BA (Hons) Illustration & Concept Art

The illustration and concept art industries have always traditionally drawn on principles of studio and project-based learning, critiques and feedback. To that end, the assessment approach for the programme aims to engage students in authentic learning environments, with increasingly complex creative problems to solve as they progress through levels 4, 5 and 6.

Assessment Methods

The course uses a variety of assessment methods to assess creative, academic, and professional skills. These include:

• Creative Journals (sketchbooks with combined research and drawing)
• Project Design Books (project development & reflective evaluations)
• Traditional Portfolio of Work
• Digital Portfolios of Work
• Self-Promotional Materials (e.g. branding, website design, social media utilisation)
• Presentations (oral and visual)
• Research Books, Reports and Independent Research Projects
• End of Year Shows
• Graduate Exhibition

Assessments and ongoing feedback are provided via tutorials, one-to-one/group discussions, presentations, peer reviews, and critiques to ensure students fully understand how to improve their work and achieve high grades.

There is no single ‘right’ path to success in the illustration, concept art and design industries. The key is for students and graduates to stay passionate, continue learning and growing, and be open to new opportunities and experiences.

Progression routes may include the following:

• Internships: Many animation, film, television, video game, publishing and design companies offer internships to recent graduates, as well as current students. This can be an invaluable way to gain practical experience and build up a portfolio while making important industry connections.
• Entry-level positions: Entry-level positions, such as junior 2D character/environment concept artist, junior 2D/3D visualizer or junior 2D storyboard artist, are often available to recent graduates. These roles typically involve working under the guidance of more senior artists/designers or art directors developing diverse skills and learning the ins and outs of the industry.
• Freelancing: Some illustrators and concept artists choose to start their careers as freelancers, taking on creative projects for clients while building up their portfolio and network. This can be a good option for those who want more flexibility and control over their work. This may also lead to setting up their own professional practice/studio or in association with other specialists in later years.
• Specialising in a specific area of illustration and concept art: Some choose to specialise in a specific area of illustration and concept art, such as publishing, editorial, advertising, film, video games or animation. This can lead to more focused career opportunities and higher pay, although career opportunities and progression, including higher salaries are there for all entry level graduates, based upon their level of knowledge, skills, experience, and personal ambition.
• Apprenticeships – Level 7: Some students may wish to continue their learning journey, whilst also being employed in their aligned industry. Currently there is a shortage for 2D Storyboard Artists in the U.K., and as such an H.E. apprenticeship has been established and is currently supported by several professional U.K. screen-based companies.

Continuing postgraduate and/or short-course education:

Many illustrators and concept artists choose to continue their education after graduation, pursuing a postgraduate qualification in a related illustration and concept art subject, or undertaking specialist courses to advance their knowledge of illustration and concept art techniques and practice.

Graduates who have ambition for career progression within their desired fields may also seek and undertake courses in management, leadership, and entrepreneurialism. Collectively these help graduates to stay current with industry trends/needs, gain a competitive ‘edge’ in the job market, and achieve desired career aspirations.

Our degree is tailored to match the needs of today’s dynamic and digitally driven world, with the emphasis on cultivating graduates that are talented and multi-skilled illustrators and concept artists, possessing the skills and professional abilities to work within the Creative Industries.

Career pathways include but are not limited to: Junior & Senior Character/Environment Concept Artist, Children’s Book Illustrator, Editorial/Publishing/Advertising Illustrator, Storyboard Artist and Art Director.

If you wish to continue studying beyond this course you will have the academic, professional, and creative skillset to do so, whether it be studying for a Master’s Degree in your specialist subject area or studying for a Post-Graduate Teaching Qualification.

The key to success is for you to stay passionate, continue learning and growing, and be open to new opportunities and experiences.