Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Graduates of this program may pursue a career as a freelance illustrator for:
- children's books
- comics and graphic novels
- editorial publications
- film
- gaming
- online platforms
- packaging
Info :
Full-Time Support Staff are on strike. Classes will continue and our campuses remain open.
Illustration (ILS)
Campus
Delivery
HybridDuration
4 Semesters (16 Months Consecutive)Study Option
Full-timeCredential
Ontario College DiplomaAbout the Program
This two-year creative diploma program combines traditional and digital illustrative media with freelance business skills to help you succeed as a professional illustrator.
Throughout the program, you will build your visual art skills through drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting and digital media. The program’s specialties include children’s book illustration, comics, editorial illustration and concept art for film and game animation.
At the same time, you will learn how to run your own small business as an entrepreneurial artist with innovative courses exploring website development, accounting, marketing and revenue-generating skills.
Skills
- advanced drawing and painting
- concept development
- critical thinking
- digital painting
- developing your creative voice
- entrepreneurship skills
- sculpting
- printmaking
- visual development
Program Availability
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Seneca@York | Closed |
| Jan. 2026 | Seneca@York | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Seneca@York | Closed |
| Jan. 2026 | Seneca@York | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
Your Career
Affiliations/Associations
- Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF)
- Canzine: Festival of Zines
- CANSCAIP
- ACM SIGGRAPH
- Future. Innovation. Technology. Creativity. (FITC)
- Interactive Ontario
- Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI)
The Seneca Polytechnic Difference
This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.
Degree Pathways
Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway. You have the opportunity to continue your studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.
The Service Hub
The Service Hub is your one-stop source of information about everything from registering and paying fees to student services and life on campus.
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Career Support
Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking and more.
Drawing Studio
You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our on campus state-of-the-art Drawing Studio, preparing you for your in-demand career.
Student Experience
Graduate Career-Ready
Take the next step in your academic journey at Seneca. Join thousands of graduates who are making a difference here and around the world.
Student Works
Explore the creative work of Illustration students in our student works and experiences gallery.
The Reciprocity Mural
The Reciprocity Mural is a floor-to-ceiling art display spanning seven walls at Seneca’s Newnham Campus Cafeteria. Under the artistic direction of JoAnn Purcell, Program Co-ordinator of the Illustration program, and Martha Newbigging, Program Co-ordinator of the Art Fundamentals program, a team of five artists — all Seneca graduates — took on the task of seeing the project through from conceptualization to completion.