Adjunct Professor of Illustration

Job Description:
The Department of Visual & Performing Arts at York College of Pennsylvania invites applications for an Adjunct Professor of Illustration to teach stacked sections of Illustration I, II, III, and IV during the Fall 2026 semester. The successful candidate will engage students at multiple skill levels within the same course environment while fostering technical development, conceptual growth, portfolio preparation, and professional practice across introductory through advanced illustration coursework.

Illustration courses examine traditional and digital approaches to contemporary illustration practice. Students explore media such as gouache, pencil, watercolor, pen and ink, marker, and mixed media alongside industry-standard digital workflows using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate. Students will develop both analog and digital processes while learning production and reproduction methods relevant to professional illustration practice.

The successful candidate will teach students to digitize and prepare finished artwork for print and screen-based outputs, including instruction in resolution, color modes, file formats, scaling, and production workflows. Courses emphasize concept development, visual communication, typography, layout, professional practices, portfolio development, self-promotional identity, and creative problem-solving within contemporary illustration contexts.

Illustration coursework progresses from foundational studies in materials, methods, and illustration history toward advanced professional practices including portfolio construction, proposal writing, pricing, client interaction, and the completion of independent professional-level illustration projects.

Outcome:
Successful candidates will teach stacked sections of Illustration I, II, III, and IV in the Fall 2026 semester beginning August 31, 2026 and ending December 7, 2026. 

Adjunct instructors will be responsible for:

• Develop, maintain, and deliver syllabi and course materials for Illustration I, II, III, and IV in accordance with departmental learning outcomes.
• Design and deliver engaging studio instruction integrating both traditional and digital illustration workflows.
• Teach students industry-standard digital illustration and production tools including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate.
• Instruct students in digitization, reproduction, and production workflows including resolution, color modes, file preparation, scaling, and outputs for print and digital platforms.
• Foster an inclusive classroom atmosphere that supports active learning, experimentation, and individual growth.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback on assignments, projects, and portfolio development.
• Evaluate student work fairly and promptly through critiques, assignments, and projects using departmental assessment standards when applicable.
• Maintain clear communication with students and the department through Canvas and other institutional systems.
• Participate in end-of-semester assessment and departmental reporting requirements.

Experience and Education Required:

Candidates must have obtained:

• An MFA in Illustration, Fine Arts/Studio Arts, or a related field.
• One to three years of teaching experience at the college level is preferred, including teaching experience gained during graduate study. Extensive professional experience in illustration, design, or related creative industries may be considered in lieu of some teaching experience.
• Professional experience in illustration, design, or related creative industries is desirable.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Candidates must have demonstrated:

• The ability to engage students with diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• The ability to integrate traditional and digital media into illustration instruction.
• Familiarity with professional digital illustration workflows and production standards.
• Interest in inclusive, student-centered pedagogy.
• The potential to foster professional development and portfolio preparation within studio coursework.

• A record of published work or professional contributions to the field of illustration.
• Active participation in professional conferences, workshops, exhibitions, or creative practice.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology into teaching and studio practice.

Additional Information

York College of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Non-Discriminatory. For a copy of York College's Annual Security Report, you may contact the Office of Campus Safety or visit the website:  Annual Security Report.