VISUAL ARTS

There is power in the ability to create an image or an object. At Columbia, our students learn to harness that power to tell stories, design garments, lay out visual information, and convey meaning. Whether you aspire to have your work on gallery walls, magazine covers, fashion week runways, or at animation festivals worldwide, we’ve got a program that can get you closer to your goals.

And the city of Chicago has tons to offer, with galleries, boutiques, design agencies, and more—places that could provide inspiration for your work as a student and professional opportunities for after you graduate.

Rachel Damon ’05 Chicago, IL

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In 2021, Animation Career Review ranked Columbia the #4 program in the U.S.

“At Columbia I was able to collaborate with creators in theater, dance, photography, design, music, and video. This helped lay the groundwork for the interdisciplinary career I have now, which allows me to work with a variety of brilliant people as we all make our art—and make a living.” Rachel’s design work has been featured in venues worldwide from Melbourne to Mexico City to Minneapolis.