Graphic Storytelling VIA University College

Overview

What you will learn

The first semester of the Graphic Storytelling program at VIA University College is all about the fundamentals of comics, from various approaches to drawing and story to digital and traditional tools. The second semester focuses on clarity in visual storytelling and on writing and drawing short narratives, culminating in a collaborative comic book project. The third semester focuses on color theory and on using color for storytelling and on illustration for books, magazines, and newspapers.

The fourth semester opens with a series of workshops on world building and IP generation before exploring a range of different storytelling genres and methods, culminating in a graphic novel pitch featuring 10 sample pages and a comprehensive synopsis, marking your first stab at a long-form story.

The fifth semester focuses on fields outside of comics, including background design, storyboarding, and video games. Furthermore, you will be introduced to interactive comics and start to create your professional portfolio.

The sixth semester deepens into more advanced sequential storytelling, including advanced writing techniques. The semester also features a five-week production where you and your fellow students will create “Applied Comics”, ie. comics designed to convey a specific message to a specific target audience, together with outside clients.

The seventh semester is dedicated to the Final Production, where you create an original comic, illustrated book or story bible. During the eight semester you get hands-on experience from the industry in a relevant internship for at least ten weeks, and the semester ends with you handing in your Bachelor Report, analyzing your career plans based on both your Final Production and internship.