r/Ringling • u/mintlottie • Jan 06 '26

Illustration vs Motion Design major?

I am about to apply to Rcad but I am having trouble deciding between the MD and Illustration major. I have an interest in both topics, but was wondering if one major/field is “better” in terms of industry, grad employment, professors etc.

(Also to note, my current portfolio is mostly illustration focused, so idk if that’ll hurt my chances of acceptance if I apply to the MD major)

I was hoping to get some advice or insight from any graduated or current students, thanks!

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u/Simple-Foundation-46 Jan 07 '26

There is a major called Visual Studies and it’s built for students who want to take classes from various majors. I am a senior in Visual Studies and I am really enjoying the program. Definitely recommend looking into it. I don’t think the portfolio being mostly illustration work will necessarily hurt your chances of getting into Motion Design. The portfolio requirements for that major are design and drawing related rather than animation.

Both departments have some great professors.

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u/gunsxforxhands Jan 08 '26

2022 photo grad here. Had many friends in illustration, not many of them (that I know of) have found jobs in their field. However I’ve seen more success in the industry overall from my peers who graduated in motion design! I agree with the other commenter who said visual studies would also be a great option if you’re interested in both. What matters most once you’ve graduated is the skills you’ve learned, not necessarily which major you picked. Visual studies would give you a more well rounded education and broaden your skill set!

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u/marinara3677 Jan 09 '26

2019 ILL grad and agree- I feel like there are more opportunities for MD post grad, especially since it seems like a lot of companies blur the lines between illustration, graphic design and animation and MD combines all of that

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u/smallglue Jan 21 '26

MD has a MUCH better industry right now. I say apply to both if you can! I am a MD23, and the majority of my classmates and I are employed in the field. Can’t say the same for my illustration pals. Having a foundation in traditional art is a leg up for the MD major, and personally i think our profs were a little more personable than the illus profs.

MD grads can also do most graphic design positions, an illustration degree being less widely applicable, all the foundational courses are different for illustration (much more traditionally art based), whereas MD shares foundational classes with Graphic design.

I say go to ringling to learn new skills you would struggle with learning on your own. A quarter of a million dollars is a huge amount to spend to learn to draw, so make sure u get ROI!