Authorial illustration is used to describe work in which the personal voice of the illustrator plays the major role, either individually or collaboratively; the Department believe that an authorial focus within illustration is crucial if the discipline is to continue to develop, remain relevant and enjoy a higher cultural status; most illustration work involves the illustrator producing work to a prescribed commercial brief, with very little control over their work and its usage; at Falmouth, students are encouraged to become the author, developing their own ideas and taking responsibility for their own content.