Comic and Concept Art

This experiential course gives you space to explore theory, practice, and professional contexts of comic and concept art.

Discover the diverse possibilities of these exciting fields through practical, transdisciplinary, and industry relevant skills.

You will refine your design, drawing and digital visualisation skills to create believable worlds and bring immersive stories from your imagination to life. Using industry-standard software, you will develop your design and planning skills alongside comic and concept art outputs. There is a strong emphasis on engaging with industry from the start of the course, and gaining professional practice skills.

Our local, national, and international industry links allow you to learn from practising artists, live briefs, and industry workshops. We position all comic and concept art within an international context, which has included 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, published comics, and worked in theatre design.

What You'll Study

Year one – The course starts by shaping how you think and draw as a comic and concept artist. Practical workshops develop your design drawing, idea generation, and visual storytelling. Lectures and seminars focus on the historical and professional contexts of comic and concept art industries. 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 – You will develop an understanding of cultural awareness, and the skills needed for worldbuilding and believability. Practical workshops will aid digital 2D and 3D workflows in visualising characters and their worlds. Specialisms 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 developing industry links - competitions, live briefs, studio visits and industry research - building a robust portfolio that reflects your passion, ambition and sought-after talent as a versatile specialist.

*If you choose to study this course over four years, this will include a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three. Read our placement year FAQs at www.leeds-art.ac.uk/undergraduate-placement-year-faqs.