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Best place to study Illustration BA with classical approach in EU?

I'm looking for an Illustration BA where I would learn traditional techniques (oil, watercolour, gouache etc) and also digital ones... Maybe in a more traditional-messy-art-school kinda of way. I'd be opened to go anywhere, but I would love if it was in a region more country-like, with forests and animals... but for the right course I'd go anywhere.

I'm very keen of illustration for children, like from golden age and disney pixar concept art, so I want to be in a place where I can devote myself into it.

I'm also interested in Literature, so if there were to be a course that offered electives, or dual major, or a self designed course, I'd be thrilled. I want to be writing and illustrating my own children's books someday.

I've heard about Huddersfield, Hertfordshire, Westminster, Kingston, Camberwell, Brighton, Middlesex in the UK. It could be another country, but it has to be in English and in Europe...
There's a course called Children's Books in Wrexham, Wales at the Glyndwr University, seems interesting.




Any thoughts?

xx
(edited 5 years ago)
I'd definitely look at what UAL offers in London, not only do they have a very broad range of illustration courses across their campuses they also allow you to take your own kind of route and experiment with a lot of different styles just like you want. As someone studying at UAL I may be biased but I do truly believe they will have exactly what you are looking for not to mention you'll be in one of the UK's most creative areas.

I'd look in particular at Camberwell as they are big fans of traditional styles or CSM for their very well known and praised courses. Sure you might not get the full university campus experience but it is a great place to study. If London is a little outside your price range (because trust me I own a business and it's still too pricey for me lol) I would consider someone such as Bath or Loughborough as friends have gone on to study there and loved the courses, not to mention they also allow for a broad range of experimentation.

In summary I'd go for UAL because the first year is essentially a foundation where you will get to experiment with every style under the sun!!
Hi ilustralice, I see that you've mentioned our BA Children's Books in your thread.

Are you looking to apply for 2019 entry? If so, yes this course could be perfect for you! It's a new course for 2019, which is highly specialised and a perfect opportunity to study the practical and artistic aspects of writing and illustrating children's books.

If you're able to, it would be great for you to visit one of our open days to find out more about the course, meet some of the academic staff and get to know our Regent Street campus (home of the School of Creative Arts).

Wrexham is also located in North Wales, with lots of local country parks and green spaces. Plus in Wrexham, you're less than an hour away from the breath-taking Snowdonia and some beautiful North Wales beaches!

Hope this helps! :smile:
Original post by ilustralice
I'm looking for an Illustration BA where I would learn traditional techniques (oil, watercolour, gouache etc) and also digital ones... Maybe in a more traditional-messy-art-school kinda of way. I'd be opened to go anywhere, but I would love if it was in a region more country-like, with forests and animals... but for the right course I'd go anywhere.

I'm very keen of illustration for children, like from golden age and disney pixar concept art, so I want to be in a place where I can devote myself into it.

I'm also interested in Literature, so if there were to be a course that offered electives, or dual major, or a self designed course, I'd be thrilled. I want to be writing and illustrating my own children's books someday.

I've heard about Huddersfield, Hertfordshire, Westminster, Kingston, Camberwell, Brighton, Middlesex in the UK. It could be another country, but it has to be in English and in Europe...
There's a course called Children's Books in Wrexham, Wales at the Glyndwr University, seems interesting.




Any thoughts?

xx



Hello,
I am currently studying at Middlesex University and I am loving my time here. There is so much to get involved in and so many great ways to make new friends! There are loads of societies, sports, jobs on campus and volunteering opportunities. The university has also great links with the industry.
In terms of the illustration course, you will get an individual work place where you can develop your creativity!
There will be many illustrators, agents, publishers and designers come to your classes to give you feedback on your portfolio :smile:
At the end of your degree, you will exhibit your work at our Degree Show, which is a great opportunity to show off your talents to creative industry employers :smile:

Have a look at this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYZK903NfZQ

Hope it helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

Ludovica
Hi ilustralice,

It sounds like you would really fit in with us here at London Met's art school, The Cass. We love getting messy and dirty and we believe in learning through doing.

It's really interesting that you mentioned children's illustration - we have a very popular short course called Children's Book Illustration. It's a one-day workshop, and if you're in London, join us for the day to get a good idea of what it takes to break into industry. There's also a five- week, more in-depth version of this course.

Earlier this year The Cass hosted talks by professional illustrators, as part of our annual free lecture series, the Hothouse Talks. The talk in April was by London-based illustrator and picture book author Fiona Woodcock. The talk was sold out! Keep an eye on The Cass page for news of the next round of talks under 'Booking now' - it's a great way to speak to industry professionals and a fantastic opportunity to meet students and staff on the Illustration and Animation BA course.

The Cass also offers a Creative Writing and English Literature course. We love a good team effort, and for the second year in a row, Illustration and Animation students have worked with the Creative Writing students to produce the beautiful Anthology II.

We're super proud of the work our students do. If you're interested, take a look at this year's yearbook from The Cass. It contains all the best student work we've seen from the year, and you'll find the sections about Creative Writing and Visual Communication interesting.

If you want to know more, just drop us a line, we're always happy to talk to anyone who's interested in joining the London Met family.

Dawn

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