While researching a career in illustration, I became most interested in the School of Visual arts, located in New York. I have always been interested in art, and dreamed of illustrating a children’s book, so I’ve had an interest in illustration even before my research. I like how interpretive the career is, and the endless amount of possibilities it gives to artist’s ideas. One of the pros of going to this college is that there is a student-teacher ratio of 4:1. There’s enough teachers that all students will be able to get the attention and help they need, something that wouldn’t happen with less teachers. SVA also offers internships at over 600 different companies for its juniors and seniors; perfect for students to gain experience in the real world. They also have a junior thesis and senior portfolio curriculum that allows student’s true personalities to shine through, in contrast to the vagueness of portfolios required by other schools. Not only that, but the teachers themselves are acclaimed artists in the illustration of films, Vans footwear, best-selling books, etc., so students have a direct link to professionals and important connections. Unfortunately, the only financial aid the college offers is FASFA.
In general, the college program for illustration is a Bachelors program. The average salary of an illustrator is $55,000. One interesting fact I learned from the college website is that SVA cultivates their student’s ability to interpret, something that I’m very much interested in.
