Illustration Certificate
Learn how to capture ideas, communicate concepts and illuminate the written word in this unique program. Students will learn introductory illustration, composition, and creative techniques for a variety of illustrative forms, such as commercial, picture book or graphic novel. Develop a wide professional skill set and personal creative style that can be applied to many practices and projects.
Program Goal
The Illustration Certificate provides students with a foundation in illustration techniques, processes and concepts that can be applied to their professional illustration practice and further education.
Students will develop their illustrative style by exploring a range of traditional and digital mediums and tools, such as inks, watercolour, graphite and Adobe Creative Cloud. Various applications of illustrative skills and methods, including text-based or commercial illustration, and contemporary and historical contexts will be introduced. Through studio- and lecture-based courses, students will explore fine art critical theory and art history as well as ways to build a dynamic professional illustration practice. Through completion of structured and independent projects as well as in-class critique, students produce a diverse portfolio of illustrations.
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Illustration Certificate Program should have the skills and knowledge required to:
- Demonstrate illustrative technical and conceptual skills for a variety of projects or practices, such as commercial, editorial or picture books
- Use a range of tools, materials, and equipment for the production of illustrations
- Develop, plan, and express concepts through illustrative composition
- Evaluate illustrations in terms of conceptual, compositional, and technical strength
- Communicate ideas and opinions about illustration(s)
- Produce a comprehensive and curated portfolio of their illustrations
- Develop a business/professional practice plan that is aligned with goals
Program Duration
Students complete the Illustration Certificate at their own pace, registering in their required courses according to their own schedule and availability. Courses are offered over evenings and weekends allowing for part-time study. Students must complete 360 hours of class-time. Courses range in length from 12 to 36 hours.
Assignments + Assessment
An assessment of the learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor.
Student must achieve a Pass (P) grade in every required and elective course to be eligible for an Illustration Certificate.
To receive a passing grade in each of their courses, students must: complete assignments, exercises, and activities to the instructor’s stated requirements; satisfy course learning outcomes. Students can expect to spend a maximum of one hour completing homework for every hour spent in class. All assignments must be completed to the evaluative standard set by the instructor to satisfy the learning outcomes of the course and program.
Career + Education
Illustration Certificate recipients can apply their education to a variety of careers and enterprises. Depending on the level of work they achieve and previous education and experience, they can pursue a range of opportunities, including:
- Graphic Novel Illustrator
- Concept Artist
- Project Coordinator
- Mural Artist
- Commercial Illustrator
Students can use artwork from their certificate program in an admissions portfolio to apply for a Degree in Fine Arts here at ECU.
Courses + Costs
Course List
We strongly encourage students to complete courses in the recommended order given below to best support their student experience and success in meeting their learning outcomes. However, students can register in any course for which they meet the prerequisites. In the event of a conflict between the recommended course order and the prerequisites of our courses, please follow the prerequisites.
Course Format
Courses are offered on campus or online.
| Course No. | Required Courses | Tuition | Term
(Subject to change) |
| CEFA 100 | 2D Composition + Form | $432.50 | Spring Summer Fall |
| 3D Materials + Media | $432.50 | Spring Summer Fall | |
| CEFA 102 | Colour Theory | $432.50 | Spring Summer Fall |
| CEDR 100 | Introductory Drawing | $432.50 | Spring Summer Fall |
| CEIL 100 | Introductory Illustration | $432.50 | Spring Summer Fall |
| CEIL 201 | Intermediate Digital Illustration | $432.50 | Spring Summer Fall |
| CEIL 202 | Illustrating Nature | $432.50 | Spring Summer |
| CEIL 203 | Commercial Illustration | $432.50 | Spring Fall |
| CEIL 204 | Editorial Illustration | $432.50 | Fall |
| CESE 101 | Art History | $432.50 | Spring Summer Fall |
| CESE 102 | Contemporary Critical Theory | $432.50 | Summer Summer Fall |
| Complete at least one of: | |||
| CEIL 205 | Picture Book Illustration | $432.50 | Spring Summer |
| CEIL 206 | Narrative Illustration | $432.50 | Spring Summer |
| Required Selection: Digital Illustration (complete one of the following) | |||
| CEIL 101 | Introductory Digital Illustration: Photoshop | $432.50 | Fall |
| CEIL 102 | Introductory Digital Illustration: Illustrator | $432.50 | Spring Summer |
| Complete either: | |||
| CEPD 200 | Professional Practice for Artists | $432.50 | Spring Summer Fall |
| Or two of the following: | |||
| CEPD 202 | Artist Statement, CV + Portfolio Development | $216.50 | Summer Fall |
| CEPD 203 | Artist Website + Social Media | $216.50 | Spring Summer Fall |
| CEPD 204 | Artist Grants, Residencies + Exhibition Applications | $216.50 | Spring Summer |
| Elective Courses (complete at least one): | |||
| CEGN 120 | The Graphic Novel | $432.50 | Summer Fall |
| CEIL 101* | Introductory Digital Illustration: Photoshop | $432.50 | Fall |
| CEIL 102* | Introductory Digital Illustration: Illustrator | $432.50 | Spring Summer |
| CEIL 125 | Writing for Picture Books | $432.50 | Spring |
| CEIL 221 | Illustration Concepts + Contexts | $432.50 | Summer Fall |
| CESE 108 | Introductory Creative Writing | $432.50 | Summer Fall |
| Total Program Tuition | $6,487.50 | ||
Approximate Total Supply Fees | $700 |
*Depending on which course (CEIL 101 or CEIL 102) was completed for the Illustration Certificate's Digital Illustration requirement.
Admissions
To register in the required courses, students must be over the age of 18at the start of their course, have proficiency in spoken and written English and should have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education. Noprevious experience in illustration or the fine arts is required to begin the Illustration Certificate.
No application is required - register online for courses now!