Ferris State University (Ferris State) is home to Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD), which provides several paths to study Illustration. Degree options include BFAs in Illustration, and Life Sciences & Pre-Medical Illustration. Non-degree programs include a 15 credit-hour Illustration minor and a certificate in Natural Science Illustration.
Students in the Illustration minor will take courses such as Introduction to Illustration and Illustration Techniques. The program allows students to select three credits of Illustration electives. Examples include Children’s Book Design; Publication Illustration; and Graphic Design for Illustrators.
The Natural Science Illustration Certificate is a 23 credit hour, studio-focused program that provides opportunities to collaborate with and work for museums, nature preserves, museums, and zoos. Course examples for the program include Introduction to Illustration; Rendering; Natural Science Illustration; and Botanical Illustration. The certificate is open to Illustration BFA students.
The Illustration BFA at Ferris State/KCAD was established in the early 1960s. The program explores both traditional and emerging media, with 27 required semester hours of supportive studio courses and 39 credit hours of major studio courses. Course examples include Illustration I-III; Advanced Inking; 3D Illustration; Graphic Design/Illustration; Narrative Perspective; Rendering; Digital Illustration Painting; Observational Field Sketching; Natural Science Illustration; Contemporary Fashion Illustrating; and Illustration Professional Practice.
Other program features include access to KCAD galleries and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA); state-of-the-art labs, studios, and production facilities; participation in the KCAD Illustration Society; and internships during the academic year and summer months; and summer travel/study experiences.
The Illustration BFA program at Ferris State University culminates with a professional portfolio of the student’s best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as Children’s Book Illustrator, Game Artist, Editorial Illustrator, Cartoonist, Storyboard Artist, Mural Designer, Exhibit Designer, Creative Director, and Fashion Illustrator. Some program alumni go on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.
The Life Science and Pre-Medical Illustration BFA at Ferris State University combines general education courses with coursework that explores medical illustration methods, rendering, computer-aided 3D design, traditional media illustration, medical terminology, computer animation, and drawing.
Courses for this professional, three-year program are delivered through Ferris State University, KCAD, Michigan State University, and Grand Rapids Community College. Course examples include Medical Illustration Methods I-III; Medical Illustration Animation; Graphic Design for Illustrators; Dialogue & Personality; Illustration Techniques; Illustration Digital Methods; and Professional Practices for the Medical Illustrator.
The Life Science and Pre-Medical Illustration BFA at Ferris State University culminates with the Advanced Problems in Biomedical Art Capstone. Graduates are prepared to pursue graduate studies or a career as a Life Sciences Illustrator, Illustrator for Animation and Film, Advertising Illustrator, and many others.
Program alumni freelance Medical Illustrators, Animators, Digital 3D Modelers, and Medical Legal Illustrators. Some graduates also work in animation and patient data segmentation for 3D printing, UI/UX design, and storybook illustration.
Ferris State University was established in 1884. Located in Big Rapids, Michigan, the school serves more than 10,000 students enrolled in more than 190 programs across seven degree-granting colleges. Ferris State university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Founded in 1928, Kendall College of Art and Design is one of the seven colleges within Ferris State University. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, KCAD serves 565 students enrolled in dozens of specialized undergraduate degree programs and several graduate and certificate programs. As part of Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design is accredited by the HLC. KCAD is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).