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What Major do I need for illustration and writing?
What should I major in for a career that involves being an author an illustrator.
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Benjamin’s Answer
In my experience, I took Graphic Design as my major, as there were classes I could take later on that touched more on illustration.
For writing, you could probably minor in Creative Writing (or vice versa depending which you prefer doing) or some other English major.
For writing, you could probably minor in Creative Writing (or vice versa depending which you prefer doing) or some other English major.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, James !
My advice is to Major in Art with a minor in a writing subject or Art with a minor in Communications/Media Studies.
While you are in college, I would suggest that you venture over to the theatre or film department and take a Playwriting or Screenwriting course because it will greatly help you with character development for your stories and can probably count towards your minor. You can take some courses in Publishing if the school offers it, but if not, seek publishing courses online. Some websites that offer free courses in Publishing are:
Ingram Spark, The Publishing Training Centre, Skillshare, Alison, Reedsy Learning, Digital Publishing 101 and many more that you can search on the internet. Try to learn about traditional publishing as well as how to self-publish.
You're in the best city for publishing opportunities. Some of the larger publishing houses in New York City that you can look into for opportunities are Beacon Publishing Group, Atria Publishing Group (part of Simon and Schuster), Penguin, Random House, Harper Collins, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan, Holtzbrink, Soho Press, Manhattan Book Group, and Alpha Book Publisher. You can visit these publishers and inquire about a part time job that will give you useful experience and an opportunity to get to know the people in publishing.
With your career interest, you would not need to relocate to go to college unless you feel like going to a further away in-state college for a good program in Art and writing. Hunter College and Brooklyn College are two New York City Universities that have good programs for your interest. You can also go to specialized schools such as School of Visual Arts, Pratt Institute, New York School of the Arts. There's also New York University (NYU) and Cornell University. If you want to go a little further upstate, you can consider Vassar College, Hamilton College or Colgate University. You have a wide range of choices. You could also consider going for an Associates Degree in Art and transferring to obtain your Bachelors Degree in a writing subject or Communications/Media Studies.
Choosing a college would require a lot of first hand reading of their programs and majors and picking a college that you believe would have a good program as well as one that you would like to attend.
I wish you all the best !
My advice is to Major in Art with a minor in a writing subject or Art with a minor in Communications/Media Studies.
While you are in college, I would suggest that you venture over to the theatre or film department and take a Playwriting or Screenwriting course because it will greatly help you with character development for your stories and can probably count towards your minor. You can take some courses in Publishing if the school offers it, but if not, seek publishing courses online. Some websites that offer free courses in Publishing are:
Ingram Spark, The Publishing Training Centre, Skillshare, Alison, Reedsy Learning, Digital Publishing 101 and many more that you can search on the internet. Try to learn about traditional publishing as well as how to self-publish.
You're in the best city for publishing opportunities. Some of the larger publishing houses in New York City that you can look into for opportunities are Beacon Publishing Group, Atria Publishing Group (part of Simon and Schuster), Penguin, Random House, Harper Collins, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan, Holtzbrink, Soho Press, Manhattan Book Group, and Alpha Book Publisher. You can visit these publishers and inquire about a part time job that will give you useful experience and an opportunity to get to know the people in publishing.
With your career interest, you would not need to relocate to go to college unless you feel like going to a further away in-state college for a good program in Art and writing. Hunter College and Brooklyn College are two New York City Universities that have good programs for your interest. You can also go to specialized schools such as School of Visual Arts, Pratt Institute, New York School of the Arts. There's also New York University (NYU) and Cornell University. If you want to go a little further upstate, you can consider Vassar College, Hamilton College or Colgate University. You have a wide range of choices. You could also consider going for an Associates Degree in Art and transferring to obtain your Bachelors Degree in a writing subject or Communications/Media Studies.
Choosing a college would require a lot of first hand reading of their programs and majors and picking a college that you believe would have a good program as well as one that you would like to attend.
I wish you all the best !
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
Fine Arts or Illustration: A major in fine arts or illustration is specifically tailored to aspiring illustrators. These programs typically focus on developing artistic skills, techniques, and styles through drawing, painting, digital illustration, and other mediums. You'll learn about composition, color theory, figure drawing, storytelling through images, and illustration techniques.
Graphic Design: A graphic design major can also be suitable for aspiring illustrators, especially if you're interested in digital illustration and design. Graphic design programs cover a broad range of topics, including typography, layout design, branding, digital imaging, and illustration. You'll learn how to use design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create illustrations and visual communication materials.
Creative Writing or English: For writing, majors in creative writing or English literature can provide a strong foundation in storytelling, writing techniques, literary analysis, and language proficiency. These programs often include courses in fiction writing, poetry, nonfiction, screenwriting, and literary studies. You'll have the opportunity to develop your writing skills, receive feedback on your work, and explore different genres and forms of writing.
Illustration and Visual Storytelling: Some universities offer interdisciplinary programs or majors specifically focused on illustration and visual storytelling. These programs combine elements of fine arts, illustration, and writing to help students develop skills in both visual and written storytelling. You'll learn how to create illustrations that complement and enhance narratives, as well as how to craft compelling stories through words and images.
Graphic Design: A graphic design major can also be suitable for aspiring illustrators, especially if you're interested in digital illustration and design. Graphic design programs cover a broad range of topics, including typography, layout design, branding, digital imaging, and illustration. You'll learn how to use design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create illustrations and visual communication materials.
Creative Writing or English: For writing, majors in creative writing or English literature can provide a strong foundation in storytelling, writing techniques, literary analysis, and language proficiency. These programs often include courses in fiction writing, poetry, nonfiction, screenwriting, and literary studies. You'll have the opportunity to develop your writing skills, receive feedback on your work, and explore different genres and forms of writing.
Illustration and Visual Storytelling: Some universities offer interdisciplinary programs or majors specifically focused on illustration and visual storytelling. These programs combine elements of fine arts, illustration, and writing to help students develop skills in both visual and written storytelling. You'll learn how to create illustrations that complement and enhance narratives, as well as how to craft compelling stories through words and images.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi James,
Pathways to a Career in Illustration and Writing:
If you're aiming for a career that blends writing and illustration, consider choosing Visual Arts or Illustration as your major. These fields will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in both areas. Alternatively, you might want to major in Creative Writing or English Literature to enhance your writing abilities, a crucial aspect of becoming an author.
Pairing a major in Visual Arts or Illustration with a minor or focus in Creative Writing can be an effective strategy to refine your skills in both domains. This combination will enable you to express your creativity through both visual and written storytelling.
Moreover, some universities have specialized programs that concentrate on both illustration and writing, such as Illustration & Visual Storytelling or Illustration & Creative Writing. These programs are tailored for students who aspire to a career that incorporates both illustration and writing.
By selecting a major that resonates with your interests and career ambitions, you'll be better prepared to flourish as an author and illustrator.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
The College Board: This trusted source provides comprehensive information about college majors, including Visual Arts, Illustration, Creative Writing, and English Literature. Their website offers in-depth insights into various majors and their career potential.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides useful data on job prospects and salary information for different professions, including authors and illustrators. This information can guide you in making well-informed decisions about your career trajectory.
Universities with Combined Programs: Investigating universities that offer combined programs in Illustration & Visual Storytelling or Illustration & Creative Writing can give you specific information about the curriculum and opportunities for students who are keen on pursuing both fields concurrently.
Best Wishes,
James C.
Pathways to a Career in Illustration and Writing:
If you're aiming for a career that blends writing and illustration, consider choosing Visual Arts or Illustration as your major. These fields will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in both areas. Alternatively, you might want to major in Creative Writing or English Literature to enhance your writing abilities, a crucial aspect of becoming an author.
Pairing a major in Visual Arts or Illustration with a minor or focus in Creative Writing can be an effective strategy to refine your skills in both domains. This combination will enable you to express your creativity through both visual and written storytelling.
Moreover, some universities have specialized programs that concentrate on both illustration and writing, such as Illustration & Visual Storytelling or Illustration & Creative Writing. These programs are tailored for students who aspire to a career that incorporates both illustration and writing.
By selecting a major that resonates with your interests and career ambitions, you'll be better prepared to flourish as an author and illustrator.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
The College Board: This trusted source provides comprehensive information about college majors, including Visual Arts, Illustration, Creative Writing, and English Literature. Their website offers in-depth insights into various majors and their career potential.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides useful data on job prospects and salary information for different professions, including authors and illustrators. This information can guide you in making well-informed decisions about your career trajectory.
Universities with Combined Programs: Investigating universities that offer combined programs in Illustration & Visual Storytelling or Illustration & Creative Writing can give you specific information about the curriculum and opportunities for students who are keen on pursuing both fields concurrently.
Best Wishes,
James C.
Thank you, James Constantine!
James