The programme lasts four years. Each year has a different goal: first, you will learn to observe and experiment and then explore your own interests; after that you will enter the professional field and finally you will work on your graduation project. Theory, reflection and practice are intertwined. You will learn by making, researching and discovering what works for you – and what does not.
In the first year, you will lay the foundation for your artistic and reflective development. During this year, you will work on short projects in all visual subjects (such as visual narrative, storytelling and visual storytelling). You will also take part in workshops and masterclasses with guest lecturers and alumni.
Semester 1: Seeing things differently
The first semester focuses on gaining new knowledge and developing a research-oriented and experimental attitude. Students will learn to observe, research and reflect, with the process of seeing and making at its core. Images gain meaning through doing and observing. You will practise basic skills that form the foundation for further growth and innovation. New perspectives, observation and research, reflection, craft and creativity, personal growth and innovation are central.
Semester 2: Experimenting
In the second semester, you will focus on experimenting and creating. Students will reflect on results and formulate their first learning questions and goals. They will learn to make conscious choices based on their own fascinations and use these as a starting point for new research. Exercises in skill and creativity will contribute to their further development. Learning to look differently, reflecting (learning questions and goals), recognising inspiration, combining imagination and observation, doing and discovering form the core.
In the Think programme, art history and philosophy are connected. You will follow technical workshops, including on drawing from observation. The graphic workshops are on riso printing, screen printing, etching, lithography, letterpress and lino printing.
In the autumn, you will go on a multidisciplinary study trip to Berlin together with all visual arts programmes in Zwolle. There is also room for a subject-related activity, such as a studio visit or a presentation by creators from Berlin.
In the second year, you will continue researching your own signature within comics.
You will take visual subjects in which you will work on longer projects that allow you to explore your artistic development and research.
Semester 3: Research
The third semester focuses on developing a critical research process. Students will make content-based choices and direct their research towards learning questions and goals. This process will help them understand their own interests better, hold on to them and transform them into more universal values. This semester focuses on researching personal fascinations, applying inspiration, showing initiative, experiencing and researching the world and representing it in images.
Semester 4: Exploration
In the fourth semester, students will work on a visual research project based on personal inspiration and critical reflection. They will develop their identity as a creator and express this in an authentic way. The emphasis is on exploration and independence through applying research findings, developing your own style and reflecting on the meaning of your work. Independent research, reflection, awareness of your surroundings and planning all play a major role.
You will also take a module on theory and reflection, which includes art history and philosophy.
In Cross Disciplinair en Techniek, you will take part in subject-specific activities such as comic festivals and museum visits.
In the autumn, you will go on an excursion and draw on location in a special environment. There are also various workshop courses.
In the third year, you will have more space to work from your personal interests, exploring and growing as a professional creator. You will really enter the professional field of comic design by doing an internship with a comic artist, comic collective, publisher or festival. You will complete your internship with a report and a content-based preparation for your graduation year.
Semester 5: Professional practice
The fifth semester focuses on professionalisation and integration into the professional field. Students will develop a project that takes place within professional practice. This can take the form of an internship, a minor, research or another practice-based track. Working in the professional field, collaborating or working on commission, and strengthening your identity as a creator will be central.
Semester 6: Bringing ideas to life
In the sixth semester, students will give substance to both self-chosen and assigned themes based on observation and research. They will develop their own tone of storytelling, visualising and designing. This semester brings together earlier experiments, research and work experience, with the goal of defining your own artistic vision. Initiative and direction will largely be in your hands. This semester focuses on field research and storytelling, the position of the creator in the world, reflection and planning, and taking independent initiative.
The last two semesters focus on developing your profile as a creator. You will work towards your graduation project, in which your creative ability will take centre stage. You will develop an artistic vision and then create a comic based on that vision. It will be a piece of work that contributes to the world or to the professional field. You will also be able to present your work in a professional way.
ArtEZ finals
You will present your work at the ArtEZ finals in Zwolle. Visiting this graduation exhibition is highly recommended if you are thinking about studying Comic Design.