS as graphic designers or art directors. These positions often require a solid understanding of illustration principles and how to apply them in various artistic mediums, confirming their direct relevance to their education.
However, a significant number of graduates also veered into roles that aren't directly related to illustration, like retail management, customer service, or administrative jobs. For example, some worked as a floor lead at a bookstore or as a social media manager. While these positions might involve some creative thinking or even minor design elements, they generally don't tap into the deeper artistic skills trained in an illustration program. So, it's fair to say that while a portion of SCAD's Illustration graduates end up in relevant, creative roles, a considerable segment finds themselves outside the core field of illustration, exploring varying pathways that don’t make the most of their specialized skills.
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 Savannah College of Art and Design):
Looking at the careers of graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design's Illustration program, it seems like there's quite a mix of successful and less successful paths. Right after college, many of them land their first jobs in relevant fields, primarily as graphic designers or illustrators. For instance, several graduates took roles at major entertainment companies like Warner Bros. and Disney as graphic designers, which can be seen as a strong entry point into the industry. Others started freelancing shortly after graduating, indicating a willingness to hustle and build their portfolios. However, some also found themselves in less related jobs, like floor leads in retail or even serving in restaurants, which might not align closely with their creative aspirations.
Fast forward about five to ten years after graduation, and the picture becomes even clearer. Those who stuck with illustration and design often moved into more prominent roles, such as art directors or senior designers. The trend shows that while some graduates might have drifted into unrelated fields or less creative roles, many seem to have carved out solid careers in graphic design and illustration, particularly in entertainment and media. Freelancing also appears to be a common theme, suggesting that a lot of these artists prioritize flexibility and creative freedom, which is awesome for a field like illustration. Overall, while not every graduate is thriving directly in illustration, there are definitely success stories that showcase the potential of a degree from SCAD in this competitive industry.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) can be pretty demanding, but it’s also rewarding if you’re passionate about art and storytelling. The coursework involves a lot of studio time, critiques, and projects that push your creativity and technical skills, so you need to be prepared for some late nights. It’s not just about drawing; you’ll dive into digital tools, color theory, and composition, which can get challenging. While it's not necessarily harder than average compared to other art programs, it definitely requires dedication and a strong commitment to improving your craft. If you love illustrating and are willing to put in the work, you'll likely find it to be an engaging and fulfilling experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Illustration.
Overall, the graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design seem to have a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some, especially those who ventured into high-profile graphic design roles with big companies like Disney and Warner Bros., likely earn a good salary, possibly climbing into the upper ranges of the field. On the flip side, there are several graduates who have taken on positions that don’t scream high pay, like floor leads, server roles, or freelance gigs, which might not guarantee consistent income. Plus, many grads still seem to be hustling with freelance work, which can be hit-or-miss financially. So, while a portion might be doing well, others are still grinding through various jobs, suggesting that not everyone may be cashing in big time just yet.
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 Savannah College of Art and 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 |