Illustration Technologies Degree

at Nōssi College of Art & Design

Earn your accelerated Bachelor of Graphic Arts in Illustration Technologies degree

Small classes. Big illustration dreams.

Average illustration class size is 12 students* — never get lost in the crowd.

Strong industry connections in Nashville's $204 billion creative economy and beyond.1

Graduate in 3 years, 8 months — begin your career journey sooner.

*Data from Nossi's 2024 academic year.

Launch your creative career with an Illustration Technologies Degree
from Nossi College of Art & Design in Nashville.
Our program blends traditional artistry with cutting-edge
digital tools to help you master character design, concept art, and visual storytelling.

Why Choose Nōssi's Illustration Technologies Degree?

Nōssi is right for you if you're ready to focus on professional skill development from day one — and prefer personal mentorship over large lecture halls.

Get training and mentorship in our illustration labs

Illustration Technologies student at Nossi College of Art & Design wearing a creative graphic tee, representing the unique style and individuality of Nossi’s illustration community.

Learn industry-standard technology and software. Our illustration degree program in Nashville prepares you with hands-on experience using the same tools you'll use in professional studios.

Small classes mean personal mentorship: Our illustrator instructors know your name, your strengths, and your career goals from day one.

View complete curriculum

Learn from working Nashville illustrators

Illustration Technologies student at Nossi College proudly holding a colorful fantasy illustration created for a class project.

Faculty are active creative professionals: Mark Fleming leads a department of working illustrators who bring their day-to-day industry experiences directly to your education.

Build relationships with Nashville's creative community while you're still in school. Graduate with a network, not just a degree.

Meet our illustration faculty

Learn business and visual storytelling skills

Illustration Technologies student at Nossi College of Art & Design smiling confidently, representing future creative leaders in digital illustration.

Professional portfolio development separates illustrators from hobbyists. Learn client relations, project management, and business fundamentals alongside illustration techniques. 

Real client work through required internships: Work with actual Nashville businesses while you're still a student. Graduate with professional experience that strengthens your portfolio.

See student portfolio projects

Financial aid available

Merit scholarships, federal aid, and payment plans make Nōssi affordable. Schedule your tour today to discuss your options with financial aid advisors.

Don’t wait: Classes are filling now!

Small class sizes mean spots are limited — don't delay.

Spring 2026 application deadline:

January 2, 2026

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Get personal attention from working professionals while you earn your degree. Apply to join the next cohort:

Start Applying

Your accelerated path to illustration expertise

Our Bachelor of Graphic Arts in Illustration Technologies combines technical mastery, professional mentoring from industry experts, and hands-on experience with real-world projects.

Enrolling at Nōssi College of Art & Design develops practical skills valued in the illustration industry.

3 ways we build essential illustration skills

Master 11+ software tools for the industry
From Adobe Creative Suite to specialized illustration software: While others learn just one or two programs, you'll graduate with comprehensive digital skills that make you valuable to creative teams.

Explore all aspects of professional illustration
From traditional drawing to motion graphics, from book publishing to environmental design: Graduate with diverse skills valued across multiple illustration industries.

Excel with the Nōssi AI Model
Learn illustration fundamentals first, then explore the strategic use of AI to enhance your visual storytelling capabilities without replacing your creative vision.

The Nōssi AI Approach

Use technology like a creative professional

Develop critical thinking and fundamental skills first

Within the college’s core philosophy, Nōssi students first learn the fundamental skills for a career in their program. Our faculty build on that firm creative foundation by ethically incorporating a variety of industry-proven methods, including AI tools that amplify creative vision.

Most importantly, Nōssi faculty teach students a creative process that produces superior results. Students graduate knowing how to use artistic judgment and leverage technology.

Graduate equipped to support creative teams

Employers need creative professionals who can evaluate new tools, and guide strategic decision-making with the combined use of creativity and technology. A Nōssi education shows students how to become the trusted resource they turn to for guidance.

Whether developing recipes, designing logos, illustrating concepts, or directing photo and video shoots, students create work that showcases fundamental skills and innovative use of technology, including AI integration — exactly what’s needed in creative fields today.

Learn More

Illustration classes are filling now!

Spring 2026 application deadline: January 2, 2026

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Start Applying

Launch your illustration education here

Every illustration course at Nōssi in Nashville builds essential industry skills.

illustration program path — your path may vary.

Courses You’ll Take in the Illustration Program:

Semester 1

Basic Drawing
Color Theory
Adobe Illustrator
Success Strategies

Semester 2

Adobe Photoshop
Typography
Adobe InDesign
English: Grammar

Semester 3

Open Studio
Graphic Design Fundamentals
Alternative Mediums
English: Communications

Semester 4

Anatomy/Figure Drawing
Linear Design Processes
Advanced Photoshop (Digital Painting)
General Education Course

Semester 5

Advanced Typography
Illustration Environments
Motion Graphics
General Education Course

Semester 6

Graphic Design Advertising
Introduction to 3D and Animation
Adobe for Illustrators
General Education Course

Semester 7

Advanced Anatomy/Figure Drawing
Production Art
Exploring 3D
General Education Course

Semester 8

Business of Marketing for Creatives
Sequential Art
Advertising and Editorial Illustration
General Education Course

Semester 9

Advanced Motion Graphics
Principles of Copywriting and Editing
Advanced Illustration
General Education Course

Semester 10

Capstone
Illustration for Stock Art
Book Publishing Illustration
General Education Course

Semester 11

Portfolio and Promotion
Internship

Example general education courses

SS 104 - Success Strategies

EN 270 - English

AH 212 - Art History/Appreciation

LT 211 - Literature

AH 302 - American History

EN 280 - English: Written and Oral Communication

WC 301 - History of Western Civilization

PS 108 - Psychology

MA 300 - Contemporary Math

HNE 110 - Heatlth, Nutrition, Exercise Science

133 curriculum hours total, plus required internships and our available PACE program, which add real client work to build your professional portfolio.

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Learn from working illustration professionals

Your Nōssi illustration instructors are active Nashville illustrators and creative professionals who bring current industry experience directly into your classroom.

Mark Fleming, Illustration Degree Program Director, Nossi College of Art and Design in Nashvlle, TN

Mark Fleming

Illustration Technologies Program Director

Mark Fleming was honored as the "Best Portfolio" by the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1989. In 1991, he joined Nashville's J.C. Bradford & Co. investment firm as Creative Director.

"Illustration students learn to see the concept of a project and tell that story visually. Our students develop the creative edge and the artistic skill set before becoming professional visual storytellers."

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Maureen O'Brien

Illustration

Maureen O'Brien studied Illustration and Design at Kendall College of Art and Design/Ferris State University in Michigan (BFA) and the Hartford Art School/University of Hartford in Connecticut (MFA)....

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Caleigh Bird

Caleigh Bird received both her Bachelor’s and her Master’s degrees in Studio Art, focusing on figurative realism in oil, with a minor in Art History from her hometown at the College of Charleston...

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Tracy Ratliff

Adobe InDesign and Illustrator

Tracy earned an associates degree in Visual Communications from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and after spending many years working in the field she continued her education at Nossi...

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Jose Semidei

Illustrator, Graphic Designer

Jose Semidei has been working in the field of design since he was 17, where he worked full time as an Illustrator for the Department of Education at the Learning Laboratory Center in Yauco, Puerto...

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Grant Tudor

Exploring 3D

Grant is a freelance 3D artist and motion designer, specializing in product animations, construction renders, and architectural visualization. He grew up in Northern California, but has been in...

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Mikal Barker

Mikal Barker is an award-winning Illustrator known for his ability to create captivating visuals that breathe life into written stories. Graduating at the top of his class with a BA in Commercial...

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Byron Raphael

Motion Graphics

Byron Raphael is a Nashville-based motion graphic designer with over 20 years of experience. His client list includes Amazon, Xfinity, Visa, and the NFL. Originally from Wilmington, NC, he's also...

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Jason Routhier

Production Art

A seasoned creative leader with expertise in art direction, design strategy, and brand storytelling. Currently serving as Director of Creative Strategy & Art Direction at Vanderbilt University, with...

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Student portfolio showcase

Our illustration students build portfolios that demonstrate professional skills. From traditional illustration techniques to digital motion graphics, these projects demonstrate the skills and creativity that employers want.

Career Opportunities for Illustration Technologies Degree Graduates

Nōssi Illustration Technologies graduates will have the education to pursue a wide variety of creative positions.

Career paths for illustration graduates:

  • 3D Modeling & Animation Artist
  • 3D Modeling & Animation Artist
  • Book Publishing Illustrator
  • Comic Illustrator
  • Editorial Illustrator
  • Multimedia Artist/Animator
  • Mural Artist
  • Package Designer
  • Sequential Artist
  • Creative Services Director
  • Environmental Graphic Designer
  • Sketch Artist
  • Freelance Business Owner
  • Fashion Illustrator
  • Illustration Agent or Representative
  • Political Cartoonist

Career paths represent potential opportunities. Individual outcomes vary based on skills, experience, and market conditions.

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The next step is easy

Spring 2026 applications are open, and our small classes fill quickly. Next steps:

  1. Tour our design labs and see where you'll create
  2. Meet our team and get your questions answered personally
  3. Apply! We're accepting applications now

Scholarships and financial aid available. Don't let cost keep you from your creative dreams.

Take 1 minute and start the application process:

Start Applying

Spring 2026 application deadline: January 2, 2026

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Accepting Students for All Programs for Spring | Summer 2026

Save your spot and start the process now!

 

Connect with Nossi below to learn more.

Nōssi provides education and training; employment outcomes depend on individual effort and market conditions.

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