Illustration

About this Area

Bring ideas to life through illustration as you develop skills in drawing, painting, visual storytelling and digital media. You'll explore both traditional and emerging techniques while creating work for publishing, gaming, product design and editorial illustration industries. Through hands-on studio projects, personalized mentorship and professional portfolio development, you'll prepare to communicate ideas with creativity, purpose and impact and launch your career.
Program Offerings

Discover Illustration Degree Programs

Explore flexible pathways in illustration that let you choose the level of studio immersion that best fits your goals, whether you’re pursuing an intensive professional practice, a broader interdisciplinary education or complementary creative skills. Whatever path you choose, you’ll build the artistic, technical and professional skills to create meaningful visual stories and prepare for a creative career.

Fall 2027 Majors & MinorsTransfer Applicants & Current Students

Beginning in Fall 2027, you can explore flexible degree pathways within the Cornish illustration degrees. Current students interested in transferring into the BA or adding the minor for Fall 2027 should work with their advisor to ensure a smooth transition.

Illustration BFA, BA & Minor

Build skills in drawing, painting, visual storytelling and digital illustration through hands-on projects. Whether you’re seeking an intensive studio experience or a more flexible path that complements other academic interests, you’ll develop a professional portfolio while learning from practicing illustrators.

Apply for Fall 2027

Whether you’re hoping to transfer to Cornish or are already enrolled at Cornish College of Arts at Seattle University, here are the many ways you can study illustration during the 2026/2027 academic year.

Illustration, BFA

Develop your skills as a professional illustrator through immersive studio coursework that combines drawing, painting, visual storytelling and digital media with a strong foundation in illustration history and practice. You’ll refine your artistic voice, explore specialized areas of interest, and graduate with a public exhibition and professional portfolio.

Apply for the 2026/2027 Year

Application Process

See What’s Required to Apply

Choosing a college is about finding the program that best supports your goals. At Cornish, we look for students who are passionate about their area of study and eager to grow.

Learn More About the Application Process

All applicants must submit a Seattle University application, application fee or approved waiver, recommendations, and a writing sample. Review the specific requirements for your Cornish program before you apply.

See Portfolio Requirements

If you’re applying to a BFA program, you’ll submit a portfolio as part of your application. Portfolios give Cornish the opportunity to see your artistic interests, potential, and commitment to your creative practice. You do not need to create new work specifically for your portfolio; your strongest recent work is often the best representation of your abilities and interests. BA degree program applicants do not have to submit a portfolio.

Illustration

Faculty + Staff

Dedicated to mentoring the next generation of creatives, Cornish faculty combine extensive professional expertise with a passion for teaching students how to develop the skills, confidence and vision to succeed in the arts.

Art | Design
Academic Program Coordinator – Art & Design Departments
Design
Adjunct Faculty
Design | Animation | Film
Full-time Instructor
Design
Adjunct Faculty
Cornish Faculty Diane Lee
Design
Adjunct Faculty
Design
Adjunct Faculty
Design | Interaction (UX) Design
Adjunct Faculty
Design
Adjunct Faculty
Design | Illustration
Professor
susan boye faculty
Design | Illustration
Adjunct Faculty
design faculty
Design | Interaction (UX) Design
Associate Professor, Department Chair
Design Faculty
Design
Associate Professor
natalia illyn faculty
Design
Professor
Ozge Sade Mete headshot
Design
Adjunct Faculty
Design
Professor
Design
Adjunct Faculty
Design | Illustration
Instructor
David Lasky Headshot
Design | Illustration
Adjunct Faculty
Design
Adjunct Faculty