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First, some facts. Of the Illustration graduates from School of Visual Arts 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 20 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Illustration graduates from School of Visual Arts have a lower likelihood (-6%) 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 25% 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: 87% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Illustration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIllustration Designer aolab Dec 2021 - Mar 2022 Assistant Manager  Oriental Culture Enterprises Co. Inc. Apr 2022 - Dec 2022 Painter Goyard Dec 2022 - Jul 2023 Painter Goyard Jan 2023 - Jul 2023 Freelance Illustrator Freelance May 2021 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking through the jobs held by graduates from the School of Visual Arts with a degree in Illustration, it’s pretty clear that there’s a mix of relevancy to their education. While some have landed right where you’d expect—like roles as Illustrators, Character Artists, and Production Artists—others have veered quite far from the illustration path. For example, positions like HVAC Installer or Social Work Intern don’t tap into their artistic skills at all, which can be a bit disappointing considering the creative energy these graduates likely want to express.
On the flip side, freelance work in illustration has been a common trend, showcasing the versatility of their skills and a strong push towards creative independence. It’s kind of inspiring to see some graduates finding their way back to creative roles like Graphic Designers or in the fun world of video games. Overall, while a good number are thriving in roles that directly utilize their illustration skills, a seemingly significant portion has taken more pragmatic paths that don’t align much with their artistic training, like retail and social services. So, if you're thinking of pursuing a degree in illustration, you might want to keep that in mind as you dream about future careers!
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 School of Visual Arts):
When you look at the career trajectories of graduates from the School of Visual Arts with a degree in Illustration, it’s a mixed bag. Right out of school, many folks seem to land jobs in creative roles that are relevant to their field, like working as freelance illustrators or in production artist positions. For example, some early jobs include roles in game design and illustration at companies such as High 5 Games or being a freelance illustrator for big names like BuzzFeed and Vogue. It shows that a decent number of graduates hit the ground running in creative industries, which is pretty promising!
However, as you dive deeper into their career paths five to ten years down the line, things can get a bit less consistent. While some continue to flourish in art-related positions and climb the ladder into roles such as design manager or character artist, others veer off into completely unrelated fields like sales or HVAC installation. This suggests that while there are definitely success stories in the illustration realm, not everyone stays on that trajectory, perhaps finding the art world to be tougher than expected. So, while there are good opportunities in their field, it's also clear that some graduates end up in jobs far removed from illustration, showing it’s a mix of highs and lows after graduation.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration, especially at a well-known place like the School of Visual Arts, can be pretty challenging, but it’s also super rewarding if you’re passionate about art. You’ll dive into a lot of different styles and techniques, and those all-nighters working on projects can pile up. Classes typically demand a good mix of creativity and technical skills, and you’ll need to keep pushing your limits to really grow as an artist. It’s definitely not a walk in the park—it’s more like an intense art boot camp where you’re constantly refining your skills and getting used to feedback from professors and peers. If you're ready to put in the effort and are excited about honing your craft, you'll probably find it a thrilling ride!
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 Illustration grads from the School of Visual Arts, it seems like some have found pretty solid opportunities, while others are still trying to find their footing. For example, graduates who landed roles at big companies like Disney and NBCUniversal certainly have carved out a path that likely pays well, especially since those positions can often come with decent salaries and benefits. However, others seem to be juggling multiple freelance gigs or working in lower-paying roles like barista and sales associate, which might make it a struggle to make ends meet. Overall, it’s a mixed bag; some are clearly doing well, while others might still be figuring out how to monetize their creative skills effectively.
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 School of Visual Arts). 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 |