The Business of Illustration (Online) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

The Business of Illustration (Online)

This class serves as a step-by-step guide to freelance business basics for illustrators.

Course Description

Gain a broader understanding of industry practices and develop the skills needed to work within the commercial art market. Asynchronous lessons provide concrete guidance on topics from copyright and contracts to branding and promotion. Create sample portfolio pieces and promotional materials tailored to your individual illustration goals and assemble a customized toolkit of professional resources that will allow you to confidently collaborate with clients. Individualized feedback from classmates and the instructor help set personalized goals for an illustration practice and break down the steps required to achieve them. This course is designed for aspiring illustrators as well as working artists looking to expand their efforts, helping to bridge the gap between personal projects and professional work. / Students will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud software throughout the course.

This course can be taken towards the Illustration Certificate.

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Course meeting details

This online course is asynchronous. There are no set class meeting times. Instead, the course is project-based, with 2 to 3 deadlines per week, and students can choose a time and place that works best for them to complete the work. Course activities may include readings, video demonstrations and tutorials, online discussions, projects, and critiques.

The instructor will have virtual office hours to answer questions and provide individualized feedback and guidance.

Prerequisites

Previous drawing experience helpful, but not required. Successful completion of Introduction to Illustration or equivalent. Students who choose to work digitally, prior experience with their chosen software is required. The class will not include software instruction, including Adobe Creative Cloud.

Required materials

Supplies

  • pen or pencil
  • notebook or sketchbook
  • color media of your choice
  • selection of drawing tools

Students are welcome to work digitally using software of their choice.

Software
Adobe Creative Cloud (provided by MCAD), if working digitally.

Hardware
A computer with internet access, a camera or scanner to capture and upload work. If working with Adobe Creative Cloud a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software.

Class resources

This class uses Adobe Creative Cloud and Canvas, MCAD’s learning management system. Please see the link for more information.

Class savings

Register on or before August 11 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$600.00
Not Yet Open for Registration

Registration opens July 28.

  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    Asynchronous
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Asynchronous
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 18 and above.
  • Term:
    Fall 2025
  • Instructor: Brian Britigan
  • Location:
    Online
  • SKU:
    CSDE 4001 20 FA25

Prerequisites:

Previous drawing experience helpful, but not required. Successful completion of Introduction to Illustration or equivalent. Students who choose to work digitally, prior experience with their chosen software is required.