Students who major in illustration are responsible for purchasing some of their own tools and supplies. These include brushes, pens, pencils, canvases, and specialty papers.

You can begin developing your portfolio in high school with hobby and project work. As your skills develop, your portfolio improves.

Most people with degrees in illustration become independent artists and teachers. For example, many local arts and craft centers, as well as community colleges, offer illustration courses to the public.

Many programs offer personal studio space to BFA art students. Usually this is for junior- and senior-level students.