Fine Art or Illustration BA

[Runnersandtoms]

DD 16 currently doing a 2 year Extended Art Diploma (equal to 3 A levels and covers the same as an art foundation). Some tutors have mentioned the possibility of Illustration to her but we're not very clear on what the advantages or disadvantages are of Fine Art v Illustration.

She's very much a traditional artist (pens, pencil, paint), not really interested in digital art though she has done and enjoyed some animation at college. Mostly does quite brightly coloured graphic type stuff with text as well as images.

Looking at Unis, there are fewer that offer Illustration so narrowing down where to look for that seems easier. But nearly everywhere offers Fine Art. How do we know which unis are good? Not sure where to start. There are only so many open days you can go to, how do you know which ones to choose?

I've also seen a BA Illustration and Animation and also a BA Graphic Communication which might also be up her street.

DD1 had her heart set on one particular course only offered in one place so this is our first time trying to navigate a million options!

What does she want to be, a fine artist or an illustrator?

My dd does illustration and animation at Manchester. It’s a good course as it covers both rather than one specialism.

My husband studied fine art and then taught himself illustration and animation!.
If she wants to work in commercial art she'll have to get comfortable with using digital tools, there's no getting out of it.
Art schools have very variable courses, ie. Some departments excellent, others below average so I'd research individual courses for student satisfaction ratings etc. rather than a particular institution.

A relative of mine did a BA at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (in Switzerland).

Illustration Nonfiction | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts search.app/sJRFtYaYSUkiq1sR7

He does medical illustration for a living.

There are several degrees and certificates, undergrad and postgrad, in the US that can lead to this career, if she's interested.

Undergraduate Programs - Association of Medical Illustrators search.app/24PBQbj4VqLjBTca9

@mathanxiety Wow, I didn't know this was a possibility. My dd is going to start the same diploma as the OP's dd in September and she is struggling to envision a career in art doing both what she enjoys and what there is a demand for. But one of her favourite things to draw is anatomy. I'm going to check out those links you posted, thanks!