BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts

Introduction

The portfolio review is an essential part of the selection process for this course. Here, you will find all the information you need to prepare you for the review.

It is also your opportunity to learn more about us, meet the teaching staff, see our facilities and ask questions that help inform your decision.

The Cartoon and Comic Arts Degree at Staffordshire is all about storytelling and conveying that story to an audience.

In a portfolio, we would like to see evidence of various forms of narrative. Comic pages with speech balloons would be an example, but you could also include photography and observational drawings.

We are especially interested in your own sketchbooks – what you draw outside of College or School.

Drawing from real life is important – places and the people in them; how they sit, stand, go about their business and interact with each other.

For extra information and guidance around preparing a Cartoon and Comic Arts application portfolio, please see HERE.

The BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts course is a practical course, so as part of the selection process we would like to see some of the work that you have already made, either during your studies and/or in your own time.

A portfolio of around 10 finished pieces is a good amount, with a couple of personal sketchbooks included (these are often the most interesting items to discuss with the applicant). Should you have any, your own comics would be great to see – even if they are rough.

If you would like to join us for an online portfolio review you will need to prepare your work in a digital format. The easiest way to show your work in a MS Teams meeting is a PowerPoint saved as a PDF. Collating you work this way will allow you to display your creative journey from research to resolution easily and it is always good to have a digital record of your creativity.

Please arrive at the Henrion Gallery 15 minutes before your session time to register.

A member of staff will collect and escort you to the subject area via a short tour and subject talk, following this you will undertake your individual portfolio review with an academic.

• Your portfolio will be used as a point of discussion and for you to promote your skills and interests. It is an opportunity for you to express your thoughts and feelings around your ideas and tell us about your career aspirations.
• We are looking for potential, not the finished article; your passion for the subject is vital.
• We would like you to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm in the subject area.
• Course awareness. How does this course differ from other similar courses? What attracts you to University of Staffordshire?
• Your personality. We promise to try to find the real you behind any nerves you may have.