Illustration
Introduction
The illustrator in the 21st century is a laser focused visionary with a portfolio that can interact and exist within the myriad spaces and major industries in the arts. At LCAD, illustration students build a strong foundation of traditional and digital illustration techniques while establishing their own distinct approach to narrative drawing and visual storytelling.
As the field of illustration has expanded it has become imperative for illustrators to develop a unique point of view and perpetually evolving studio practice. Within the illustration program at LCAD an emphasis is placed on the importance of voice and artistic vision; supported by an entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering drive to plug their illustration work into the rest of the world.
Our illustration students refine their skills and learn to construct modular industry ready portfolios that may be applied and adapted to comics, graphic novels, surface + product design, character development, picture books, zines, motion based advertising work, entertainment, editorial, book publishing, gallery exhibitions, digital campaigns, and more.
About the program
Today, illustrators don’t just draw narrative images for editorial and publishing purposes, they apply a broad spectrum of techniques and mediums to bring all kinds of ideas and stories to life in pursuits as varied as muralist, apparel design, gaming, publishing, advertising, marketing, and packaging applications.
John F. Malta - Illustration Chair
Leadership
Under the leadership of John F. Malta, Illustration program Chair and an accomplished artist whose clients include The New York Times, Magic the Gathering: Secret Lair, Adult Swim, and Netflix, LCAD’s Illustration faculty brings unparalleled industry expertise to the classroom. With extensive credits in editorial, comic art, motion-based advertising, and large-scale installations, faculty members have worked with renowned companies such as The Wall Street Journal, Honda, Dr. Martens, and Sports Illustrated for Kids. The faculty’s diverse backgrounds in fine art, animation, and graphic design equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s competitive illustration landscape.
Industry Connections
Industry Partners
AT&T
Avis
Bubba Gump Restaurants
BJ’s Restaurants and Brewhouse
Dannon
Fujifilm
The Gap
General Motors
Hartcourt Publishers
Hilton Hotels
Hansen’s Beverages
Hewlett-Packard
IBM
ITT
The Kraft Heinz Company
Kroger Foods
Masco/Milgard
McDonald’s
Mitsubishi
Mattel Toys and Brand
Ocean Spray
Oxford University Press
PepsiCo
Pfizer
Sears
Sony
Suzuki
Toyota
The United Nations
Union 76
Warner Bros.
Alumni in Industry
Applied Medical
Blizzard Entertainment
Coast Kids Magazine
Creative Co-Op
DC Shoes
Disney Interactive
DITA
DreamWorks Animation
First Ascent
Gallery Hijinks
Google
High Moon Studios
Hive Gallery
Hurley
Icelantic Skis
Interplay Entertainment
KCET
Last Rites Galleries
MARVEL Entertainment
Microsoft Studios
Obsidian Entertainment
Opera New York
Quiksilver
Rusty
Spectral Motion
Warner Bros.
Xist Publishing
686 Clothing
DHX Media