Cultivate Your Creativity

JPCatholic’s Illustration program forms artists to create imagery that brings powerful ideas and narratives to life for a variety of professional pursuits. Using both traditional and digital media techniques, students will learn to develop and refine methods of conceptualization and image-making while acquiring an effective use of visual language. Our humanities core in literature, art, and music enables students to bring depth into their visual creations through engagement with the greatest creative artists throughout history.

Talented Illustrators have many expansive opportunities today beyond the traditional work needed in the editorial and publishing world. Illustrators are key in the worlds of apparel design, advertising, marketing, industrial and product design, gaming, and more. JPCatholic’s program will enable you to become a skillful illustrator capable of dynamically adapting to the opportunities presented in the marketplace.

Illustration Curriculum

ILLUSTRATION CORE

DIGITAL ART & DESIGN

HUMANITIES

General Education

THEOLOGY & PHILOSOPHY

Impact culture for Christ and grow in faith and understanding through a rich sequence of Scripture based Theology courses and Philosophy courses.

BUSINESS

Prepare yourself for the industry with foundational skills in marketing, management, and entrepreneurial thinking.

LIBERAL ARTS

Study the human condition by actively engaging in an exploration of art, literature, culture, politics, economics, and more.

SEE GENERAL EDUCATION OVERVIEW

Envision Your Future at JPCatholic

Hands-on, Project-based Curriculum

Our well rounded curriculum gives you a unique perspective to tackling the challenge of creating meaningful art, while building up your experience in the design process and your portfolio. Students start creating projects and growing as artists their freshman year, giving them ample opportunities to practice their craft.

SEE STUDENT SHOWCASE

Hands-on, Project-based Curriculum

Our well rounded curriculum gives you a unique perspective to tackling the challenge of creating meaningful art, while building up your experience in the design process and your portfolio. Students start creating projects and growing as artists their freshman year, giving them ample opportunities to practice their craft.

SEE STUDENT SHOWCASE
Wacom

Industry Standard Equipment

Students have access to a number of Wacom Intuos Pro tablets in addition to the Illustration Studio, a designated classroom designed for drawing and fine art classes. Equipped with drawing horses (benches), a model platform, storage space, and a display wall, this compact studio provides a focused environment for art students to hone their skills. Adobe Creative Cloud products are available on iMac workstations in the media lab.

Learn more

Industry Standard Equipment

Students have access to a number of Wacom Intuos Pro tablets in addition to the Illustration Studio, a designated classroom designed for drawing and fine art classes. Equipped with drawing horses (benches), a model platform, storage space, and a display wall, this compact studio provides a focused environment for art students to hone their skills. Adobe Creative Cloud products are available on iMac workstations in the media lab.

Learn more

Our Authentically Catholic Community

Our campus is a place where students can grow both professionally and spiritually. We’re a unique community of artists and innovators, centered around our faith in Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Catholic faith. Immerse yourself in an abundance of opportunities for spiritual growth, including Daily Mass, Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Retreats, and Service Projects.

Learn More

Our Authentically Catholic Community

Our campus is a place where students can grow both professionally and spiritually. We’re a unique community of artists and innovators, centered around our faith in Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Catholic faith. Immerse yourself in an abundance of opportunities for spiritual growth, including Daily Mass, Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Retreats, and Service Projects.

Learn More

Our Small Campus Environment

With a total student body under 300, JPCatholic offers a warm, tight-knit campus community. Foster lifelong friendships, form creative partnerships, and surround yourself with a supportive environment that encourages your growth in both virtue and artistic excellence.

See Student Life

Our Small Campus Environment

With a total student body under 300, JPCatholic offers a warm, tight-knit campus community. Foster lifelong friendships, form creative partnerships, and surround yourself with a supportive environment that encourages your growth in both virtue and artistic excellence.

See Student Life

Generous Scholarships Available

At JPCatholic, we’re committed to making a quality Catholic education affordable for every student. 99% of our students receive a scholarship, and packages take both need and merit into account. Our personalized financial counseling process assists you in identifying all awards you might be eligible for.

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Generous Scholarships Available

At JPCatholic, we’re committed to making a quality Catholic education affordable for every student. 99% of our students receive a scholarship, and packages take both need and merit into account. Our personalized financial counseling process assists you in identifying all awards you might be eligible for.

Learn More

Graduate in 3 Years

Our unique academic model prepares students for the real-world pace of professional life in the industry, with a focus on hands-on projects, internships, and portfolio preparation. The program is structured on a year-round quarter system, and you graduate with your Bachelors Degree in just 12 quarters. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, with about 3 weeks of break between each quarter.

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Alumni Success

JPCatholic alumni have found success in a variety of paths, ranging from Hollywood to independent media organizations, and from large corporations to nonprofits to their own entrepreneurial start-ups. View our placement rate and alumni jobs by clicking below.

Learn More

Alumni Success

JPCatholic alumni have found success in a variety of paths, ranging from Hollywood to independent media organizations, and from large corporations to nonprofits to their own entrepreneurial start-ups. View our placement rate and alumni jobs by clicking below.

Learn More

Located in San Diego County

John Paul the Great Catholic University is centered in north county San Diego, just a 35-minute drive from downtown in America's Finest City. Southern California is famous for its fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and mountains, and bustling metropolitan areas. Our campus is just 15 miles from the beach, a short trip by car or train. And with Los Angeles and Hollywood within striking distance, students have even more opportunities for internships and networking.

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Student Showcase

Caitlin Nolan (Class of ‘18)

Javier Gonzalez (Class of ‘18)

Alex Arenas (Class of ‘21)

Karissa Baca (Class of ‘21)

Mia Schaller (Class of ‘22)

Claire Hobrock (Class of ‘19)


Caitlin Nolan (Class of ‘18)

Javier Gonzalez (Class of ‘18)

Alex Arenas (Class of ‘21)

Karissa Baca (Class of ‘21)

Mia Schaller (Class of ‘22)

Claire Hobrock (Class of ‘19)

SEE MORE

Meet the Faculty

With small class sizes and mentorship, professors are able to provide individualized training. They bring decades of experience and unique perspectives from varied backgrounds in Illustration and Animation.

Max Hulburt

Max Hulburt

Professor & Chair of Visual Arts

Steve Kramp

Steve Kramp

Professor & Chair of Theology and Humanities

Jacqueline Gold

Jacqueline Gold

Professor of Art

Eric Van Hamersveld

Eric Van Hamersveld

Adjunct Professor of 2D Animation

Carlos Vázquez

Carlos Vázquez

Adjunct Professor of Visual Development

Robin Murray

Robin Murray, PhD

Adjunct Professor of Humanities

Get an Inside Look

Illustration Program Overview | Prof. Jacqueline Gold

Humanities Program Overview

Illustrator Spotlight: Developing an Eye for Perspective | Evie Watkins

Sam Wurth: The Vital Power of Creativity | Why We Create

Adriana DeCarlo: Loving Your Art Where It's At | Why We Create

Portraying Anxiety Through Animation | Senior Project Spotlight

Catalina Rojas: Capturing Light and Shadow | Illustration Spotlight

Ben West: How I Started My Career in Motion Graphic Design | Alumni Spotlight

Marie-Thérèse Hallagan: Creating in Community | Why We Create

Hear from Students

Mia Schaller

Mia Schaller

Class of 2022

“One of my favorite things about JPCatholic is not only how I have grown in my major as an artist but also how I have grown as a person and in my faith. I came here from Pennsylvania not knowing anyone, and I found a community of passionate people in love with Jesus and with creating. We all became a family and grew with each other as we learned how to be adults. I’ve grown deeper in my spiritual life because it was here that I made my faith my own and not just something that I did because of my parents. I’ve learned how to think for myself and discover the truth. JPCatholic is a school with art and faith, two of the most important things in my life, and the school has helped me grow in both. It has helped me become who I want to be.”

Joshua Martin

Joshua Martin

Class of 2023

“Art is such an amazing way to show God’s beauty. Using the gifts he has provided me to create art and share that beauty with others is such a blessing to me. I love studying illustration because it allows me to look at God’s beauty and creation in a new and wonderful light. Art is so powerful and impacts so many people and I really do want to ‘impact culture for Christ’ through my art. And I want to inspire others to do the same.”

Keyana Harrod

Keyana Harrod

Class of 2023

“JPCatholic is definitely a place like no other. The dynamic bonds forged through collaborative projects and the strong Catholic community is truly the launchpad for passionate creativity. Studying Illustration has taught me the value in striving to give every project your all. The critique is essential to developing and growing your skill and, as artists, we learn to utilize this feedback and ultimately create masterpieces! I am incredibly blessed and gifted to be able to study at this amazing university!”

Mia Schaller

Mia Schaller

Class of 2022

“One of my favorite things about JPCatholic is not only how I have grown in my major as an artist but also how I have grown as a person and in my faith. I came here from Pennsylvania not knowing anyone, and I found a community of passionate people in love with Jesus and with creating. We all became a family and grew with each other as we learned how to be adults. I’ve grown deeper in my spiritual life because it was here that I made my faith my own and not just something that I did because of my parents. I’ve learned how to think for myself and discover the truth. JPCatholic is a school with art and faith, two of the most important things in my life, and the school has helped me grow in both. It has helped me become who I want to be.”

Joshua Martin

Joshua Martin

Class of 2023

“Art is such an amazing way to show God’s beauty. Using the gifts he has provided me to create art and share that beauty with others is such a blessing to me. I love studying illustration because it allows me to look at God’s beauty and creation in a new and wonderful light. Art is so powerful and impacts so many people and I really do want to ‘impact culture for Christ’ through my art. And I want to inspire others to do the same.”

Keyana Harrod

Keyana Harrod

Class of 2023

“JPCatholic is definitely a place like no other. The dynamic bonds forged through collaborative projects and the strong Catholic community is truly the launchpad for passionate creativity. Studying Illustration has taught me the value in striving to give every project your all. The critique is essential to developing and growing your skill and, as artists, we learn to utilize this feedback and ultimately create masterpieces! I am incredibly blessed and gifted to be able to study at this amazing university!”