Program: Illustration, MFA - Syracuse University

2021-2022 Graduate Course Catalog

Apr 16, 2025

Contact

Marty Blake, Program Coordinator
Shaffer Art Building, 315-443-3700, mablake@syr.edu

Faculty

Marty Blake, Frank Cammuso, Robert Dacey, Steven Ellis, Tara Hogan, Ginnie Hsu, Phil McAndrew, Joseph Murphy, Allison Sklaney, Taro Takizawa

Description

This program is well suited for individuals who wish to further their professional illustration skills. The candidates will produce a body of work as a thesis requirement and participate in the M.F.A. exhibition. Candidates develop their personal visual voice in contemporary illustration, through traditional and digital art media as well as engage in creative problem solving processes to communicate ideas and stories. The resident illustration program faculty members are all nationally recognized illustrators. They are supplemented by prominent visiting faculty, participation in national events and lecturers. Students may complete the award of Master of Fine Arts in Illustration on a 3-year program. They may take advantage of special elective travel courses during the Maymester and summer program to gain credits; students should be aware that they may not receive a stipend/aid for these classes. Some additional costs for travel within some elective classes may be required.

Accreditation: NASAD

Admission: BFA in Illustration or related art subject

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Compose and construct images that communicate visual and conceptual ideas, through the development of a distinct and unique personal style.

2. Develop craftsmanship and competency with tools and materials, in both traditional and digital media.

3. Understand the illustration markets, current and future trends, assess client needs and position their practice towards specifically articulated professional goals.

4. Articulate individual practice within a theoretical, historical and contextual understanding; to analyze, reflect and critique.

5. Demonstrate innovation and entrepreneurship as ethically-aware art professionals.

Program Requirements

Major studio: 27 credits

ILL 661 - Illustration Graduate Studio I 3 credit(s)
ILL 662 - Illustration Graduate Studio II 3 credit(s)
ILL 663 - New Directions in Illustration 3 credit(s)
ILL 664 - Licensing from Studio to Market 3 credit(s)
ILL 665 - Illustration Grad Workshop 3 credit(s)
ILL 667 - Illustration Practice 3 credit(s)
ILL 669 - Drawing on Location 3 credit(s)
ILL 761 - Printmaking for Illustration I 3 credit(s)
ILL 762 - Printmaking for Illustration II 3 credit(s)

Studio electives: 12 credits

Any studio elective, 500-level or above. The School of Art regularly offers numerous studio electives, under the ARI or ILL prefixes, every year, including summer courses. Two recommended courses include the Illustration Summer Graduate Intensive and the L.A. Illustration Studio.

ILL 650 - Illustration Graduate Summer Intensive 3 credit(s)
ILL 651 - L.A. Illustration Studio 3 credit(s)

Art history or related academics: 9 credits

Any art history or related academics, such as classes in HOA, AIC, or CRS, 500-level or above.

Course Catalog