Iowa State officially added illustration as a new major, further broadening the College of Design’s offerings. The Board of Regents approved the program in September 2025 and is set to launch in the fall of 2026.
This program is aimed to support students pursuing careers in visual storytelling, such as graphic design, digital marketing and advertising.
At Iowa State, there has been a higher student interest in illustration and a rapidly growing industry that involves digitally skilled visual communicators. That includes advertising, publishing, animation and gaming.
Miriam Martincic, associate teaching professor for graphic design, explained her thoughts on what this new major offers for students already in the College of Design, along with future incoming first-year students.
“The illustration major will give students strong technical skills in drawing, image-making and design software, while also teaching them how to work with clients, solve problems visually and understand basic business practices,” Martincic said.
Anna Shedivy, a freshman studying interior design, stated that she thinks adding illustration as a major was needed in the College of Design.
“I think that illustration deserves its own dedicated major because it takes certain skills and strategies more than graphic design or fine arts,” Shedivy said. “It also allows the individuals in that major to get a deeper understanding and better skills because they have more time and only have to focus on illustration-based projects.”
Martincic also stated what she believes this new major being available will do for students outside of the classroom.
“Illustration also creates opportunities for personal growth,” Martincic said. “By empowering students to develop a unique visual voice. You matter. Your voice matters. It also teaches the ability to see others’ beliefs. Illustration teaches both personal investment and detachment. Give it your all, then let it go.”
Shedivy explained her thoughts on when she heard about the new major and what it means to her as a student at the College of Design.
“My initial thoughts were excitement,” Shedivy said. “I’m currently planning on majoring in interior design, but I think illustration would be really cool. I like that the College of Design here at Iowa State is innovative and always looking for new ways to reach a larger number of students who are interested in the design field.”
Find more information about the Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration here.
