Comic and Concept Art

This hands-on course gives you space to explore the theory, practice, and professional context of comic and concept art. Discover the limitless possibilities of this exciting field through practical, transdisciplinary, and industry-relevant skills.

This unique course is one of the first to bring together comic and concept art. Throughout this degree, you will refine your traditional drawing and digital art skills to design astonishing worlds and tell incredible stories from the imagination.

Using new technologies and industry-standard software, you will develop your design and planning skills alongside comic-art output. There is a strong emphasis on engaging with industry from the start of the course and gaining professional practice skills.

Our impressive industry links allow you to learn from practising artists, live briefs, and visiting lecturer workshops. We position all comic and concept art within an international context, such as involvement in Thought Bubble - the leading European comic art festival based in Yorkshire.

We encourage creative collaboration within the course and across the University, learning to work to briefs, participate in competitions, and have your work critiqued. You will develop your understanding of studio and freelance practice while gaining expert skills suitable for a range of creative careers.

Former students have forged successful careers in concept art for film and gaming industries, self-published comics, and even worked in theatre design.

@lau_comicandconceptart

Year One - The course starts by shaping how you think and draw as a comic/concept artist. Practical workshops develop your design drawing, idea generation, and visual storytelling. Lectures and seminars focus on the historical and professional context of comic and concept art industries. At the same time, projects and art tests give you a taste of what is required to be a comic and concept artist. Experimentation and developing traditional drawing skills inform your 2D and 3D digital output.

Year Two - Our teaching further develops your understanding of cultural awareness and the skills needed for worldbuilding and believability. Practical workshops will begin to stretch you and your digital 2D and 3D workflows in visualising characters and their worlds. Specialism might include character, environment, architecture, prop, mech, vehicle and creature design, storyboarding, narrative illustration, webtoons, comics or graphic novels. You will also create a professional online profile and expand your industry engagement.

Year Three - You will focus on your specialism and the industry-related skills for becoming a professional comic and/or concept artist. You will negotiate a creative project including industry links - competitions, live briefs, studio visits, industry research, and work experience - building a robust portfolio that reflects your passion, ambition and sought-after talent as a versatile specialist.

• Students completing the Shahadat Al-Thanawiya Al-Amma (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) will need to take an additional course before applying for an undergraduate degree at Leeds Arts University. This will usually be achieved by completing a recognised foundation course, such as our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, or other comparable qualification.

Graduates will be prepared for employment across a range of roles within the creative industries including:

• Commercial/independent/freelance comic artist

• Storyboard artist for film/animation/games/TV/advertising

• Character designer for comics/film/games/animation/figurines/miniatures

• Concept art generalist for film/animation/games/TV

• Visual development artist for animation

• Creature designer for the entertainment industry or scientific illustration

• Experience/theme design for museums or theme parks

If you are interested in an undergraduate degree course you need to apply through UCAS. You can simultaneously apply for up to five courses. Our UCAS code is L28.

Please be aware that the university does not accept deferred applications for any of our undergraduate courses.

The closing date for applications is 6pm on 26 January 2022. Applications submitted to UCAS after this date will be forwarded to our University until 30 June but it is at the University’s discretion as to whether we will consider these late applications. Please note that we do not process any applications received after 26 January 2022 until due consideration has been given to all on time applications. This could mean that your application is held until the end of May before it is considered.

For further information and guidance about the UCAS online application process, visit www.ucas.com or telephone 03714 680 468 or +443303 330 230 if you are outside the UK.