Illustration Certificate

Gain valuable insight into establishing a dynamic and professional illustration practice!

Developed in alignment with industry-standard practices, the Illustration Certificate equips students with a solid foundation in essential illustration techniques, processes, and concepts.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their creative style through both digital and traditional material exploration. Illustrative skills are used in a variety of creative and professional practices, and this certificate will introduce you to the various contexts relevant to contemporary and commercial illustration, providing students with an understanding of industry demands and trends.

Develop a wide professional skill set and personal creative style that can be applied to many practices and projects.

A renewed flexible Illustration certificate- effective FALL 2023.

The redesigned illustration certificate below includes a focused set of required courses and broader electives. Our aim is to provide students with a flexible learning journey tailored to personal and career goals while providing a foundation in industry-standard practices.

We understand that some students may have already invested time and effort in the previous certificate, and we want to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. For those who have started the illustration certificate prior to Fall 2023, an equivalencies document is available to guide you. You may also consider pursuing the new certificate and know that any courses you have completed will count towards the new requirements.

Regardless of which version you choose, both programs are designed to provide valuable expertise and enhance your creative development!

Please contact us or book an advising appointment if you have any questions about the updated illustration certificate.

Required Courses in this Certificate

Core Courses

CEFA 100	2D Composition + Form
CEFA 101	3D Materials + Media
CEFA 102	Colour Theory
CEDR 100	Introductory Drawing
CSIL 100	Introductory Illustration
CSIL 110	Digital Tools for Illustrators
CSIL 111	Illustration for Client-Based Work

History + Theory | Complete at least 1 of:

CESE 101	Art History
CESE 102	Contemporary Critical Theory

Professional Practices | Complete at least 2 of:

CSPD 100	Portfolio Websites
CSPD 102	Applications: Grants, Residencies + Exhibition
CSPD 105	Business Planning for Creative Practitioners

...or choose 2 courses from any of our Professional Practices courses

Elective Courses | Complete 3 of the following recommendations:

CSIL 101	Narrative Illustration (formerly CEIL 206: Narrative Illustration)
CSIL 112	Character Concepts
CSIL 113	The Graphic Novel (formerly CEGN 120: The Graphic Novel)
CSIL 114	Illustrating Nature (formerly CEIL 202: Illustrating Nature)
CSSC 100	Creative Writing (formerly CESE 108: Introductory Creative Writing)
CSSC 101	Story: An Introduction

...or choose 3 elective courses from any of our offerings

How do I get started?

Courses can be taken individually or as part of a certificate, but do take note of the prior learning recommendations for each specific course! Students are to take the recommended prerequisite courses or self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

For those pursuing a certificate pathway, there is no need for an application. Register for each required course at your own pace. View our term schedule and register online today!

The flexible certificate pathway is open to all students over the age of 18 and/or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education. There are no academic prerequisites required to begin the journey.

Once you have completed all the required courses successfully, you can request your certificate from the Continuing Studies department here.

What does self-paced learning mean?

Our certificate pathways are designed to be flexible! There are no requirements to complete certificates within a specific timeline.

You can complete each certificate at your own pace and the number of courses you take per term is entirely dependent on your own individual schedule and workload. Register by course based on the course offerings of each term. See our term schedule here.

Courses are scheduled during the evenings and weekends to allow for part-time study.

In what order should I register for courses?

To optimize the your certificate pathway experience and achieve successful learning outcomes, it is recommended that beginners follow the suggested course order listed above for a cohesive learning journey.

For those with prior knowledge, please take note of the recommended prerequisites for each specific course. Students are to self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

In the event of a conflict between the recommended course order and prerequisites, please prioritize meeting the recommended prerequisite skills for smooth progression.

What is the general course load and how will I be assessed?

Student assessment is based on each course's learning outcomes. Instructors will evaluate your learning using assignments, exercises, activities and participation. A general rule of thumb is to expect about one hour of homework for every hour spent in class.

All Continuing Studies individual courses are graded using a Pass (P) / Fail (F) system. To successfully complete the certificate pathway, you must receive a passing (P) grade in every required and elective course.

Career Pathways

Success in the creative field requires dedication, continuous learning, and the cultivation of a strong portfolio. Take the time to develop a solid foundation of skills and actively develop your expertise, adapt to industry trends, and showcase your unique talents to stand out! Take ownership over your professional growth and design your your certificate based on your personal goals.

Illustration intersects with various creative disciplines and industries, allowing artists to leverage their skills in multiple contexts and expand their opportunities for expression and impact. Related fields include:

Many illustrators are adept at storytelling, concept development, project management, and collaboration, making them versatile professionals capable of thriving in a variety of industries. Embracing these intersections provides illustrators with a vast array of career possibilities and allows them to make a meaningful impact through their creative contributions.