Online Illustrative Design Degree
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts
Online Illustrative Design Degree PROGRAM OVERVIEW
What is illustrative design? Our illustrative design program requires an illustrative approach to solving design problems, whether it be logo design, motion graphics, data visualization, etc. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustrative Design provides web-based students with a hybrid illustrative drawing degree combining curriculum from both graphic design and illustration. Students learn core technical skills in illustration design and apply those skills to projects found in graphic design. RMCAD’s accredited online illustrative design program will provide you with the technical, aesthetic, critical, and practical skills necessary for career success, along with:
- One of the few BFA programs that offer a degree in Illustrative Design
- Professional portfolio development over the course of 4 years
- A hybrid program that combines illustration with graphic design
- Skillset in illustration and understanding of applying these skills to graphic design problems such as logo design, branding, motion graphics, infographics and print design
- Option of learning traditional or digital still life painting and digital illustration
- Regularly exhibit work in campus gallery space as well as online in the Graphite Gallery
- Online students who live in Colorado can also have access to FabLab, PrintLab, and dye sublimation printer resources when on campus
ONLINE Illustrative DEsign Program Highlights
Industry-Based Software
Media + Digital Skills
Portfolio Development
Solve Communication + Design Problems
Typography + Layout Design
Identity Design + Design Systems
STEPS TO ADMISSION
1
Complete your artist meeting with an admissions counselor.
2
Submit an admissions application.
3
Create and submit your portfolio to be considered for a scholarship.
4
Submit official high school and college transcripts (for transfer students).
5
Submit the current year’s FAFSA and other financial aid documentation.
ACCREDITATION
TUITION + FINANCIAL AID
At RMCAD, we understand that investing in a college education is a major decision and a major investment. That’s why we offer competitive, affordable tuition when compared to other art and design colleges. Students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program.
Online Illustrative DESIGN DEGREE COURSE DETAILS
The Online Illustrative Design Program incorporates a focus on the development of cultural, communication and design competencies, professional practice, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the profession. At RMCAD, we aim to increase and combine intellectual, artistic and design thinking, planning, and practice to best prepare e-learning students for dynamic business environments.
Take part of your coursework in the Illustration department and part in Graphic Design, rounded out with Illustrative Design department-specific courses, including:
- ILD1010 Fundamentals of Illustrative Design (Freshman year)
- ILD2000 Illustrative Design Sophomore Portfolio Review (Sophomore Year)
- ILD3000 Illustrative Design Junior Portfolio Review (Junior year)
- ILD4980 Senior Illustrative Design Seminar (Senior year)
- ILD4990 Illustrative Design Graduation Portfolio (Senior Year)
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Illustrative Design Courses (57 Credits)*
GD 1000
Typography
(3 Credits)
ILD 1010
Fundamentals of Illustrative Design
(3 Credits)
IL 1510
Perspective
(3 Credits)
IL 2550
Life Drawing III: Human Anatomy
(3 Credits)
Liberal Arts Courses (45 Credits)*
AH 1110
Art Historical Methods + Theories
(3 Credits)
EN 1110
Composition I
(3 Credits)
HU 1110
Humanities I: World Thought I
(3 Credits)
MA 1221
The Art of Math
(3 Credits)
The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.
Foundations Courses (21 Credits)*
FD 1020
2D Design: Elements + Principles
(3 Credits)
FD 1120
Topics in Color
(3 Credits)
FD 1600
Studio Seminar: Methods of Inquiry
(3 Credits)
FD 2130
3D Design: Space + Materiality
(3 Credits)
Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.
TECH + TOOLS
The Illustrative Design Online Program offers a virtual course curriculum to enhance your specific needs. Our illustration design courses offer small class sizes for an enhanced distance learning experience and personalized attention from skilled instructors.
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe AfterEffects
All Illustrative Design BFA students also receive software licensing, LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
GET TO KNOW OUR GRADS
Illustrative Design Stories
The Role of Storytelling in Illustrative Design
The cliché about a picture telling one thousand words endures for a reason. A single image has the unique ability to convey complex concepts, often more effectively than the most well-written passages. That image can
The Illustrator’s Toolkit: Essential Software for Illustrative Designers
Did you know that there are an estimated 30 million active users who subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud? Additionally, there are another 30 million users who hone their illustrative and digital art skills in Procreate, a digital design
From Pencil to Pixel: Techniques in Modern Illustrative Design
Do you enjoy drawing and sketching? Are you passionate about illustration and design? If so, then you might envision yourself in a career as a graphic designer or illustrator. Of course, this type of work
Illustrative DESIGN CAREERS
Are you ready to become a design problem solver? At RMCAD, we help prepare our alumni to take on the world of art and design. With an Online Illustrative Design Degree in hand, graduates are equipped to launch their career in a variety of design fields.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual content to communicate messages, tell stories, or promote brands. Graphic designers often work collaboratively with clients and/or other creatives such as copywrites to fully develop design concepts for print and digital platforms.
Motion Designer
Motion designers, or motion graphics designers, create animated graphics and visual effects for various media formats, including film, television, advertising, video games, and online content.
Print Designer
Print designers specialize in designing visual content specifically for printed materials. They collaborate with clients to bring their design concepts to life in a number of formats – from print to digital.
Information Designer
Information designers present complex data and information in a clear, engaging, and easily understandable format using a blend of design principles, data visualization techniques, and communication strategies to help audiences interpret and comprehend information quickly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the focus of the Online Illustrative Design degree program at RMCAD?
The program combines illustration and graphic design, teaching students to solve design problems with an illustrative approach in areas like logo design, motion graphics, and data visualization.
What career opportunities are available for Online Illustrative Design graduates?
Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills to start careers as illustrative designers, motion graphic designers, logo designers, data visualization specialists, and more.
How are online courses delivered in the Illustrative Design program?
Courses are delivered through an interactive online platform, featuring video lectures, assignments, discussion boards, peer reviews, and opportunities to communicate and collaborate with peers and instructors.
What skills will students learn in the Online Illustrative Design program?
Students will learn illustration techniques, graphic design principles, digital media proficiency, and professional practices in design.
What are the technical requirements for the Online Illustrative Design program?
Students need a computer that meets RMCAD’s specifications, reliable internet access, and relevant software such as Adobe Creative Suite. For more information on program materials, visit here.
What support services are available for Online Illustrative Design students?
All students receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
What are the admisstsion requiremen for the Online Illustrative Design Degree Program?
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of the college’s application process. To be considered for a scholarship, students will also need to create and submit a portfolio of artwork.
What kind of portfolio should students submit for the Online Illustrative Design Degree Program application?
A portfolio showcasing your best work, including examples of illustration, graphic design, and digital media projects.
How does RMCAD ensure the quality of online education?
RMCAD ensures quality through experienced faculty, regularly updated curriculum, and interactive, hands-on coursework designed for online delivery.
Are there any opportunities for online students to collaborate on projects?
Yes, online students can collaborate on projects through virtual classrooms, group assignments, and online forums.
What are the advantages of studying Illustrative Design online at RMCAD?
Advantages include flexible scheduling, access to industry-standard tools, feedback from instructors, and the ability to study from anywhere.
What software and tools are used in the Online Illustrative Design program?
Students use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and other digital tools for various design and illustration projects. For more information on program materials, visit here.
What are the Liberal Arts requirements in the Online Illustrative Design program?
The curriculum includes courses that develop critical thinking, global consciousness, and information literacy.
What are the Foundations requirements in the Online Illustrative Design program?
Foundation courses enable students to refine essential skills, get comfortable with the tools they’ll use throughout their program, and study relevant basics— including drawing, composition and color theory. These courses facilitate ideation and collaboration.
Can online students participate in RMCAD's campus events?
Yes, online students are welcome to participate in campus events, exhibitions, and graduation ceremonies. Virtual events are also available to those who do not live locally. For more information on events, please visit RMCAD’s events calendar.
How do online students showcase their work?
Online students can showcase their work through virtual galleries, online exhibitions, and by creating professional portfolios.
What makes RMCAD's Online Illustrative Design program unique?
The program’s integration of illustration and graphic design, focus on real-world problem-solving, individualized support, and professional development sets it apart.
