Illustration (Top Up)

Illustration is an important part of our visual heritage and culture. From childhood and throughout our lives, illustration helps us all make sense of a complicated world. It is a communication tool that entertains, describes, inspires, explains and educates.

As an illustrator, you will be called on to create imaginary but believable worlds as the visual stimulus for entertainment, education or persuasion. These worlds can be brought to life on anything from the printed page to the digital screen, including diverse and unexpected places within the urban landscape in advertising, murals or other installations.

This inspiring course explores both traditional and high-tech approaches to picture making and visual communication.

Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to take part in many small group workshops and drawing classes. You will also benefit from talks by our experienced course tutors, workshop technicians and visiting illustrators. When it’s time to get to work on your projects, you can do so in your individual, personalised workspace.

We encourage group discussions and hold regular group feedback sessions so that students can encourage and support one another. One-on-one tutor time means you get the individual help you need with a variety of projects, where you could be making anything from an individual image for a newspaper to a picture book or zine.

With a sturdy footing in traditional processes, such as drawing and printmaking, Illustration at HCA also keeps its eye on the most contemporary practices. The course is associated with many high-profile illustrators and internationally renowned events. Illustration at Hereford also provides access to world-class workshop facilities and trips to cultural epicentres. Live briefs with external clients mean you will gain first-hand professional experience before you even graduate.

HCA Illustration students also have access to technical support in superb craft-orientated workshops that use traditional print processes, including letter press, collagraphy, mono-printing, engraving, etching and screen-printing. Students benefit from excellent IT facilities and support that provides industry standard software on both PC and MAC systems. This includes the complete Adobe suite of products, including Photoshop, illustrator and After Effects, plus I-stop Motion and Final Cut Pro for video post-production.

What we provide

Small group teaching in a friendly studio environment.

Regular drawing classes and print workshops.

A home: individual workspaces that you can make your own.

Exceptional access to tutorial support and expert technical advice.

Develop your own visual language and evolve a unique style.

A programme of visiting lecturers from around the world bringing cutting edge practice to HCA students.

Collaboration with The BBC | Hay Festival | House of Illustration | The Courtyard Theatre | Inky Goodness and GLUG | Varoom – The Association of Illustration | Nicola Davies – Graffeg Books | Waterstones | Herefordshire Libraries | Herefordshire British Legion

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of a UK based level 5 qualification such as a Foundation Degree (FdA) or HND in a related subject (evidence of prior learning will need to be provided).

Portfolio submission or audition (as applicable) and successful interview.