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
First Year
• Drawing in contemporary illustration styles
• Creative processes and visualisation
• Exploring concept art and narrative in illustration
• Visual culture & communication
Second Year
• Innovation in illustration
• Exploring and application of non-narrative illustration
• Visual culture theory
• Negotiated commercial application
Final Year
• Project research and preparation
• Dissertation/Report
• Final Major Project
• Final Show & Portfolio
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:
Tim Searle
Tim has over 30 years experience of developing, directing and producing award-winning animation. He has written, designed, animated, ‘boarded, edited, produced, directed, and of course made the tea. His animation credits include Mr Bean, Dangermouse, and Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed.
imdb.com
Chris Riddell
Chris Riddell, OBE is the popular multi-award winning illustrator and author of children's books and a political cartoonist for the Observer. He has won three Kate Greenaway Medals – an unprecedented achievement in the history of this annual award for the best-illustrated children's book. He held the position of Childrens’ Laureate in 2015/16. He is a long-term friend of The Northern and The Northern Festival of Illustration and was the Valedictory Speaker at our 2017 Graduation Ceremony.
Keith Opie
Keith is Director and Senior Creative Artist at Paul Windle Design. Apparently he is a “Colour rendering magician and the artist responsible for the sprinkling of our ‘magic fairy dust’ over every piece of work that leaves the studio”
Paul Windle Design is a studio of choice for renowned global brands including The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros, Ravensburger, and TOMY. The studio works on projects as diverse as 3D Design; Branding; Character Creation; Concept art; Game ; Packaging and Product Development
paulwindledesign.co.uk
Counterpoint Magazine
Hatchette publishing
We exhibit in places such as:
•
The Coningsby Gallery
•
The House of Blah Blah
•
The Festival of Illustration
•
Ernest
• Childrens Media Conference
•
Truman Brewery (Degree Show)
Students have the opportunity to work with a range of companies on live briefs throughout the programme.
Including:
• Nobrow Publishing
• Flying Eye Books publisher
• Rockpool Children’s Books publisher
• One and Other magazine
• Running Man
• Urban Outfitters
• Wylam Brewery craft beers
• Atomhawk concept design
• Pavilion Books publisher
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.
What we like to see
Drawing with a variety of tools and using a variety of mark making techniques. Experimentation with media that shows you are open to trying new ways of working that aren’t always successful but can lead to positive outcomes.
Show how you generate ideas & research
How do you look to other artists, illustrators and genres and relate that back to your own practice?
Drawing
This can include: pencil, ink, charcoal, pen – any tool or medium from any subject.
Sketchbooks
Lots of them on any subject.
