Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Graduates of this program may pursue a career as a freelance illustrator for:
- children's books
- comics and graphic novels
- editorial publications
- film
- gaming
- online platforms
- packaging
Illustration (ILS)
Campus
Duration
4 Semesters (16 Months Consecutive)Credential Awarded
Ontario College DiplomaProgram and course delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.
About the Program
This two-year creative diploma program combines traditional and digital illustrative media with freelance business skills to help you succeed as a professional illustrator.
Throughout the program, you will build your visual art skills through drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting and digital media. The program’s specialties include children’s book illustration, comics, editorial illustration and concept art for film and game animation.
At the same time, you will learn how to run your own small business as an entrepreneurial artist with innovative courses exploring website development, accounting, marketing and revenue-generating skills.
Skills
- advanced drawing and painting
- concept development
- critical thinking
- digital painting
- developing your creative voice
- entrepreneurship skills
- sculpting
- printmaking
- visual development
Program Availability
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 2025 | Seneca@York | Waitlist |
| Sept. 2025 | Seneca@York | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Seneca@York | Open |
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 2025 | Seneca@York | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | Seneca@York | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Seneca@York | Open |
International students: review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before choosing program and course delivery.
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
Your Career
Affiliations/Associations
- Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF)
- Canzine: Festival of Zines
- CANSCAIP
- ACM SIGGRAPH
- Future. Innovation. Technology. Creativity. (FITC)
- Interactive Ontario
- Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI)
Student Works and Experiences
The Reciprocity Mural is a floor-to-ceiling art display spanning seven walls at Seneca’s Newnham Campus Cafeteria. Under the artistic direction of JoAnn Purcell, Program Co-ordinator of the Illustration program, and Martha Newbigging, Program Co-ordinator of the Art Fundamentals program, a team of five artists — all Seneca graduates — took on the task of seeing the project through from conceptualization to completion.