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’ll develop a specialized, studio-ready portfolio while mastering the exact workflows used by major entertainment studios.

Industry Insights

At CCS, you’ll be mentored by faculty who actively work in the top of the animation and entertainment arts industries. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside professionals who’ve 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.

VisDev (Illustration BFA)

Animation

An illustration of a block camera with many wings shooting out of the sides so it resembles a bug. — Nicole Vrabel

An illustration of a store lobby. There is a desk, a stand with bottles and a large stack of suitcases in an entryway — Lauren Lauth

A digital illustration of a character walking down stairs, carrying a swining lantern, towards a building where another character is waiting for them. — Claire Chen

A digital rendering of an old tree — Blaise Rhein

A happy-looking pumpkin character standing in the middle of cemetery. It's night, and a dim light from the moon illuminates the character and some of the surround cemetery — Bryan Zejuni

A digital illustration of a spaceship that is propped up on some rocks, surrounded by several large white rings. A character flying on a small craft is moving towards the ship in the foreground. There are large mushrooms the size of trees surrounding the area. — Claire Chen

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

Visual Development students meet with industry professionals for portfolio reviews and talent recruitment at CCS'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 CCS

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.

Take a Virtual Tour of CCS Schedule a Campus Tour

Visual Development has faculty members who are based in the heart of the animation industry, working remotely or semi-remotely. Students will learn from and work alongside professionals who’ve collaborated with Disney, Netflix and Nickelodeon, among many others.

*Note: This information was gathered using Lightcast Labor Market Analytics and includes the median salary for the lifetime of a career in these specific professions. CCS alumni outcomes may vary.

Possible Career Choices

Visual Development Artist

Artist

Concept Artist

Character Designer

Background Painter

Layout Artist

Prop Designer

Color Stylist

Art Director

Production Designer

Tyler Koberstein ’11

Character Designer, Nickelodeon’s The Loud House
Kassandra Heller ’10

Art Director, Disney TV Animation

News & Events

Hear more about CCS’s community of artists, designers, and creative thinkers.

Through collaborative projects, industry partnerships, and citywide exhibitions, students push boundaries, forge connections, and draw on Detroit’s energy to shape bold ideas and future creative leaders.

Explore CCS News Events