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KSAWorks
Knowledge • Skills • Abilities
Minneapolis College of Art and Design · Courses

ILL

12 courses with the subject ILL, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.

ILL 2000Introduction to Illustration3

This course examines the effectiveness and power of illustration through everyday images found in book and magazine illustration, web, and surface design. From the sketch process to the development of finished images, students are exposed to a variety of working methods. Demonstrations of Photoshop, large-scale scanning, acrylic, gouache, pen and ink, watercolor, and collage enable students to experiment with new media. Assignments may include creating spot images for the web, decorative surface design, educational posters, classic storytelling, and personal and explorative work.

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Prerequisites: Foundation: 2D, Foundation: Drawing 1, Foundation: Media 1, Foundation: Drawing 2 (Foundation: Drawing 2 may be taken concurrently)
ILL 3010Tools of the Trade3

This course offers hands-on experience for students exploring a wide variety of media through real-world illustration projects. Students learn trade tips and expand their portfolios as they pursue acrylic painting, gouache, pen and ink, watercolor, and pastel projects. Instructional demonstrations are provided on a variety of painting and drawing techniques on papers and other surfaces.

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Introduction to Illustration
ILL 3020Concepts and Metaphors3

The strength of many contemporary illustrations lies in a dynamic concept of metaphor. Through word lists, thumbnail sketches, and research, students expand their ideas to improve their illustration. Students examine art by both historical and contemporary practitioners and create individual images as well as series projects with editorial, advertising, and corporate audiences in mind. Color and media guidelines and techniques are covered via demonstrations. This course encourages further development of skills in both digital and traditional media as well as concepts, research, t

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Introduction to Illustration
ILL 3030Digital Illustration3

Through projects, discussions, and lectures, students acquire a thorough understanding of all aspects of digital illustration. Demonstrations of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are provided. In addition, students learn about the latest tools and file preparation standards for production, including file formats, color palettes, and image resolution. Assignments have an emphasis on technical achievement and presentation.

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Introduction to Illustration
ILL 3040Illustrated Notebook3

The notebook is a critical tool for the illustrator to record, investigate, and play. In this course students explore the notebook as a visual journal used to gather material and also as a place to experiment and further explore ideas. Course projects include creating different formatted notebooks that include word lists, found materials, and observational sketching. Individual and group critiques, lectures, and technical demonstrations round out the course. The final project is a series of illustrations based on unexpected discoveries made in the notebook.

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Introduction to Illustration
ILL 3050Editorial Illustration3

From mainstream to independent magazines, editorial art has made a huge impact on the covers and pages of modern print and web publications. Through lectures and demonstrations students acquire a thorough understanding of the editorial market and its potential for inventive and imaginative images. This course includes illustrating articles related to topics such as culture, health, finance, short story, and nonfiction. Project formats include GIF animated web images, full and half page illustrations, covers, and experimental zines.

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Introduction to Illustration, Concepts and Metaphors, Digital Illustration (Digital Illustration may be taken concurrently)
ILL 3060Children's Book3

In this course students examine the elements that make up a children’s book and how to communicate to a specific audience through their art. Emphasis is placed on concepting, storyboards, dummy books, and sequencing. Demonstrations of media and discussions of process are covered. A series of projects are assigned examining the various stages of illustrating a book, from the sketch phase to final illustrations. Professional knowledge of the publishing industry is researched and discussed.

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Introduction to Illustration, Concepts and Metaphors, Digital Illustration (Digital Illustration may be taken concurrently)
ILL 3070Illustration and Products3

This course explores a variety of venues for product design, including apparel graphics, sporting goods, stationery, and home products. Students create graphics that define and accompany final products from sketch to production. Beginning with research by developing concept boards, students develop their ideas and focus on placed graphics within a product line. Students learn industry-standard processes, including audience research, concepting, presentation, and production, as they create a substantial and diverse product design portfolio. Students are provided with the opportuni

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Introduction to Illustration, Concepts and Metaphors, Digital Illustration (Digital Illustration may be taken concurrently)
ILL 3080Illustration Topics3

Building on their initial exposure to illustration in Concepts and Metaphors, Illustration Topics students engage in a thorough examination of illustration principles with a variety of audiences, clients, and formats. Projects may include creating surface designs for an eco-friendly high school binder, an animated GIF web banner for a service or retail shop, informational maps, and a large banner print. varying Internship or Studio Elective Choose to pursue an internship or an additional studio elective

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Intro to Illustration, Concepts and Metaphors
ILL 4000Professional Practice: Illustration3

Professional Practice is directed toward the student’s transition into the professional world. Students create a variety of promotional materials concentrating on their book, including résumés, work samples, and project documentation. In addition to the preparation of materials, students practice interview techniques, survey employment markets and opportunities, and finalize an internship site. Visiting professionals, field trips, and individualized student research provide context for all promotional materials.

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Junior standing
ILL 5010Advanced Illustration Seminar3

Advanced Illustration Seminar prepares students to become more independent and to develop a process of critical thinking and in-depth research in their practice. Through critical readings, individual and group discussions, and writings, students acquire a better understanding of illustration and the responsibilities of illustrators. Assignments include the creation of a comprehensive series of illustrations based on themes of contemporary culture and a self-directed project.

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
successful Junior Review
ILL 5100Senior Project: Illustration6

In consultation with a faculty member, students in this course produce a series of illustrations to strengthen and enhance their portfolio. This capstone project can take the form of a research project, an in-depth illustration problem, or the advancement of a particular strength or style. Students are required to develop an appropriate proposal, a timeline, and goals for their project. The resulting illustrations should address a specific audience and/or market. Illustration Studio Requirements (select two)

Subject
ILL
Credits (min)
6
Credits (max)
6
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
successful Junior Review, Senior standing

Source: Minneapolis College of Art and Design's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61