Beyond Graduation

FIT enjoys international recognition for the quality of its programs and the caliber of its graduates. At FIT, you’re connected through a faculty of industry professionals and extensive networking opportunities. Most illustrators work as freelancers, but some graduates find full-time jobs.

Illustration by Eduardo Cuba

Career Pathways

You’ll put your visual interpretation skills to work at magazines and newspapers; design studios; fashion houses; advertising agencies; publishing companies; television, film, and animation studios, buying offices; and record companies.

FIT graduates have forged successful careers at:

  • Advertising agencies: Ogilvy & Mather, McCann Erikson, Young & Rubicam, NW Ayer, DDB, BBDO, J. Walter Thompson, Chiat/Day
  • Corporations: Lancôme, Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, Clarins, Avon, L’Oréal, Hallmark, American Greetings, The Franklin Mint
  • Department stores: Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, J.C. Penney
  • Magazines: Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar
  • Entertainment companies: Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Dreamworks SKG, LucasArts Entertainment
  • News agencies: CNN, Gannett, The Washington Times

Career Outlook

Information about this career outlook data

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Where Are They Now?

Illustration graduates transfer their knowledge and skills into successful and rewarding careers that reflect their ingenuity and passion for the arts.
Sal Napoli

Luxury Hospitality

Sal Napoli, Illustration ’04, is the director of U.S. Windows and West Coast Visual Merchandising at Ferragamo, adapting designs from the brand’s headquarters in Italy. In his spare time, he creates moody, luxe home accessories for his brand ArtAche Hotel.
Gwendolyn Black

Blending Art and Music

Founded and produced by Gwendolyn Black, Illustration ’84, Annual Visual Arts and Jazzfest NYC celebrates the complementary rhythms of jazz and visual art. 
Hugo Bravo

When Talent Turned Into a Career

Hugo Bravo, Illustration ’92, is a New York City–based sci-fi and fantasy illustrator and graphic designer. In 2016, he created and self-published Vision Illustrated, a book exploring the creative processes and perspectives of leading illustrators.

Slam Dunk

Niña Mata, Illustration ’08, a New Jersey–based children’s literature illustrator, has a two-book literary partnership with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. 

We want to tell kids that they can be multifaceted and they don’t just have to choose one thing for their career.

NIÑA MATA

Illustration '08
Niña Mata, Illustration '08

Read more about Niña's experience illustrating Lebron James' inspirational books.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this program, please reach out.

Illustration
School of Art and Design
Pomerantz Center, Room D332
(212) 217-5800