I’m a senior in high school and I’m planning on majoring in either Illustration or Communication Design. I’m leaning towards Illustration because it’s more artsy, but I’m not opposed to Communication Design. I understand the gist of Communication Design, but I would like a better understanding of what students of Communication Design learn.
I know SAIC doesn’t have an Illustration program, but they have Visual Design, and I heard it’s a very good school. I am completely unfamiliar with the Chicago area, and I would not be able to visit.
FIT has Illustration and Communication Design, but I don’t know how good these programs are, especially since they’re primarily a fashion school.
Parsons has Illustration and Communication Design but I have heard different things about the school. Some people say it’s more artsy and other people consider it to be more technical (I’d prefer artsy.) I believe Parsons also has Writing as a minor, and I would like to do that.
I’ve heard mixed reviews on SVA too. I also heard that their Illustration program isn’t very good, but I don’t know if that’s true.
I’m more concerned about the quality of their programs rather than the social aspects of the schools.
I’d like to hear opinions from students or parents of students that attended any of these 4 schools.