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Bachelor of Arts

Illustration: Publishing Emphasis (B.A.)

Department of Art
In the Illustration: Publishing major, students learn all about the publishing industry field. They gain necessary skills and practices to develop a portfolio, network, and work towards employment after graduation.

Publishing Introduction

Students gather around their professor as he shows them a technique for illustration.
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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.

There are two Illustration emphases at BYU-Idaho: Publishing and Entertainment. While they are similar, the Publishing program is more focused on published, printed work. This major:

  • Focuses on projects like picture books, graphic novels, magazine illustrations, and personal commissions. 
  • Encourages students to network and build portfolios.  
  • Teaches students how to improve drawing, painting, and digital illustration skills. 

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Publishing Illustration, start with one of the following major-specific courses
Design and Color
March 11, 2026 08:49 AM
ART 107
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Drawing I
March 11, 2026 08:49 AM
ART 110
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Adobe CC Basics
April 01, 2026 11:29 AM
ART 125
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Introduction to Graphic Design
April 13, 2026 09:19 AM
ART 130
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2D Digital Illustration
April 13, 2026 09:20 AM
ART 245R
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Character Animation I
April 13, 2026 01:18 PM
ART 248R
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Narrative Illustration
April 13, 2026 01:25 PM
ART 341R
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Business for the Professional Artist
March 11, 2026 08:51 AM
ART 392
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4-Year Plan
See Example Class Plan
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See all required courses

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Illustration, with a Publishing emphasis, have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Here's just one of them. Explore more career options in I-Plan!

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates from this program report competitive early career salaries ranging from $38,000 to $75,000 across the advertising and specialty publishing markets. Your earning potential is highly versatile with many alumni successfully combining in house roles at major publishers with a high demand freelance client base.

Common Career Paths

You will be prepared for creative roles such as a book illustrator, editorial artist, or art director within the trade publishing and educational media industries. This degree provides the professional foundation needed to advance from junior production roles to becoming a published author illustrator or establishing a successful independent studio.

Preparation for Grad School

While this industry is primarily portfolio driven, our curriculum provides the rigorous technical and research foundation required to excel in specialized master's programs. You will be well prepared to pursue advanced degrees in medical illustration or scientific visualization where high level academic training leads to senior leadership in healthcare and research.

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 Publishing
You will engage in critical industry discussions regarding the ethical and creative role of artificial intelligence in contemporary professional practice. Our program emphasizes original human led artistry while exploring how to navigate emerging technologies responsibly to ensure your creative work remains authentic and commercially viable.
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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Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Learn How to Apply
Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
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Change Your Major
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.
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Learn More About Publishing Program

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