Make your mark with a degree in animation and illustration at Northern Vermont University.
Our bachelor of fine arts degree program in animation and illustration gives motivated, talented visual artists the training in drawing and storytelling to develop a unique “visual voice.” Small classes (capped at 18 students), expert faculty, and a curriculum that is updated regularly will prepare you to stand out in the creative job marketplace.
Whether you’re hoping to work as an illustrator for print or create time-based media like video games and animation, the animation and illustration program will prepare you to hit the ground running after graduation.
Flexibility to Pursue Your Goals and Interests
Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Visual Arts programs share a common core, making it easy for most students to switch majors without extending their time in college. This gives you the flexibility to explore your interests and make adjustments to your path if your goals change as you learn and grow.
As a student in this program, you will build on your already-strong drawing skills through coursework and real-world projects that turn your passion for art and drawing, your hard work, focus, and creativity, into a professional portfolio and resume that will stand out to prospective employers after graduation.
Concentrations
Beyond the Classroom
From festivals to internships, Lyndon animation and illustration students gain professional experience and exposure to the industry and other artists throughout their educational career.
Vermont Animation Festival
A collaboration between Northern Vermont University, Catamount Arts, and the Center for Cartoon Studies, the Vermont Animation Festival attracts nationally renowned artists and gives Lyndon students the opportunity to exhibit work, connect with other animators, participate in workshops and screenings, and help organize Vermont’s only animation festival.
Peekskill Film Festival
The Peekskill Film Festival gives Lyndon students the chance to meet other students and emerging filmmakers, screen their own work and gain exposure to new work, make connections, and build professional networks.
Internships
You’ll put your illustration and animation skills to work by interning with local and regional organizations, building your skills, gaining professional experience, and enhancing your resume.
Careers for Visual Arts Students
Our alumni keep good company — you’ll find Lyndon visual arts graduates in nationally and globally recognized companies, working behind the scenes on television and web shows, and creating to the local and regional creative economy as they start their own shops or work as freelancers. Here are just some of the places and career paths Lyndon visual arts graduates have gone on to.
Employers of Recent Lyndon Alumni
Career Paths for Visual Arts Majors
Illustrators
Animators
Scenic Designer
Game Designer
Storyboard Artist
3D Modeling
Concept Artist
Children’s Book Illustrator and/or Writer
Character Designer
3D Animator
Character Technical Rigger
Digital Molder
Traditional 2D Animator
Commercial Illustrator
Publication Illustrator
Quick Sketch Artist
Set Designer
Book Cover Illustrator
Advertising Illustrator
Greeting Card Illustrator
Graphic Novel Artist
Cartoonist
Mural Artist
Computer Game Illustrator
Interaction Designer
UI/Interface Designer
Narrative Designer
Mobile Game/App Designer
Molder/Texturer
Meet our students
Electra Poulsen ’20
Animation and Illustration
When Electra was searching for a college to attend, she saw few schools that offered the major she wanted. When she looked into Northern Vermont University-Lyndon, not only did she find a great fit with the animation and illustration program, she later helped plan one of the campus’s biggest fall happenings: the annual Vermont Animation Festival, the only event of its kind in the state.
Sophia Ruiz ’20
Game Design Concentration
With the game design concentration, Sophia is able to combine her interests in art and games in a creative way. “I love the artistic side of game design, and I want to incorporate that into what I do,” says Sophia, who plans to work at a game studio after she graduates. “Game design is a growing field, and it’s cool because there’s a lot of experimentation going on.”
Facilities
As a student in an NVU-Lyndon visual arts degree program, you’ll have access to our excellent facilities and equipment —during and outside of class— to help you realize your vision, build skills, and amass experience that will help you land the career you want after you graduate. Our three computer labs, two art studios, and one photo lab are equipped with the tools you’ll need to work. Digital cameras, digital video recorders, tripods, light kits, iPads and Wacom tablets are available for loan to our students. Software applications, updated annually on our computers, include Adobe Creative Suite Premium, Maya, and Final Cut Pro, Barcode Producer, and Painter.
Design Studio – North
- 19 top-of-the-line iMacs
- 1 large format color laser printer
- 1 large format inkjet printer
- 1 large format scanner
- Bindery equipment paper trimmers
Design Studio – South
- 19 top-of-the-line iMacs
- 1 large format color laser printer
- 1 large format inkjet printer
- 1 large format scanner
- 5 animation bays
Annex Lab
- 8 top-of-the-line iMacs with 24/7 access
- 1 large format inkjet printer
- 1 laser printer
- 1 flatbed scanner
- 1 animation bay
Drawing and Painting Studio
- Drawing tables
- Still-life setup
- Life drawing setup
- Visual presenter
Art Studio
- Book binding equipment
- Light tables
- Sewing machines
- Rotary paper trimmers
- Handtools and basic power tools
- Visual presenter
- Print drying rack
- Flat files
- Student lockers
Faculty
Our faculty care about your success and challenge you to develop professional skills that make you ready for the workplace immediately after you graduate.
Barclay Tucker
Professor; Director of the Quimby Gallery
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David Johnston
Professor
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Jessie Dall
Staff Assistant
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Kelly Glentz Brush
Professor
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Martha Elmes
Part-Time Faculty
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Robby Gilbert
Assistant Professor
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Timothy Egan
Part-Time Faculty