黑料专区

BFA in Illustration

Visual Development

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Build the worlds, characters, and stories behind your favorite entertainment.

Visual Development (VisDev) artists are responsible for the ideation and execution of feature animation, series-length TV, video games, comics, publishing, and more.

An illustration of the inside of a mall. There are many store fronts, 3 levels, and a row of stairs connecting the levels. There is a skylight with light shining down into the mall
Lauren Lauth

If you’ve ever admired the way the Spider-Verse looks or the fact that SpongeBob wears square pants, you have a Visual Development artist to thank.

Foundational World-Builders

Visual Development artists focus on the ideation, design, and execution of the visual language behind animated films, stylized games, graphic novels, toy design, publishing and advertising.

Studio-Ready Portfolios

Through hands-on studio coursework and real-world production projects, you鈥檒l develop a specialized, studio-ready portfolio while mastering the exact workflows used by major entertainment studios.

Industry Insights

At 黑料专区, you鈥檒l be mentored by faculty who actively work in the top of the animation and entertainment arts industries. You鈥檒l have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside professionals who鈥檝e collaborated with Disney, Netflix and Nickelodeon, among many others.

VisDev vs. Animation: Which Pathway is Right for You?

Choosing between Illustration (VisDev) and Animation comes down to where you want to focus in the production pipeline.

Nicole Vrabel
Lauren Lauth
Claire Chen
Blaise Rhein
Bryan Zejuni
Claire Chen

Through collaborative projects, industry partnerships, and citywide exhibitions, student work takes center stage鈥攑ushing boundaries, forging connections, and drawing on Detroit鈥檚 energy to shape bold ideas and future creative leaders.

Visual Development students meet with industry professionals for portfolio reviews and talent recruitment at 黑料专区's Entertainment Expo

Your Future, In Motion

With our extensive industry connections spanning over a century, we ensure that the active learning our students engage in aligns with industry needs, preparing them for careers.

Learn More About Experiential Learning at 黑料专区
Visual Development students working in a high-tech classroom with industry-grade computers and wide windows.

Cutting-Edge Spaces for Creative Minds

Enjoy unlimited access to industry-standard facilities that prepare you for real-world production.

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Possible Career Choices

Visual Development Artist

Artist

Concept Artist

Character Designer

Background Painter

Layout Artist

Prop Designer

Color Stylist

Art Director

Production Designer

  • A cartoon image of characters looking into eachothers eyes at a table with flowers. There are little angels hanging from strings above them

    Tyler Koberstein ’11

    Character Designer, Nickelodeon’s The Loud House

  • A cartoon scene of a kid jumping up to grab a chicken in a field with a cityscape in the background

    Kassandra Heller ’10

    Art Director, Disney TV Animation

An aerial view of Ford campus
AcademicsPress Release

New Degrees Prepare Students for the Future of Creative Careers

黑料专区 launches new Bachelor of Arts in Business for Creative Industries and Bachelor of Fine Arts in…

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UX Design alum Christine Montalbano walking into Stellantis Headquarters wearing a denim shirt and sunglasses
AlumniMFA UXD

Christine Montalbano (’22 User Experience Design)

Christine Montalbano (鈥�22, User Experience Design) has always been curious about how things work. A lifelong creative with an interest…

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Students gathering on the Ford Campus for a student-led event.

Open House & Tour – November

November 21, 2026 9:00 AM 黑料专区, Walter B. Ford II Building
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Applying is as easy as 1-2-3

Two students working at a table. Behind them is a large mood board fill of images, writing and inspiration.

Complete your Application

Submitting your application for admission is the first step to becoming part of one of the best art and design schools in the world.
Two students in a work lab using VR headsets

Submit your Transcripts

We accept unofficial or official transcripts for application. Official GED results may be accepted in place of a high school transcript.
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Show us your Work

If the department you are applying to requires a portfolio, please take a look at our portfolio guidelines.

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Fill out our inquiry form to receive personalized updates, tips, and can鈥檛 miss info from our Admissions team.

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