I’m Seriously Considering Getting My Master’s in Illustration at LABASAD (Here’s Why)
So here’s something I didn’t think I’d be googling in my mid-thirties…
“Should I go back to school for illustration?”
I’ve been working as a full-time artist for over 13 years. I already have a Bachelor’s in Digital Arts and Illustration. I’ve coached other artists, licensed my work, and built a life from creativity.
And yet, here I am, seriously thinking about doing an Online Master’s in Editorial and Advertising Illustration.
Because the creative industry is shifting fast. AI isn’t just here, it’s already changing how illustrators get hired. So instead of freaking out, I’ve decided to level up.
I want to work with new technology, not against it, while staying grounded in storytelling and handmade work that stands out.
That’s when I found LABASAD, and yeah… I might be enrolling.
Project by Alexandra Christodoulou, student at LABASAD
Why Most Art School Programs (and Tutorials) Don’t Cut It Anymore
Here’s the problem:
A lot of artists want to go full-time, but don’t know where to start.
Traditional art school? Way too expensive.
Online tutorials? Great in theory, but there’s no feedback, no structure, and no one holding you accountable.
I paid over $100,000 to attend Full Sail University in Florida back in 2010, and while I learned the basics of design, I had no clue how to:
Build a realistic client-ready portfolio
Talk about my work confidently
Price and promote my services
Communicate professionally in freelance or agency work
Adapt my style across industries like editorial and advertising
Most schools focus on just style and design software. LABASAD focuses on strategy, the kind that actually gets you hired, because isn’t that the whole point of GOING TO SCHOOL?!
Project by Ernestina Spinu, student at LABASAD
LABASAD: An Affordable, Online Illustration Master’s Program That Actually Teaches You How to Work
LABASAD (The Barcelona School of Arts & Design) is a 100% online school that offers over 30 creative master’s programs. But their Online Master in Editorial and Advertising Illustration?
Their one-year program, made me pause mid-scroll.
Here’s why:
Weekly live classes just twice a week (2 hours long each). But no worries if you can't attend a session or want to revisit it later, as all classes are recorded and available for you.
A project-based year-long curriculum that builds your portfolio while you learn
Industry-active instructors working with leading brands such as NASA, Dior, Google, and Spotify
Personal academic support and a community of classmates (god I miss class critiques)
Bonus? The student work I saw was better than most portfolios I’ve seen from traditional art schools. Not kidding! I’ve included a few in this article! It was MUCH better than what I remember from my own classmates 15 years ago. Sorry, not sorry.
What You’ll Actually Learn in LABASAD’s Illustration Master’s Program
This isn’t just how to draw prettier pictures. It’s about learning how to get hired, especially in 2025 and beyond.
Check out the full curriculum here
You’ll Learn:
Editorial illustration: how to create work that fits real publications
Lettering & typography: how to make your hand-drawn text actually look good
Advertising illustration: how to craft visuals for campaigns, agencies, and big brands
Visual storytelling: how to design work that feels as good as it looks
Portfolio development: how to stand out online and land more opportunities
Freelance business: how to price your work, write contracts, and get paid fairly
Creative tools: how to actually use Illustrator, Photoshop, and Cinema 4D without crying
Generative AI: how to speed up the boring stuff so you can focus on the fun parts
Project by Maddi Urtxegi, student at LABASAD
Who This illustration Program Is Perfect For
If you’ve ever said, “I’m serious about my art, but I don’t know what I’m doing,” this is for you.
Mid-career artists looking to pivot or upskill
Self-taught creatives who want accountability and structure
Art school grads who still feel underprepared
Designers wanting to transition into illustration full-time
Even seasoned pros (like me) who just want to stay current and sharpen their chops
Potential jobs after graduation:
Editorial illustrator (freelance or agency)
Advertising artist
Art director at a creative studio
Children’s book illustrator
Creative lead or campaign designer
Creating your own art brand like me
Why I’m Genuinely Considering Joining
I love what I do, but I know I could be better.
And the idea of joining a live class, learning with peers, and building a portfolio with real feedback sounds... honestly THRILLING.
At 36, I’m not trying to “start over”, I’m trying to deepen what I’ve already built.
You get mentorship, live classes with less than 30 students, and real career support. That’s way more appealing than another $100K degree I have to piece together on my own.
Project by Maddi Urtxegi, student at LABASAD
Invest in the Artist You’re Becoming
Yes, this post is sponsored by LABASAD. But the reason I said yes is because this program solves a problem I personally went through.
If you’re tired of trying to figure it all out on your own…
If you want guidance from real professionals and feedback that helps you grow...
If you're serious about illustration, but even more serious about turning it into work...
Explore LABASAD’s Online Master in Editorial and Advertising Illustration
And hey, if you join, you might see me in class for next year when it starts back up this October.
