by Matthew Russell - Posted 12 months ago
Welcome my CryptoComics Compatriots. You know what time it is…school talk.
Comics have become an increasingly popular form of storytelling, and as a result, there is growing interest in pursuing a degree related to this field. A degree in comics can open up many opportunities in the entertainment and media industries, including careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Personally, I attended the Art Institute, and my good friend and comrade-in-arms Frey went to Full Sail University. I loved my time with the Institute and I know that Frey has a mastery of everything visual. I didn’t add them to the list to avoid the perception of biases.
Higher Education is like anything else, you get out of it, what you put into it. The Universities listed below are known for demanding the best out of their students.
If you are considering a career in comics, it's essential to choose a college that has a strong program in this field. I break down location, cost, and opportunities. Here are some of the best colleges for a degree related to comics in no particular order:
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a leading art and design school located in Valencia, California. Founded in 1961, CalArts offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including animation, music, theater, and visual arts.
The school is known for its vigorous programs in character animation and experimental animation, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry.
The cost of attending CalArts can vary, depending on several factors such as residency status, a program of study, and the length of time spent in school. On average, tuition for a full-time student at CalArts is around $45,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
CalArts has a robust reputation for preparing students for successful careers in the comics industry. The school's programs in character animation and experimental animation provide students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation.
Graduates of these programs are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many CalArts graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, including Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks Animation.
Parsons School of Design is a prestigious art and design school located in New York City. Founded in 1896, Parsons is one of the oldest and most respected art and design schools in the United States.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including fashion design, graphic design, and illustration. For students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry, Parsons offers a BFA in Illustration, with a focus on sequential storytelling and comic book creation.
The cost of attending Parsons School of Design can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $50,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
Parsons School of Design has a great reputation for preparing students for successful careers in the comics industry. The school's BFA in Illustration provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many Parsons graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, including Marvel, DC Comics, and Dark Horse Comics.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a leading art and design school with campuses located in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, as well as a campus in Hong Kong.
The school offers a wide range of programs in disciplines such as animation, film and television, and illustration, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry. SCAD offers a BFA in Sequential Art, which provides students with a comprehensive education in comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
The cost of attending SCAD can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $45,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
The school's BFA in Sequential Art provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many SCAD graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, including Marvel, DC Comics, and Dark Horse Comics.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a leading art and design school located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and animation.
MICA is known for its programs in illustration, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry. The school offers a BFA in Illustration, which provides students with a comprehensive education in comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
The cost of attending MICA can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $45,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
MICA has stated that they are committed to making its programs accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, and many students are able to find funding through a variety of sources.
MICA has a reputation for preparing students for successful careers in the comics industry. The school's BFA in Illustration provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many MICA graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, as well as publishing houses, and freelance as comic book artists and graphic novelists.
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (RISD) is a leading art and design school located in Providence, Rhode Island. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and animation.
RISD is known for its adept programs in illustration, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry. The school offers a BFA in Illustration, which provides students with a comprehensive education in comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
The cost of attending RISD can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $50,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
The school's BFA in Illustration provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many RISD graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, as well as publishing houses, and freelance as comic book artists and graphic novelists.
School of Visual Arts (SVA) is a leading art and design school located in New York City. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and animation.
SVA has a vigorous program in illustration, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry. The school offers a BFA in Illustration, which provides students with a comprehensive education in comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
The cost of attending SVA can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $50,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
The school's BFA in Illustration provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many SVA graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, as well as publishing houses, and freelance as comic book artists and graphic novelists.
Otis College of Art and Design is a leading art and design school located in Los Angeles, California. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and animation.
Otis College is known for its strong programs in illustration, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry. The school offers a BFA in Illustration, which provides students with a comprehensive education in comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
The cost of attending Otis College can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $45,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
Otis College has a well-earned reputation for preparing students for successful careers in the comics industry. The school's BFA in Illustration provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many Otis College graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, as well as publishing houses, and freelance as comic book artists and graphic novelists.
Academy of Art University is a leading art and design school located in San Francisco, California. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and animation.
Academy of Art University is known for its programs in illustration, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry. The school offers a BFA in Illustration, which provides students with a comprehensive education in comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
The cost of attending the Academy of Art University can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $45,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
The school's BFA in Illustration provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many Academy of Art University graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, as well as publishing houses, and freelance as comic book artists and graphic novelists.
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is a leading art and design school located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and animation.
MIAD is mainly known for its programs in illustration, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry. The school offers a BFA in Illustration, which provides students with a comprehensive education in comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
The cost of attending MIAD can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $40,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
The school's BFA in Illustration provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many MIAD graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, as well as publishing houses, and freelance as comic book artists and graphic novelists.
Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) is a leading art and design school located in Columbus, Ohio. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and animation.
CCAD is known for its compelling and relevant programs in illustration, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the comics industry. The school offers a BFA in Illustration, which provides students with a comprehensive education in comic book creation, including scriptwriting, character design, and panel layouts.
The cost of attending CCAD can be substantial, with tuition for a full-time student averaging around $40,000 per year. However, the school offers a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the cost of tuition.
The school's BFA in Illustration provides students with a comprehensive education in the technical and creative aspects of comic book creation, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as comic book artists, graphic novelists, or storyboard artists.
Many CCAD graduates go on to work for leading animation and comics studios, as well as publishing houses, and freelance as comic book artists and graphic novelists.
There are a number of excellent colleges and universities across the United States that can provide aspiring comic artists with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this exciting field.
Whether you are looking to improve your traditional drawing and illustration skills or explore the possibilities of digital art, there is a program out there that can meet your needs. By considering factors such as program reputation, faculty expertise, facilities, and alumni success, you can identify the schools that are best suited to your goals and aspirations.
With hard work, dedication, and the right education, you can be well on your way to a fulfilling career as a comic artist.
I will always be on the lookout for the best schools for you to attend if you wish to jump into a career with comics. Comment below if you attended a different school and wish to give them a shout-out.
Also, if you happen to work for a school and are willing to answer some questions from the community, hit me up and I would love to schedule an interview.
