Illustration

Due to the development of digital media, working methods, requirements, technical workflows and application ranges are also subject to constant change. Nevertheless, the art of drawing is indispensable as a technical basis; and as an elementary cultural technique for communication and brainstorming. To illustrate means to invent pictures, to develop your own visual language, experiment, think visually and work. But it also means translating texts into graphic ideas, researching a wide variety of topics, finding adequate solutions and always staying curious.

 

In the bachelor's degree in Illustration at our university, you will learn exclusively from renowned lecturers from the creative industry and you can use the professional equipment of the UE for analog and digital technologies for your study projects. The focus of our teaching is your individual development in small study groups and a friendly, familiar and creative atmosphere. Through our interdisciplinary selection of subjects, a large number of practical projects and a semester abroad or internships; you can actively shape your studies and your career path.

Illustrators see themselves as artistic partners of editorial offices, advertising agencies, design offices, publishing houses, museums, and game and film productions. They are not only in demand as service providers but also contribute their ideas, experience and creative attitude in an advisory capacity. They usually work as freelancers. The language of images is universal - that's why the world is open to illustrators.

Depending on specialization and inclination, the range of tasks ranges from children's book illustrations, from magazine pages to advertising campaigns, infographics to scientific illustration, and from packaging design to concept art for computer games. Especially in comics, graphic novels, animation films and other, artistically freer projects, illustrators appear as independent authors.

If you work as an illustrator after studying illustration, your salary depends on various factors. For example, it makes a difference whether you have completed creative training or a special degree, whether you work as an employee or freelancer and, above all, in which industry you work and what experience you have gained so far.

In the advertising industry, salaries are generally higher than in the press and publishing industries. As a starting salary in a permanent position, you can expect to earn around 2,000 to 2,300 euros gross per month after graduation. According to StepStone, experienced illustrators in Germany earn an average of around 2,700 euros, while gehalt.de speaks of 3,000 euros per month.

Freelance illustrators receive an hourly wage of around 50-150 euros, depending on the industry and experience, although the Association of Illustrators (IO) recommends a wage of at least 60 euros per hour.

Apply now for your Illustration Design studies! The application deadlines end shortly before the start of each semester, so you can also start at UE at short notice. However, you can apply up to one year in advance - simply fill out our application form online.

In addition, we require a portfolio for the Bachelor's degree programme in Illustration, consisting of a selection of your projects. How exactly you present yourself and which work samples you would like to include is your own decision. If you still need help with your portfolio, our regular portfolio workshops are a useful option.

Important: In the application phase, you must have already decided on which of our degree programmes you would like to study. However, please note that you may change programmes at a later time if desired.

UE is awarding scholarships for young talents in the field of art & design at our Hamburg and Berlin locations every semester. Apply for the Creative Minds Scholarship - not only will you secure financial benefits for your Bachelor's degree in Illustration, but you will also lay the first foundation for your future career.

Get more information and access to the application form here.

As a private university, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences offers above-average services for its students - from state-of-the-art technical equipment and internationally renowned teaching staff to a comprehensive range of practical projects. Only in this way can we optimally prepare you for your next career steps.

However, this also means that our tuition fees differ from those of public universities. In addition to our scholarships, we offer students other options for financing their illustration studies. You can find more important information on our website about tuition fees and financing, and our student advisory service will be happy to answer any questions you may have.