Illustration

In dedicated studio space, you’ll have the room, equipment and academic support to reach your full potential as an illustrator.

You will be encouraged to experiment and develop your own voice in an environment where you will feel free to take risks, and be ambitious in developing your personal approach to visual art as either a practitioner or critic and theorist. To underpin creativity and encourage understanding of transferable skills and management of learning, emphasis is placed on gaining hands-on practice, from working in the print room to drawing on the streets, and working on projects and case studies to gain experience of working on live briefs.

In previous years, students have been given the opportunity to exhibit, both in Southampton and London, and to have their work seen by a collection of art directors and agencies. Past students have also been encouraged to enter industry competitions to gain exposure for their creative work and have also been able to publish and print their work through our in-house printing organisation to sell at artists’ book fairs.

If you’re looking to study our illustration degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the art and design foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the art and design foundation year.

Who is this course for?
Solent’s BA (Hons) Illustration programme is perfect for students from a creative background, who are self-motivated and active in their desire to develop their visual language and understanding of the creative process in the field of illustration and beyond.

What does this course lead to?
Upon completion of this course, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of roles such as freelancing, working as an art worker in a publisher or design house – or even working in the film industry producing concept art for animation projects.

Graduates will have developed a professional portfolio and will be well positioned to progress into further study at postgraduate level.

YEAR ONE
CORE MODULES

Reading the Image
Observation and Drawing
Defining Your Practice
Visual Positioning

YEAR TWO
CORE MODULES

Interpreting Cultural Codes
Editorial Illustration
Storytelling and Narrative
Commercial Illustration

FINAL YEAR
CORE MODULES

Observing Contemporary Society
The Competitive Illustrator
Professional Practice and Portfolio
Final Major Project Illustration

You may be assessed by a combination of:
Visual methods
Creative design projects
Assignments
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.