10 Signs You’re Studying Illustration at College

Guest post: Lisa Wong

Ever feel like screaming at people who think illustration is the same as graphic design? Tired of your professors bragging about their celebrity artist friends? Bored of the stereotypes (but still loving the free food)? You’re not alone! Check out these 10 experiences every illustration student will recognize.

1. You were the kid in the museum with a sketchbook and pencil.

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2. You often have conversations about brands of paint.

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Long conversations.

3. You wonder if you will end up working as a barista for the rest of your life.

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4. Who the hell uses markers for an assignment?

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6. You go to art exhibition openings at your school primarily for the free food.

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Hey, no one wants to say it, but everyone knows that’s what they're for.

7. Your professors boast about the time they went to dinner with Yuko Shimizu.

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Or maybe your professor is Yuko Shimizu.

8. You shock your non-art-school friends with how heavy your schedule is.

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Did you really think you could get a full critique session over and done within an hour?

9. You’re used to people making really strange assumptions about you.

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Don't all you art school kids dye your armpit/facial hair?”

10. You constantly have to explain to people what illustration is.

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It’s NOT the same as graphic design!

Lisa Wong is a Malaysian artist residing in Kuala Lumpur. She graduated from the California College of the Arts with a BFA in Illustration. She enjoys ceramics, soap making, and obsessing over what to cook for dinner. You can follow her on Instagram or check out her website.