Assistant Teaching Professor - Illustration

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

28d•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu. At the College of Arts & Media (CAM), we empower a diverse community of makers, scholars, and innovators to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend of critical inquiry, creative exploration, and real-world engagement, CAM prepares students for lives filled with opportunity, meaning, and purpose. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom, CAM embraces risk-takers, visionaries, and cultural disruptors by providing access to cutting-edge technology, global perspectives, and a nurturing environment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top-ranked degrees and programs in Film & Television, Media Forensics, Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts. Visual Arts has an opening for a full-time Assistant Teaching Professor specializing in Illustration. The position will have a start date of August 2026 and will require 80%25 teaching, 10%25 research/creative activity, and 10%25 service. The teaching load will be three courses per semester (six per academic year). Illustration at CU Denver has been recognized by Animation Career Review as a top national program. Traditional, conceptual, and technology-based education combine for dynamic course work that includes "Concept Art," "Digital Painting," and "Graphic Novel Workshop," preparing students for successful careers in a multitude of fields, including illustration, marketing, healthcare, engineering, and entertainment.

Requirements

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration, Design, Visual Art, Animation, or a closely related field; OR a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in a related field with at least seven years of professional illustration experience demonstrating equivalent expertise to an MFA
Minimum of five years of professional experience in illustration or a related field such as animation or games
A recent record of creative work in illustration, animation, games, children’s books, comics, or related areas
An online portfolio showing professional-quality work, including client projects
Two or more years of college level teaching experience in illustration, animation, visual storytelling, drawing, painting, or related disciplines
Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Strong professional drawing, painting, and storytelling skills
Comprehensive knowledge of illustration, concept art, 2D and 3D animation, visual development, character, background and prop design, video games, and the publishing pipeline for children’s books and graphic novels
Ability to teach and mentor students from a broad range of life experiences and educational paths
Demonstrated commitment to serving and respecting all students, staff, and faculty, including but not limited to those of different races, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds
Broad knowledge of the history of art, contemporary art, illustration, and design
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and related tools
Strong interpersonal and communication skills across multiple teaching modalities
Demonstrated history of building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, students, and community partners representing a wide range of perspectives
Ability to work autonomously, taking initiative on tasks, and meeting deadlines
Outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace
Interest in emerging trends and technologies in illustration education and practice

Nice To Haves

Six or more years of professional art-related experience in illustration, animation, games, children’s books, comics, or related fields
Exceptional drawing, painting, and visual storytelling skills demonstrated through client or personal portfolio work
Evidence of advanced technical mastery, including perspective, concept design, anatomy, and stylization
Illustration work that reflects an ability to engage multiple audiences and cultural viewpoints
Evidence of effective, high-impact teaching practices

Responsibilities

Teach 3 courses in the fall and 3 courses in the spring semester (18 credit hours total per academic year).
Classes will be taught in-person.
Courses may include Illustration 1-5, Drawing for Story, Graphic Novel, Digital Painting, Life Drawing, and Life Painting.
Faculty are responsible for the preparation of course syllabi, lectures, presentations, and student assignments; evaluation of student work; tracking and progress of student attendance and engagement; management of courses in online platform Canvas; etc.
Maintain office hours.
Meet with illustration colleagues about refinement of illustration curricula to address current trends.
Attend Visual Arts Faculty and CAM Meetings.
Maintain an active scholarly and/or creative work practice in sound and video production.
Engage in service activities to support the department, college, and university.

Benefits

The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

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