Drawing & Illustration

Translate ideas into powerful imagery

Herron’s drawing and illustration program will help you master the language of imagery, and give you broad exposure to illustrating across all media.

Exploring traditional and digital applications, you will create meaningful images that are both visually arresting and rich in content. Our accomplished faculty will emphasize professional practice, preparing you to work in a variety of environments.

Ultimately, you’ll advance your stylistic voice and form a well-rounded foundation for any direction you choose to follow.

Experiment across disciplines

At Herron, you’ll push boundaries through continual exploration. You can explore different approaches to storytelling by experimenting with photography, printmaking, and sculpture. The resulting experiences will provide a framework for your artistic development.

Cultivate your creative voice

You will learn how to process everything – ideas, concepts, messages – through your own unique perspective, born out of your experiences and tastes, and an ever-evolving sense of style that you will invent and develop over time.

Plan of study

B.F.A. degree map

Critical courses and milestones for each semester towards a B.F.A. in drawing and illustration

IU Indianapolis Campus Bulletin

Required course names and descriptions for a B.F.A in drawing and illustration

I've just loved every semester. I really enjoy character development, creating otherworldly environments, and bringing my imagination to the drawing table.
Maggie Yager (B.F.A. Drawing & Illustration '17)

Student work

See more student work

Detail of illustration by Michael Polaski

Left to right, top to bottom: Katie Becker, Untitled, 2022. Ray Brown, Untitled, 2022. Teresa Copenhaver, Untitled, 2022. Nathan Deiwert, Untitled, 2022. Elias Evans, Untitled (detail), 2022. Emily Lemke, Untitled, 2022. Michael Polaski, Untitled (detail), 2022. Andre Rivera, Untitled, 2022. Sophia Sample, Untitled, 2022. Courtesy of the artists

Foundation studies

Your first year at Herron focuses on skills that are crucial to your success in art and design school. You will explore basic principles and techniques, as well as your own historical, cultural, and personal influences as an artist or designer.

Learn more about foundation studies

Facilities

Our facilities are equipped with the latest equipment and technology, and you have your choice of studio spaces to bring your creations to life in many forms, whether through the medium of 3-D printing, sculpture, or photography.

Light tables
Digital labs
Digital drawing tablets
Professional lighting studio

LCD projectors
Critique rooms
Individual studios
In-house gallery space

Enhance your degree

Pursuing a minor or certificate can help broaden your perspective and give you a competitive advantage in your chosen field.

Minor in Book Arts

Minor in Graphic Design

Professional opportunities

Graduates of Herron’s drawing and illustration program are prepared to communicate ideas for an array of professional work, including in-house and freelance illustration as well as design. As a skilled storyteller, you will emerge ready to launch a career in nearly any field – from advertising to video games.

Pursue your calling as a professional: