Illustration, MA

Course overview

You explore traditional and future-facing definitions of illustration, becoming a flexible practitioner ready to face the industry’s changing needs.

This is a highly practical course, utilizing methods through which illustration can be created and applied by challenging making and thinking. This approach enables you to become competitive, recognizable and adaptable.

You work on illustration practices, processes and outcomes, including commercial, editorial, authorial, sequential, multiform or active/participatory. You produce work for print and publishing, international competitions, children's picture books, zines, graphic novels, digital and screen-based production including animation, motion or large-scale installation.

You study at MIMA School of Art & Design, an art school led by Teesside University and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA), an international contemporary museum and gallery. You gain a full artistic experience, learning in a social space that inspires dynamic ideas, fuels collaboration and allows you to build local, national and international networks with industry professionals for your future illustration career.

Career opportunities

You could work as a freelancer or as an in-house studio illustrator across print, publishing or digital/screen.

You are taught by tutors with strong industry backgrounds and excellent networks. You have access to international artists and cutting-edge practice through MIMA’s visiting speaker programme. Recent speakers include Jimmy Turrell, Charli Vince, Nosy Crow publishing house and the contemporary studio Visual Editions. The course is also affiliated to the Association of Illustrators, providing access to their professional advice and content.