Our BA (Hons) degree in Illustration for Commercial Application here at The Northern School of Art offers opportunities to build a credible contemporary and commercially aware illustration portfolio, with training from working practitioners in the industry. Our degree is unique in that we offer a distinctive studio culture; no two days on this course are ever the same. We back this up with a wealth of industry links, exhibitions and opportunities.
• From the moment you start, you are an illustration industry professional as a member of the
Association of Illustrators.
• Students have access to a wealth of industry standard resources.
• We provide you with access to high profile illustrators from different areas within the industry through our extensive visiting lecturer scheme.
• We support and guide you to have your own unique illustrative voice, evident from the diversity and breadth of our students work
Awards
Artwork by Lauren Hubbert Shortlisted for the Macmillan Book Prize 2024
Year One - Illustration Foundation and Orientation
In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the core concepts, skills, and techniques that form the foundation of illustration practice. You’ll explore a variety of mediums, software, and approaches to help you understand the wide possibilities within the discipline. This year focuses on developing your creative thinking, technical ability, and awareness of the professional contexts in which illustrators work.
• Experiment
• Print
• Publish
• Narrative
• Creative Thinking
Year Two - Development and Exploration
Your second year (Level 5) builds on this foundation, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard skills and a deeper understanding of the illustration sector. You will begin to define your personal direction through live briefs and self-directed projects, while building a professional portfolio that reflects your developing specialism. During this stage, you are also encouraged to seek relevant work experience or external collaborations where suitable opportunities arise.
• Innovate
• Specialisms
• Negotiate
• Creative Discussion
Year Three - Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as an independent illustrator. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your practice and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepare for a successful transition into professional practice or further study.
• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Professional Futures and Final Show
• Dissertation and Report
Year Four (Optional)
Optional Master of Arts. Develop your creativity even further with a postgraduate study year -
https://northernart.ac.uk/masters-degrees/ Our school engages with a wide range of partners working across each creative sub-sector to ensure that teaching and learning are in line with the latest developments in and requirements of industry, including:
Industry Partners
• Tim Searle, Animation Director
• Chris Riddell OBE, Author & Illustrator
• Keith Opie, Windle Creative
• Counterpoint Magazine
• Hachette Publishing
Guest Speakers
• Pann Lim, Singapore
• Raissa Pardini, Glasgow
• NoBrow/ Flying Eye Books, London/New York
• Sam Arthur, London
• Mike Lemanski, Leeds
• Marynka Dovhanych, Ukraine
• Jonny Hannah, Southampton
• Jason Sturgill, Portland
• Peony Gent, London
• Atomhawk, Newcastle
• Jimmy Turrell, Newcastle
• Charlotte Ager, London
• Edward Kinsella, St. Louis
• Tado, Sheffield
• Left Cultures Magazine
• Aardman, Animated Insights
Students recently undertook a work placement at Aardman studios, involving experience on the animated film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024).
We exhibit in places such as:
• The Northern Festival of Illustration (in conjunction with the Association of Illustrators)
• Thought Bubble Festival
Students have the opportunity to work with a range of companies on live briefs throughout the programme, including:
• Counterpoint Magazine, Edinburgh, Student zine
• Hugo and Dean, New York, Graphic novel
• Blue Train Publishing, Sports book Illustrations
• Hachette London, Children’s book illustration
• Food Waste Project, Magic Hat Café, Newcastle
• Penguin Book Awards
• Christmas Lights Switch-On, Animated Light Display, Hartlepool 2023
• Channel 5, Television Programme
• Atomhawk
• Leftist Cultures Magazine
• Christmas Lights Switch-On, Animated Light Display, Hartlepool 2024
• Glasgow Film Festival
The Northern School of Art is the home of the award-winning bi-annual The Northern Festival of Illustration and The Northern Illustration Prize. This festival offers our students a chance for you to mix with, and be inspired by, some of the best-known illustrators from across the globe.
Visit the festival website for more information:
www.thefestivalofillustration.com Your portfolio is a visual statement it says a lot about an applicant and their practice. The advice below is not meant to be restrictive but rather offers some simple advice to help you prepare for your interview.
Examples can include:
1. Knowledge of the subject you are applying for
2. Drawing and painting skills
• Observational drawing
• Experimenting with different media
• Design sketches and illustrations
• Paintings using different media
• Photography
• Poster Art
• Comic Art
3. Evidence of a variety of techniques and processes
• Traditional and/or digital
4. Multimedia and/or 3D work
• Sculpture work/models (can be photographed)
• Animations or moving image
5. Online presence (design and visual arts related) e.g. Instagram, Behance, Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo, Wordpress etc.
6. Sketchbooks
• Evidence your ideas generation, development and research
• References to artists and designers that have inspired/influenced your work
• You may have references to contemporary and historical practices
7. Experimental approaches to your projects
8. Examples of written work
Please ensure any work you bring is easily viewable, especially digital files. Feel free to bring work on your own tablet or laptop. We also want to know about you, so we’ll ask you about what artists, films, games or stories inspire you and your work.
