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Academics • College of Art

MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture

Build your illustration practice at a top research university in a vibrant, creative city.
MFA-IVC logo header
Drawings by Robert Weaver courtesy of the D.B. Dowd Modern Graphic History Library.
The MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture (MFA-IVC) program combines studio practice in illustration and writing with the study of visual and material culture. With a focus on illustrator authorship, this two-year, fully residential program is made for illustrators, comic artists, and designers who are interested in popular visual matter of the modern and contemporary periods. We draw on the vast resources of Washington University, including the D.B. Dowd Modern Graphic History Library.
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Program FAQ: Ask Lightnin’ George!

What kinds of professions are MFA-IVC grads prepared for?

  • Author/artists of graphic novels + picture books

  • Professors of illustration

  • Critical writers + theorists on popular culture

  • Curatorial staff in museums, libraries, + auction houses

Attend our Virtual Open House

Admissions + Scholarships

Follow the MFA-IVC on Instagram

Print edition of viewbook with embroidered patch, colored pencil pack, illustrated map, and an origami fox.

Get vindicated... graphically!

Want to score a print edition of the MFA-IVC’s official pub, The Graphic Vindicator… plus a lil’ swag?

Yes, tell me more and send me stuff!

About the MFA in Illustration and Visual Culture

“The MFA-IVC studio is a gorgeous space. There’s amazing light and lots of areas to work. It’s very communal—but you also have the privacy to focus on making great work.”
— John Hendrix, MFA-IVC program chair

MFA-IVC Faculty

Who will I be studying with?

MFA-IVC faculty include leading illustrators, writers, and scholars. They create picture books, zines, graphic nonfiction, and comics. They research and write on diverse topics, like spatial justice, feminism, politics, illustration + design theory, and material culture. And, they also love teaching.

4 page sketchbook spreads with different illustrations.
John Hendrix, professor and MFA-IVC program chair. Sketchbook panels from his “Drawing in Church” series.

CORE FACULTY

John Hendrix (Chair) / D.B. Dowd / Heidi Kolk / Skye Lacerte / Joy Novak / Shreyas R Krishnan / Dan Zettwoch

ADDITIONAL FACULTY

Heather Corcoran / Gerald Early / Jonathan Hanahan / Audra Hubbell / Edward Kinsella III / Ben Kiel / Penina Acayo Laker / Becca Leffell Koren / Jeff Pike / Aggie Toppins

SEE MORE FACULTY WORK + RESEARCH

The St. Louis Scene

What does St. Louis look like...through an illustrator's eyes?

We have to say, it looks pretty amazing. Check out our Illustrated Guide to St. Louis.

What does St. Louis look like...through *regular* eyes?

On our main St. Louis page, you’ll find all the deets about our favorite city: where to go, what to do, and—most importantly—where to eat.

OMG, I want to visit!

We want you to visit, too! You’ll find all the info you need here.

Recent Student Work

MFA-IVC News

Program Publications

Official publication of the MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture at the Sam Fox School.