10 Signs You’re Studying Illustration at College

Guest Writer

Updated Sep 16, 2016

Save

Introduction
1. You were the kid in the museum with a sketchbook and pencil.
2. You often have conversations about brands of paint.
3. You wonder if you will end up working as a barista for the rest of your life.
4. Who the hell uses markers for an assignment?
6. You go to art exhibition openings at your school primarily for the free food.
7. Your professors boast about the time they went to dinner with Yuko Shimizu.
8. You shock your non-art-school friends with how heavy your schedule is.
9. You’re used to people making really strange assumptions about you.
10. You constantly have to explain to people what illustration is.

10 Signs You’re Studying Illustration at College main image

Check out the 5 signs you’re an engineering student

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.

2. You often have conversations about brands of paint.

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

4. Who the hell uses markers for an assignment?

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

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.

Or maybe your professor is Yuko Shimizu.

Testimonials

"CUHK’s MBA programme provided me with the stepping stone into a larger sports Asian market wherein I could leverage the large alumni network to make the right connections for relevant discussions and learning."

Read my story

Abhinav Singh BhalChinese University of Hong Kong graduate

"I have so many wonderful memories of my MBA and I think, for me, the biggest thing that I've taken away was not what I learned in the classroom but the relationships, the friendships, the community that I'm now part of."

Read my story

Alex PittQS scholarship recipient

"The best part of my degree is getting to know more about how important my job as an architect is: the hidden roles I play, that every beautiful feature has significance, and that even the smallest details are well thought out."

Read my story

Rayyan Sultan Said Al-HarthyUniversity of Nizwa student

"An MBA at EAHM is superior due to  the nature of the Academy’s academic and  industry strength. The subject  matter, the curriculum structure and the  access to opportunities within the hospitality industry is remarkable."

Read my story

Sharihan Al MasharyEmirates Academy of Hospitality Management graduate

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

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.

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

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

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.