Graduates of this program may pursue a career as a freelance illustrator for:
- children's books
- comics and graphic novels
- editorial publications
- film
- gaming
- online platforms
- packaging
Illustration (ILS)
About the Program
This two-year creative diploma program combines traditional and digital illustrative media with freelance business skills to help you succeed as a professional illustrator.
Throughout the program, you will build your visual art skills through drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting and digital media. The program’s specialties include children’s book illustration, comics, editorial illustration and concept art for film and game animation.
At the same time, you will learn how to run your own small business as an entrepreneurial artist with innovative courses exploring website development, accounting, marketing and revenue-generating skills.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
4 Semesters (16 Months Consecutive)
Starts
January, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- advanced drawing and painting
- concept development
- critical thinking
- digital painting
- developing your creative voice
- entrepreneurship skills
- sculpting
- printmaking
- visual development
Your Career
Affiliations/Associations
- Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF)
- Canzine: Festival of Zines
- CANSCAIP
- ACM SIGGRAPH
- Future. Innovation. Technology. Creativity. (FITC)
- Interactive Ontario
- Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI)
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| ILU100 | Traditional Illustrative Media I - Paint | 4 |
| ILU101 | Digital Drawing and Type | 3 |
| ILU102 | Applied Illustration Research and History | 3 |
| ILU106 | Life Drawing I | 4 |
| ILU113 | Structure and Story I | 3 |
| ILU117 | Essential Professional and Relational Skills | 2 |
| ILU138 | Digital Paint - Basics | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ILU210 | Illustrative Media II: Printmaking | 4 |
| ILU212 | Iconography and Concept Development | 3 |
| ILU213 | Structure and Story II | 3 |
| ILU216 | Life Drawing II | 4 |
| ILU224 | Children's Illustration | 3 |
| ILU238 | Visual Development and Digital Paint I | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ILU300 | Traditional Illustrative Media III: Sculpture | 4 |
| ILU312 | Editorial Illustration and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| ILU317 | Business I | 3 |
| ILU324 | Sequential Narration and Comics | 3 |
| ILU338 | Visual Development and Digital Paint II | 3 |
| ILU348 | 3D Illustration | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ILU404 | Specialization Studio | 4 |
| ILU405 | Digital Tools II | 3 |
| ILU414 | Professional Practices | 4 |
| ILU417 | Business II | 2 |
| ILU447 | Website and Portfolio Development | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Draw a variety of forms including the human, animal, architectural and inanimate in an articulate and aesthetic manner.
- Create professional quality illustrations using a variety of traditional and digital media appropriate to the desired message conveyed.
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the illustrations in both written and verbal formats.
- Work effectively within the digital workflow by cataloguing, archiving and creating backup strategies for images and prints.
- Create legal contracts, dockets and other business documents for each project.
- Colour calibrate, finish and distribute images in a resolution and format that meets the needs of the client.
- Develop a portfolio that demonstrates professional creative skills and abilities in illustration.
- Develop a business plan for the establishment and operation of an illustration services company that adheres to ethical and industry standards.
- Produce marketing plans and materials such as quality business cards, a website and other promotional materials for both a new and an established illustration services company.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
- Art portfolio
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English and/or mathematics requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
Additional Information
Your portfolio should include a total of five pieces:
- One life drawing of the entire body
- One drawing of your own hand from observation
- One object drawing: a solid everyday item from around your house
- One environment drawing: a two-point perspective view of a room in your house
- One drawing or other art of your choice: Choose work that shows your interests and other skills
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.