Animation and Illustration degree: Prepare for careers in animation, illustration, visual arts, design, 3D multimedia, and storytelling.
Animation and illustration might be the right degree for you if you:
- have a passion for art and design
- enjoy working with technology
- want the flexibility to work in different industries
Why study animation and illustration at Northwestern?
Deepen your skills built by professionals from PIXAR and other major film studios. Work with professional grade tools in Northwestern’s design lab, including:
| Unreal Engine Maya Mudbox Motion Builder | Adobe After Effect InDesign Illustrator | Lightroom Premiere Photoshop |
Learn aesthetic concepts and use visual and audio technology to create animated designs. Tour local art and design centers with classmates. Take advantage of networking opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving art and business industries.
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median pay in 2025
number of jobs in 2025
degree required
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Multimedia Artisits and Animators. Retreived August 2026.
Careers in animation & illustration
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in animation and Illustration, including roles that emphasize professional-quality animation and Illustration across industries.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Digital animation or graphics
- Multimedia presentation and development
- Film titles or design
- Television titling or graphics
- Video game animation or titling
- Computer graphics
- Advertising or marketing presentation graphics
- Motion graphics or animation
- Website design and development
- Interactive media development
- Self-employed, contract, freelance work
What will I learn?
You will develop critical thinking skills, learn to analyze, and become focused on technical production.
ANI3305
Character Design
This course continues material introduced in Drawing I (ART1011) while concentrating on developing aesthetically appealing characters. Complex designs are developed in conjunction with story, animation and cinematic concepts.
ART1035
Design Concepts
An introductory course in understanding and application of principles and elements of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.
DES2235
Digital Illustration
Using industry-standard applications, students create a wide range of visual content using Bézier and vector-based design software. Skills include image scanning, creation, and manipulation. The refinement of project work, development of technical proficiency, and its practical application – all building on previous foundational coursework.
ART1011
Drawing I
A foundational-level drawing class focusing on landscape, still life and the figure, using traditional materials and techniques. Emphasis is placed on visual sensitivity and basic technique, with specific studies in anatomy.
ANI3105
Figure Drawing
Course content explores human and animal anatomy through gesture studies and finished renderings. Topics include proportion, exaggeration and perspective.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
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Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
