Illustration and Concept Art
Apply your creative talent to a career in illustration and Concept Art.
- Many faculty members are award-winning published artists widely respected in the industry
- Learning opportunities with industry partners provide additional networking opportunities
- Expand on your existing portfolio and graduate with an expansive showcase of your work
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Winter 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The two-year Illustration and Concept Art Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for the field of illustration and the discipline of concept art. As a student, you develop skills in digital and traditional media. While enhancing your drawing skills, you learn about potential career avenues in industries such as:
print periodical illustration children`s books graphic novel illustration concept art / visual development for the entertainment industry interactive media advertising...(read more)
Overview
Apply your creative talent to a career in illustration and Concept Art.
The two-year Illustration and Concept Art Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for the field of illustration and the discipline of concept art. As a student, you develop skills in digital and traditional media. While enhancing your drawing skills, you learn about potential career avenues in industries such as:
- print periodical illustration
- children`s books
- graphic novel illustration
- concept art / visual development for the entertainment industry
- interactive media
- advertising
In this program, you develop problem-solving methods, drawing techniques and production methods for the magazine, graphic novel or entertainment industries. Learning opportunities with industry partners allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you have developed and also offer networking opportunities. With in-class discussions and hands-on learning activities, you develop your style and expand your portfolio. The faculty include award-winning published artists that will share their abundance of knowledge and experience.
There are many job opportunities after graduation. You may find employment in:
- print/editorial
- advertising/commercial
- entertainment industries
- technical illustration industries
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy drawing and painting creative art.
- Are versatile in various styles, techniques and approaches to visual art.
- Are disciplined with abilities to manage time.
- Have an inquisitive and experimental nature.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ART1001
Course Name:
Life Drawing 1: Anatomy and Form
Course Description:
Drawing the human figure is an essential skill within the illustration industry. Students begin the development of their drawing skills by e... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ART1002
Course Name:
Digital VIsual Dynamics
Course Description:
An artist's design choices impact how an illustration is visually perceived by their intended audience, therefore it is essential to know th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART1003
Course Name:
Environment Asset Drawing
Course Description:
Backgrounds and assets provide context about a scene, communicate a message and evoke an experience. Therefore, it is important for artists ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ART1004
Course Name:
IntERPretive Art 1: Style Exploration
Course Description:
Style is what differentiates artists from each other and industry brands and products from one another. Therefore, it is important for artis... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
DSN2100M
Course Name:
Design Thinking
Course Description:
Human-centred approaches are among the best methods of generating innovative solutions for people at work, at home or within your community.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART1005
Course Name:
Interactive Media Art 1: Game Ideation
Course Description:
Interactive media is an ever increasing medium and is a lucrative market for the Illustration and concept artist. This media requires artist... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART2009
Course Name:
Life Drawing 2: Figures and Textures
Course Description:
Illustration and concept art is primarily figurative; therefore, life drawing is the foundational skill required for most art. Students cont... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ART2010
Course Name:
Graphic Narratives 1: Sequential Storytelling
Course Description:
Whether in a commercial, movie, video game, or graphic novel, illustrators initiate the process of visual storytelling. The art of graphic n... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART2011
Course Name:
Environment and Asset Building Design
Course Description:
For concept art, illustrators must 'create the universe' so the details produce an organic whole that the audience accepts as believable. U... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART3005
Course Name:
3D Art Applications
Course Description:
Various commercial and entertainment industries require 3D art for numerous illustration and concept art applications. Students apply illust... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
GED1408
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART2012
Course Name:
IntERPretive Art 2: Style Development
Course Description:
Individual style is a key asset for any illustrator and concept artist. Students explore various techniques to develop their own personal st... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART2013
Course Name:
Interactive Media Art 2: Interactive Game Ideation
Course Description:
Interactive media art is an ever-burgeoning requirement in our world which relies on illustration and concept artists to develop their conte... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ART3001
Course Name:
Life Drawing 3: Creature Design
Course Description:
From dinosaurs to dragons, creature-designs are a prominent feature in the entertainment industry; creating eye-catching, believable creatur... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ART3002
Course Name:
Graphic Narratives 2: Comics and Story Boarding
Course Description:
Whether live action, animation or film, storyboard artists draw out, panel by panel, the 'blueprint' for the final film. Students continue t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2026
Course Name:
Writing for Graphic Narratives
Course Description:
Graphic narratives, including comics, graphic novels, graphic memoirs, manga, etc., have surged in popularity during the 21st century, and i... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
GED1408
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART3003
Course Name:
Marketing and Merchandising Art
Course Description:
Illustration and Concept Artists can leverage marketing and merchandising to promote their art products and their own intellectual property.... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ART3004
Course Name:
Professional Transitions
Course Description:
In a world of visual noise, Illustration and Concept artists must differentiate themselves within their industry to find and develop work op... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ART3006
Course Name:
Light and Colour
Course Description:
Light and colour are integral components in the development of a resonant image. Both are used to create depth and volume and are integral t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ART4001
Course Name:
Life Drawing 4: Personalized Rendering
Course Description:
The ability to manipulate the structure and proportions within a figure are key in character design. These skills allow for the development ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ART4002
Course Name:
Self-Directed Art Project: Creative Call-Out
Course Description:
Illustrators and Concept artists need to be entrepreneurial and should be developing visual content for publishers or studios. Students inno... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as illustrators (e.g. advertising, editorial, children`s book, comics, technical illustration), concept artist for entertainment industry (production designers, location and character design, storyboard artist and background artists).
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Research genres of entertainment art, documents, and project requirements to inform visual solutions.
- Prepare illustration and concept artwork that meets the needs of identified target audiences, clients, and formats.
- Contribute to the solution of pre-production design problems by producing industry-accepted quality art work within project constraints.
- Use a variety of traditional and digital tools to create industry-accepted solutions and concept art work.
- Develop illustration and concept art work in different styles and in different applications to support employment opportunities and professional development.
- Prepare industry-accepted illustration and concept art for print and various digital media publishing.
- Use project management strategies to plan and track milestones, time and costs of various activities to meet the artistic goal.
- Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver illustration and concept art work results within a work flow, that meet client expectations.
- Plan and prepare marketing and self-promotional material to support the development of job opportunities in the illustration and concept art industry.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $3,000. This includes a laptop, external saving devices, drawing tablet and traditional media supplies.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Submit a portfolio of your best work. NOTE: Interested applicants are welcome to address any portfolio-related inquiries to: design@algonquincollege.com.
- Portfolio submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website:
www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages - Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20;
OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
ILLUSTRATION AND CONCEPT ART
Program Code 1408X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Contact
Virginia Mielke
Program Coordinator
Virginia holds a Master of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Education in Visual Arts, and she completed a Classical Animation program at Sheridan College to enhance her skills.
With a diverse background, Virginia has contributed meaningfully to the television and film industry. She has worked with renowned studios including Lucasfilm in Singapore, Animal Logic in Sydney, Australia, and Nelvana Studios in Toronto, Canada.
Virginia’s engagements encompass a wide array of projects, spanning feature films like “Strange Magic” and “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole,” as well as television productions. Her roles have included being a Lighting Technical Director for “Bubble Guppies” and a Pre-Visualization and Layout Supervisor for Nickelodeon’s respected series “Backyardigans.”
Chris Dainty
Professor
Chris Dainty is a multi-award-winning director, animator, ice carver, and college professor. In 2006, he established Dainty Productions, Inc., where he and his dedicated team have animated iconic characters from Sesame Street (WB Games), Odd Squad (PBS Kids), Dino Dan (Nick Jr./TVO), Dino Dana (Amazon/TVO), and, in 2023, Jane (Apple TV+). His film “Shannon Amen”, crafted in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada, not only earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination but also won Chris the Best Director title at the Yorkton Film Festival. A standout feature of “Shannon Amen” is its fusion of 2D animation with ‘icemation’—an innovative stop-motion technique using large-scale ice sculptures.
In the realm of digital innovation, Chris has developed numerous apps and games. His notable projects include two games for “Big Words Small Stories”, a video streaming app, “The Wild Gang”, for the classic “Hinterlands Who’s Who”, and game creations for PlayStation Home.
Furthermore, Chris’s expertise shines in the advertising sector, where he made significant contributions at Fuel Industries, crafting brand campaigns for powerhouses like HBO, Microsoft, and McDonalds.
Bradley Cayford
Professor
Fred Sebastian
Professor
Frederick Sebastian is an award-winning Illustrator and Designer. Winner of the Studio magazine Merit award for Excellence in Creativity, the International Editorial Cartoon Competition on Press Freedom, and Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Award for Editorial Section Illustration. Sebastian’s work is part of the permanent collections at the University of Hartford, International Museum of Cartoon Art in Florida and his originals were acquired by The Library & Archives of Canada where they reside within the permanent collection. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Carleton University graduating with Distinction and was awarded the President’s Medal. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa with a Baccalaureate of Education. Sebastian has been a Professor at various Universities and College -level institutions.
Lisa Traclet
Professor
Lisa has been an illustrator for 17 years and a licensed educator for over 11 years. She graduated with her B.A. in fine arts and English literature, as well as her B.Ed. in intermediate and senior arts and English from Nipissing University. She has taught all grades from K-12 as well as adult education. Lisa taught illustration and character design through the Grumbacher art company for 4 years before becoming a professor at Algonquin College for both the Academic Access Centre and Drawing Foundations.
Today when she isn’t teaching, Lisa works as a freelance illustrator specializing in book covers, character portraits, and branding.
Peter Chan
Professor
Born in Hong Kong, living in Toronto. Peter has been working in the field of illustration, painting and design for 15 years.
As an illustrator and concept artist, Peter worked as an artist for Imaginism Studios. He worked on projects such as Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, ‘The Familiars’, Mars Attacks and the Star Wars trading card series.
In recent years, his painting practice has taken priority over his illustration career. He now spends most of his time as an educator and producing a new body of work for upcoming exhibitions. As a painter in the contemporary art scene, he’s had solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Toronto, Montreal, and most recently Seoul.
His clients include Nike, Harper Collins Publishing, Creation Engine Magazine, Lucas Arts, Topps, and Sony Pictures Animation.
Jeff Bittle
Professor
Professional Storyboard artist for the past 25 years. Show credits include:
Total Drama Island series, Stoked, Littlest Pet Shop, Paw Patrol, Transformers Rescue Bots, Polly Pocket, Ninjago, Equestria Girls (My Little Pony spinoff) and much more! Recently boarded on Hilda S2 and was Storyboard Supervisor on ‘Hilda and The Mountain King ‘and Hilda Season 3.
Jeff loves to work on personal projects such as music animatics, comics, concept art and pretty much anything to do with visual storytelling. You’ll find him getting inspired watching anime (AOT, MHA, Bocchi the rock), reading great manga, graphic novels and listening to K-pop. Outside of drawing and work you’ll find Jeff’s main interests at church or playing Archery Tag.