Illustration: Entertainment Design | Majors & Degrees

Entertainment Design Introduction

Illustrators use creativity, critical thinking, and artistic skill to solve some of today’s most challenging commercial needs. In this major, you will develop core skills in drawing, painting, digital, and mixed media.

To be considered for the program, you need to complete the courses for Art Fundamentals Cluster and Illustration Minor. You can then submit a portfolio demonstrating your skills, knowledge, and understanding of illustration. If you're not initially accepted into the program, you can complete the Illustration Concentration and apply a second time.

When you’re accepted into the program, you will declare your emphases. You'll get to work with faculty mentors so your education fits your future career.

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Entertainment Design, start with one of the following major-specific courses

ART107 - Design and Color

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ART110 - Drawing I

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4-Year Plan

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Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Illustration, with an Entertainment Design emphasis, have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out one of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates from this major report competitive starting salaries ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 across the film and video game industries. Your earning potential grows significantly as you build a professional portfolio and advance into specialized production roles at major animation and streaming studios.

Common Career Paths

You will be prepared for exciting creative roles such as a concept artist, production designer, or art director within the interactive media and film sectors. This degree provides a direct pathway from junior assistant roles to senior leadership positions where you will oversee the artistic vision of global entertainment projects.

Preparation for Grad School

While this industry is primarily portfolio driven, our curriculum provides the high level technical skills and professional readiness required to stand out in competitive studio environments. Should you choose to pursue advanced studies, you will be well prepared for specialized master’s programs in production design or creative direction at world class universities.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

Learn more about AI in Academics

AI in Entertainment Design

You will engage in critical discussions regarding the ethical and creative role of artificial intelligence within the contemporary art world. Our program emphasizes the development of original human led artistry while teaching you to navigate emerging technologies responsibly to ensure your creative practice remains authentic and market ready.

Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness

AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

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Brother Josh Abegglen critiques, with the help of his students, other students work from his Entertainment Illustration class.

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