Programme code 

6211PX017

Qualification degree

Master of Arts

Level of qualification

University studies, Second cycle, graduate (Master's)

Mode of study

Full-time, 2 years, 120 credits

Illustration and contexts - the purpose of the program

The goal of the master's degree program in Illustration and Contexts is to create conditions and practices for professionals who have completed bachelor's art studies, to find, improve, and experiment in their unique stylistics, in pursuit of the path of a professional illustrator/creator. In master's studies, an illustrator-creator is perceived as a painter (artist), whose visual expression, marketing strategies and communication are based on "illustrative" thinking. Special attention is paid to author's stylistics and technologies in master's studies. Connections of different media in technical solutions of illustrations and the Internet as one of the main spaces of dissemination of illustrations are priorities of the program. "Illustrativeness" (or interpretation of images) is understood during studies in various contexts - art, business, education or society. In his research, the master's student can delve into issues related to the specifics of the future work of a freelance illustrator/creator (artist), a hired illustrator/creator, or an illustrator/creator. 

Annotation of the study program 

The study program consists of two parts - research and practical work. Their mutual integration helps to develop a modern illustrator-painter (artist) who can not only professionally use the technical skills developed during bachelor's studies in deepening and refining individual creative ideas, but also problem-thinking, able to propose, analytically research and summarize a relevant scientific level topic, with the help of the managers of both fields, as well as the consultations of specialists in the master's committees. Those who have a bachelor's degree and who meet other conditions for admission to the VAA competition are admitted to the study program. Entrants must provide an outline of their master's studies and substantiate them during the interview with the admissions committee. During the master's research and practical work, the student himself defines the context of "author's illustration" and the field of research related to it (e.g. education). During the first three semesters of master's studies, spec. in lectures or optional subjects, the master's student will also be involved in the fields of other contexts (for example, business or social), with the aim of expanding the space of selected researches, looking for opportunities for interactions between them. It is the consistent and purposeful professional deepening (reflecting on the chosen context of "illustrative" thinking and communication) into the search, improvement and expression possibilities of one's own illustration stylistics(s) that is a particularly important part of this master's program. An equally important part of the program is orientation to the online illustration space (social networks, YouTube, etc.), thinking about the widest possible opportunities for the master's student to realize their ideas, integrate into the labor market, and present his work to the widest possible circle of users (followers). Only experienced specialists in their field - illustrators, artists, graphic designers and business representatives - lead specialized disciplines and supervise diploma theses.

Professional career opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Illustration and Contexts program can work professionally in print and digital publishing, advertising and other creative industries, do creative work in the fields of classical, digital printing, interdisciplinary art projects, participate in the organizational activities of art galleries, museums, and continue research work.

Study programme coordinator and study organization department

Prof. Rolandas Rimkūnas
Kaunas faculty, Department of Applied Graphics

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