| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado, Denver | Denver |
| 2 | Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | Denver |
Our 2019 rankings of the top illustration school programs in Colorado. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) originated in 1912 as an extension of the University of Colorado Boulder. The school gained its independence in 1973 and today it serves approximately 19,400 students enrolled in more than 140 degree programs in 13 schools and colleges. The College of Arts & Media houses the Illustration Program, which consists of a BFA in Fine Arts with an Illustration Emphasis and a Minor Illustration.
Per the school, students in the BFA program “receive instruction in conceptual illustration, digital illustration, rendering, perspective, painting, exhibition preparation, professional practices and the use of various artistic and illustration techniques.” Sample courses for the program include Anatomy for the Artist, Digital Painting, Graphic Novel Workshop, Illustration I, II, III & IV, Painting, Drawing and the Printed Image, and Typography Studio
"In preparation for a professional illustration career, the coursework allows students to master numerous essential digital and traditional tools and work to successfully bring the two together in ambitious and innovative illustrative work.” In addition to coursework in a range of areas, students will complete studio courses and lectures, as well as an internship and a Capstone course.
Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue a freelance illustration career, as well as positions in advertising, design, entertainment, publishing, and many others.
Founded 1936, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design serves 775 art and design students enrolled in 16 degree and certificate programs. Besides Illustration, a few program options include 3D Animation, 3D Character Animation, Design Processes and Production, Fine Art, Game Art, and Graphic Design. The school also offers graduate programs.
The BFA in Illustration has three concentration options including Children’s Book, Concept Art and Sequential Art. Program highlights include a collaborative environment, knowledgeable professors, small class sizes, and portfolio development. Students may also complete the program on-campus or online. Graduates of the program are prepared to seek positions in Editorial Illustration, Children’s’ Book Illustration, Concept Art for Games & Animations, Comic Books and Graphic Novels, Technical & Medical Illustration and Product Design & Licensing.