Illustration Schools in Georgia

Today’s illustrators have their pick of careers. They can choose to work in animation, film, or advertising or they can go a different route and work in criminal justice, medicine, or science. Just a few job titles include advertising illustrator, editorial illustrator, courtroom illustrator, medical or technical illustrator, fine artist, storyboard artist, and graphic designer. Fortunately, the state of Georgia is home to advertising agencies, newspapers, publishers, technology firms, and more, so graduates of the state’s finest art programs have their pick of industries.

The Peach State is the largest state east of the Mississippi River, it’s famous for being the nation’s number one producer of the three Ps—peaches, pecans, and peanuts, and it is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful college campuses in the country. Georgia houses more than 130 accredited colleges and universities. Many of these schools, such as Georgia State and the University of Georgia, have art programs, but one Georgia school stands out the most—Savannah College of Art and Design.

Georgia Illustration Schools

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, Lacoste France, and Hong Kong. The list of art majors is as impressive as the school’s many campuses. In addition to animation, graphic design, interactive design and visual effects, all campuses offer illustration programs.

Atlanta
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Degrees Offered: B. A. and B. F. A. Graphic Design, Illustration; B. F. A. in Animation, Motion Media Design, and Interactive Design and Game Development; M. A. and M. F. A. Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration, Motion Media Design, and Interactive Design and Game Development; M. A. Illustration Design. Online degree programs are available in most areas of study.

Savannah
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Degrees Offered: B. A. and B. F. A. Graphic Design, Illustration; B. F. A. in Animation, Motion Media Design, and Interactive Design and Game Development; M. A. and M. F. A. Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration, Motion Media Design, and Interactive Design and Game Development; M. A. Illustration Design. Online degree programs are available in most areas of study.

More Georgia Schools with Illustration related programs:  

Employment and Salary Trends for Georgia Illustrators

Georgia is home to more than 35,000 salaried artists. Nearly 400 are fine artists/illustrators and the population is on the rise. In 2002, the state was home to only 240 fine artists/illustrators. Nationwide, there are more than 23,000 salaried fine artists/illustrators and thousands of freelancers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9 percent increase in the population between 2008 and 2018, so this figure could reach 25,700 in the next 6 years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia fine artists/illustrators earned an average salary of $86,020 in 2002. In 2006, they averaged $45,610 and in 2010, the average salary was $34,780. In 2010, the median annual wages of illustrators nationwide were $42,650. The lowest paid illustrators earned less than $20,780, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,410. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,230 and $60,650.

Many illustrators are self-employed. The Bureau reports that the average salary for independent artists is $51,340. The Bureau also states that, “earnings for self-employed artists vary widely.” Illustrators that are new to the field can expect to earn as much as the lowest paid salaried illustrators while establishing a reputation and gaining experience. Seasoned freelance artists may earn more than the highest paid salaried illustrators. However, independent artists must pay their own benefits so this may affect earnings some.