Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established in the United States with the purpose of providing higher education opportunities to African American students, who were often denied access to traditional colleges and universities. These institutions have a rich history and provide unique academic experiences for students of color.
One program that HBCUs excel in is illustration. Illustration is the art of visually representing stories or ideas through various mediums such as drawing, painting, and digital work. HBCUs provide a supportive artistic community that allows students to develop their skills and express themselves creatively. In this article, we will highlight the best HBCUs for illustration.
Howard University is a private, research-intensive HBCU in Washington D.C., with a strong arts program. Their Department of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration, which teaches students how to create images for books, magazines, and other media. The program offers courses in drawing, painting, digital art, and printmaking. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a digital imaging studio and printmaking workshop.
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
SCAD is a private art school with multiple campuses, including one in the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, and another in Atlanta. SCAD has a diverse student body and offers a BFA in Illustration. Students can choose to specialize in areas such as concept art, editorial illustration, and sequential art. The program includes classes in traditional drawing and painting techniques as well as digital media. SCAD also offers students internship opportunities with leading companies in the illustration field. It’s not a true HBCU, but it reminds me of one.
North Carolina A&T State University is a public research university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their Department of Visual Arts offers a BFA in Visual Arts with a concentration in Illustration. Students learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting, as well as digital art and design software. The program emphasizes the creation of works that communicate ideas and narratives, and students have the opportunity to exhibit their work on campus and in the local community.
North Carolina Central University is a public HBCU located in Durham, North Carolina. Their Department of Art offers a BFA in Studio Art with an Illustration concentration. The program includes courses in drawing, painting, and digital media, as well as workshops in graphic design and typography. Students also have the opportunity to exhibit their work on campus and participate in the department’s annual student art show.
Hampton University is a private HBCU in Hampton, Virginia, with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. Their Department of Fine and Performing Arts offers a BFA in Graphic Design and Studio Art, which includes a concentration in Illustration. Students learn the techniques of drawing, painting, and digital media while also receiving instruction in design theory and history. The program also emphasizes professional development through internships and mentorship opportunities with industry professionals.
In conclusion, HBCUs offer unique opportunities for students looking to pursue a career in illustration. From state-of-the-art facilities to experienced faculty, these institutions have much to offer. Prospective students should consider their academic and geographic goals when selecting the best HBCU for their illustration studies.
