BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art program at Leeds Arts University provides a dynamic and comprehensive undergraduate experience for individuals passionate about visual storytelling through sequential art and the imaginative design of characters, creatures, environments, and props for various media. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with a strong foundation in drawing, illustration, narrative design, character development, worldbuilding, and visual communication, tailored specifically for the demands of the comic art and concept art industries. It emphasizes the development of both traditional artistic skills and proficiency in industry-standard digital tools, fostering versatility and adaptability. Students are encouraged to explore their individual creative voices and develop a unique visual style while gaining a thorough understanding of the production pipelines for comics, graphic novels, video games, film, and animation. The program fosters a collaborative and experimental learning environment, preparing graduates for a wide array of roles within these dynamic and evolving industries. Students will develop a substantial portfolio of artwork that showcases their skills and creative vision in both comic art and concept design.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art program at Leeds Arts University is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of both disciplines. It typically encompasses core modules that delve into foundational drawing skills, character design, sequential storytelling and narrative structure for comics, worldbuilding principles, environment design, creature design, prop and vehicle design, digital painting and illustration techniques, visual development for entertainment, and professional practices within the comic and concept art industries. A strong emphasis is placed on developing strong observational and imaginative drawing skills as foundational elements for effective visual communication. Students will engage with industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Procreate, and potentially introductory 3D modeling tools. The curriculum often incorporates project-based learning, allowing students to work individually and collaboratively on comic projects, concept design briefs, and visual development assignments, applying the techniques and principles learned in class. Critical analysis of established comic art and concept design is integrated throughout the program to provide a robust intellectual framework for creative practice. Students are also encouraged to explore different genres and styles within both fields and to develop their own unique approaches to visual storytelling and design.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art program at Leeds Arts University encourages a research-informed approach to creative practice, prompting students to explore the theoretical, historical, and technical aspects of both comic and concept art. Research within the program often involves investigating different visual storytelling techniques in comics, analyzing character archetypes and their visual representation, studying the principles of effective worldbuilding, and exploring the design methodologies used in concept art for various media. Students are supported in developing their own research questions and using their artistic projects as a form of inquiry. This might involve researching historical comic art styles, studying creature anatomy for believable designs, or analyzing the visual language of different game worlds. Practice-based research is central, with students using their developing comic pages and concept designs as a means of generating new knowledge and understanding. The program fosters critical reflection on the creative process and encourages students to articulate their artistic choices through research and analysis.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a vital component of the BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art program at Leeds Arts University, providing students with invaluable connections to the professional comic art, game development, film, and animation industries. The university actively fosters relationships with comic book publishers, literary agents specializing in graphic novels, game development studios, film and television production companies, and concept art agencies. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in industry-led workshops, masterclasses with renowned comic artists and concept designers, portfolio reviews with professionals, and potential internships or work placements. Guest lectures from leading industry professionals offer valuable insights into current industry trends, workflows, and career pathways. The program often facilitates collaborative projects with external organizations, allowing students to gain real-world experience and build their professional networks. The annual graduate show serves as a crucial platform for students to showcase their sequential art and concept portfolios to potential employers and make connections within the industry. The university's dedicated careers service provides ongoing support in preparing portfolios, developing professional skills, and navigating the job market.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art program at Leeds Arts University incorporates a global perspective by examining the diverse styles, techniques, and cultural influences within international comic art and concept design. The curriculum often explores comic traditions and concept art practices from around the world, analyzing different approaches to visual storytelling, character design, and world creation. Students may study the work of international comic artists and concept designers, and consider the global market for comics, graphic novels, video games, and film. The program encourages students to be aware of different cultural contexts and to develop artwork that can resonate with diverse audiences. The presence of international students and faculty within the university fosters a rich and cross-cultural learning environment, promoting the exchange of global perspectives and ideas within the fields of comic and concept art. Students are encouraged to consider the global reach of their work and to develop a portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of international trends and possibilities, preparing them for careers in a globalized creative industry.