The Course
This experiential course gives you space to explore the 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.
This unique course is one of the first to bring together comic and concept art. Throughout this degree, you will refine your design, drawing and digital visualisation skills to create believable worlds and bring to life immersive stories from your imagination.
Using emerging technologies and 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 even worked in theatre design.
The Structure
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. 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.
Course Facilities
The studios for BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art students are outfitted with industry-standard equipment including high specification iMacs, Wacom Cintiqs and Intuos Pros as well as industry-standard software for 2D digital painting, 3D modelling, and digital sculpting. There is a dedicated booth with hi-spec PCs and VR headsets to explore virtual reality workflows and production for concept art and comics.
Students will also have access to a wide range of resources with a drop-in facility so work can be undertaken, provided resource inductions have been completed. For Comic and Concept Art students this will include print resources which provide excellent facilities for bookmaking and paper-based printmaking using a range of processes; 3D resources housed in dedicated workshops providing students with a hands-on experience including casting; access to industry standard laser cutters; professional-standard, large-format digital printing and print finishing.
Computer suites house networks of Apple Mac computers featuring regularly updated, industry-standard software for a wide range of creative applications that support all our courses and a purpose-built specialist library which includes including special collections of artists’ books, photobooks and illustrated books as well as the University archive. Self service facilities are available throughout, supported by a dedicated and experienced team of library staff.
BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art
Virtual Tour
Study Abroad
Studying abroad can help Leeds Arts University students gain valuable experience, broaden their horizons, develop international networks and experience their practice from a different perspective. Leeds Arts University has a global network of international partner universities in 15 different countries. Students can apply for a semester abroad in their second year of study.
Accolades
Recent student successes include:
Game Republic’s industry-ready bootcamp, 2024
Thought Bubble Festival micro-bursary, 2023
First Prize, The Sustainability Award 2022
First Prize, 3DTotal Character Design Competition 2021
Bronze prize, International Comic School Contest 2020
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for employment across a range of roles including commercial comic art, storyboard art, concept art, character design, visual development, creature design and experience design for a range of companies within the animation, games, TV and advertising industries.