Art and Design
Introduction to Comics and Graphic Novels Saturday Class
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification No Qualification
Study mode Evening
Start date
Apr 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Introduction to Comics and Graphic Novels is a course taught once a week from 10 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays at Edinburgh College’s Granton campus.
This course is designed for anyone passionate about comics and graphic novels, whether you're looking to ignite a new hobby or embark on a creative career.
No prior drawing or storytelling experience is necessary; we'll start with the fundamentals.
Comic book creation is the art of creating visual narratives, breathing life into characters and worlds across sequential panels.
Throughout this course, you'll develop the skills required to tell your story, develop a strong sense of visual pacing, and explore the interplay of line art and lettering.
Classes will delve into the essential principles of comic storytelling, from panel composition and story pacing, through to the ways in which the colours, textures and linear you use can help to amplify your story to the reader. The course aims to give you the skillset and experience required to tell any story.
A sketchbook and basic drawing materials are included in the course fee.
This course is your launchpad for further creative exploration and builds the confidence needed to pursue studies within Illustration and Visual Communications and a career in comics and graphic novels.
What you will learn
- How to develop your own comic book narratives
- How to outline and structure a Comic Book
- Character creation and development
- Storyboarding and thumbnail development, page layout design
- Rhythm and pacing concerning visual storytelling
- How to ink, letter and colour your comics
- The printing process
- Research and Investigation
- Sketchbook Development
- Drawing and Illustration techniques
- Working with Photoshop
- Printing techniques
Studying within The School of Art and Design offers you the benefits of:
- Specialist Studios: Access to these facilities will enable you to experiment with different techniques and materials, enhancing the diversity and quality of your portfolio.
- Expert Guidance: Lecturer feedback and mentorship will be invaluable in refining your work and creating designs that reflect your best abilities.
- Community: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for Illustration, storytelling and Visual Communication.
- Pathway to Higher Education: A strong portfolio of designs will be a critical component of your application, showcasing your skills, creativity, and readiness for advanced study.
How the course is assessed
- This is a practical studio-based course where you will receive supportive feedback and advice from our experienced Lecturers. There are no formal assessments.
Number of days per week
- 10 AM to 1 PM Saturdays for 10 weeks
Entry requirements
- No formal qualifications are required, but students should have an interest in the areas of Illustration, Storytelling and Visual Communications.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
Your portfolio of Comic and Graphic Novel designs could support university UCAS applications and a range of art and design courses at Edinburgh College, for example:
- NC Graphics and Communication Design
- UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
- HND Visual Communications: Graphics at Edinburgh College
- HND Visual Communications: Illustration at Edinburgh College
or other courses at the College:
- UAL Level 1 Diploma Art, Design and Media.
- UAL Level 2 Diploma Art and Design
- NC Graphics and Communication Design
- NC Architecture and Interior Design
- UAL Level 3 Diploma
- UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
- HND 3D Computer Animation at Edinburgh College
- HND 3D Design at Edinburgh College
- HND Contemporary Art Practice at Edinburgh College
- HND Textiles at Edinburgh College
- HND Visual Communications: Graphics at Edinburgh College
- HND Visual Communications: Illustration at Edinburgh College
- HND Visual Communications: User Experience at Edinburgh College
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Evening | 26/04/25 |
