Master of Arts in Fashion and Costume Design
NABA - Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, based in Milan, Italy, offers an innovative Maste...
Bachelor of Arts in Comics & Visual Storytelling
Milan, Rome
INTAKE: Feb & Oct
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Comics & Visual Storytelling at NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Italy is a specialized program designed for students passionate about the world of comics, graphic novels, and visual narratives. This program provides a comprehensive education in storytelling techniques, visual communication, and the integration of art and narrative to create compelling visual stories. Students learn the intricacies of creating comic art, from character design and layout to storytelling structure and pacing. The program is deeply rooted in the belief that comics and graphic storytelling can be powerful tools for communication, culture, and artistic expression. By blending traditional art skills with modern techniques in digital media, the program prepares graduates for successful careers in the expanding fields of comics, animation, graphic novels, and digital storytelling.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Comics & Visual Storytelling at NABA offers a balance of theory, practice, and critical thinking to prepare students for careers in the visual storytelling industry. Students begin with foundational courses in drawing, illustration, and visual design. They then progress into more specialized courses focused on the unique aspects of comics, such as sequential storytelling, character development, scriptwriting, and the production of comic pages. The program also covers digital tools and technologies, such as software for digital illustration, page layout, and graphic novel production. Students work on individual projects and collaborate on group assignments that mirror the professional comics and graphic novel production process. Additionally, there are opportunities for students to explore cross-media storytelling, including animation, video games, and transmedia projects, further expanding their creative potential.
Research Focus: The research focus within the Bachelor of Arts in Comics & Visual Storytelling program at NABA centers around the exploration of comics as a visual and narrative art form. Students are encouraged to engage in critical analysis and innovative approaches to storytelling, studying both the historical and contemporary significance of comics and graphic novels. The program investigates various genres, from superhero comics to alternative and indie comics, to help students develop a broad understanding of the medium. Research also explores the cultural, political, and social implications of comics and visual stories, encouraging students to use comics as a tool for commentary and social change. As technology evolves, research into digital comics and the intersection of comics with other forms of media, such as animation, video games, and webcomics, is also a significant component of the program’s research focus.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Arts in Comics & Visual Storytelling program at NABA places strong emphasis on industry engagement, offering students the opportunity to collaborate with professionals in the comic book, graphic novel, and digital storytelling industries. Through internships, workshops, and guest lectures, students gain exposure to real-world practices and industry trends. NABA has established connections with publishing houses, graphic novel studios, comic book creators, and digital platforms, allowing students to engage in live projects and network with industry leaders. This hands-on experience helps students gain insight into the production process and the challenges of creating and marketing comics. Furthermore, students are encouraged to submit their work for publication, participate in comic festivals, and showcase their projects in national and international competitions. This active involvement in the industry provides invaluable professional connections and career opportunities post-graduation.
Global Perspective: The Bachelor of Arts in Comics & Visual Storytelling at NABA offers a global perspective by examining the international comic scene and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. The program explores the history and development of comics in various countries, such as the United States, Japan, France, and Italy, allowing students to appreciate the diverse ways comics and graphic novels reflect different cultures and social contexts. The curriculum includes the study of international trends in comics, including manga, graphic novels, webcomics, and comic journalism. Students are exposed to a wide range of visual storytelling techniques and artistic styles, encouraging them to develop their own distinctive voice as creators. NABA's diverse, multicultural environment also provides students with opportunities to collaborate with peers from around the world, enriching their learning experience and broadening their artistic horizons. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for students to participate in international comic conventions, festivals, and exhibitions, allowing them to engage with a global community of creators, publishers, and audiences.
Location
Milan, Rome
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 20600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 55% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- MOI letter is a mandatory requirement.
Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti (NABA) is supporting international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, assist students with financial need, and encourage talent and creativity across different fields of art and design.
Merit-Based Scholarships: NABA offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement or creative talent. These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on the quality of the student’s portfolio, academic performance, and achievements. International students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programs at NABA may be eligible for these scholarships, which can cover a percentage of tuition fees.
Need-Based Scholarships: NABA provides need-based scholarships to help international students who may face financial challenges in affording their tuition fees. These scholarships are aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented individuals from pursuing their studies at NABA. Students applying for these scholarships are required to provide proof of financial need during the application process.
Talent Scholarships: NABA recognizes the importance of artistic talent and creativity, and it awards Talent Scholarships to international students who show outstanding potential in fields such as design, art, fashion, and multimedia. Students who submit a particularly impressive portfolio may be considered for this scholarship, which rewards artistic excellence and encourages students to develop their skills in a dynamic academic environment.
Early Application Scholarships: To encourage early applicants, NABA offers special scholarships to international students who apply well in advance of the academic year. These scholarships are designed to reward students who demonstrate commitment and preparation in securing their place at the institution early. Students applying by the designated early application deadlines can benefit from reduced tuition fees, helping to make their education more affordable.
Partner University Scholarships: NABA collaborates with several international institutions and universities. Through these partnerships, NABA may offer scholarships to students coming from partner universities or participating in exchange programs. These scholarships are typically designed to enhance academic collaboration and provide students with an opportunity to gain global exposure and experience while studying in Milan.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Comics & Visual Storytelling program at NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Italy have a wide range of career opportunities in the thriving and dynamic world of visual storytelling and comics. With the growing popularity of graphic novels, manga, webcomics, and digital storytelling, there is increasing demand for talented individuals who can combine artistic skills with compelling narratives.
Comic Book Artist: Create the artwork for comic books and graphic novels, including character design, page layout, and visual storytelling. Comic book artists work for publishers or as freelancers, often collaborating with writers to bring stories to life.
Graphic Novelist: Write and illustrate original graphic novels, exploring diverse genres and themes. Graduates can work as independent creators or with publishing houses to produce their own books.
Storyboard Artist: Develop storyboards for animation, films, television, or video games, translating scripts into visual narratives and helping directors and animators visualize scenes and sequences.
Comic Book Writer: Write scripts and dialogue for comic books, graphic novels, and webcomics. Comic book writers collaborate with artists to ensure the story is told through both words and visuals.
Digital Comics Creator: Produce comics in digital formats for online platforms, mobile apps, and websites. Digital comics creators are skilled in creating interactive comics or those optimized for digital consumption.
Illustrator: Work as a freelance or in-house illustrator, creating visual artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, websites, and various media outlets. Illustrators in comics often work alongside writers and editors to craft cohesive visual stories.
Character Designer: Design characters for animated series, video games, comic books, and films. Character designers are responsible for creating the look, personality, and background of each character, helping to define the story.
Manga Artist: Specialize in creating manga, a popular form of Japanese comics, working with publishers or independently to create serialized or standalone stories for various audiences.
Concept Artist: Develop visual concepts for video games, animation, and films, creating the visual style and world-building elements that define the aesthetic of a project.
Webcomics Creator: Design and develop comics for digital platforms, utilizing social media and websites to engage with a global audience. Webcomics creators often interact with fans and may monetize their work through crowdsourcing, subscriptions, or advertisements.
Interactive Media Designer: Design interactive experiences that combine comics with other media forms, such as games, websites, and installations, to create engaging and immersive narratives.
Comic Book Editor: Work as an editor for comic book publishers, overseeing the production of comic books and graphic novels. Editors ensure the visual and narrative elements are cohesive and meet industry standards.
Comic Book Publisher: Manage the production, distribution, and marketing of comic books, working with writers and artists to publish and promote new works. Comic book publishers can work with established brands or independent creators.
Visual Storytelling Consultant: Provide expertise and advice on the creation of visual stories, offering guidance on narrative structure, visual techniques, and the integration of art and storytelling in comics, films, and digital media.
Art Director: Lead a team of artists in producing visual content for comics, video games, animation, or advertising. Art directors ensure the visual style aligns with the story and resonates with the intended audience.
Comic Book Retailer or Curator: Own or work in a comic book store, curating and selling comic books and graphic novels. Some retailers also manage events or curate exhibitions focused on comic art.
Freelance Comic Artist or Writer: Many graduates of the program choose to work as freelancers, taking on various projects in comics, graphic novels, and visual storytelling, often collaborating with publishers or creating independent projects.
Animation Studio Artist: Work with animation studios to produce animated series or films, where comics and visual storytelling skills are often employed for visual concepts, storyboarding, and final animation sequences.
Public Speaker or Teacher: Graduates can pursue careers as educators, teaching the next generation of comic artists and storytellers in universities, art schools, or specialized workshops. Some also work as public speakers at comic conventions or in media outlets.
