Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
None
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
Yes
Area of study
Length
1 year
Unique in the Canadian post-secondary public school system
Start in September!
This program teaches visual storytelling, a language composed of interconnected words and pictures. With the broad and diverse skill-set you will acquire, you can create comic books, graphic novels, webcomics, and comic strips in any genre, as well as storyboards for gaming, film, video, and animation!
A life model posses as Spiderman in drawing class.
Tell your stories
While most colleges and universities have recognized the growing impact of visual storytelling, the focus of their courses is generally on the medium’s content. This program is unique in the Canadian post-secondary public school system and addresses the specific needs of creators to understand, learn, and demonstrate their skills as visual storytellers.
The program focuses on skills-based training for six primary career paths, including the creation (both in print and online) of:
- comic books
- comic strips
- webcomics
- graphic novels
- storyboards
- edutainment comics
What comes next?
As a graduate of this certificate program, you may choose to become a freelance comic book or graphic novel creator, working with established publishers or connecting directly with your audience online and at comic conventions. You'll have produced an impressive portfolio to demonstrate your abilities to publishers, clients and prospective employers, and may also pursue career opportunities in gaming, animation, graphic facilitation, illustration, or advertising.
If you'd like to continue your studies, you can stay at Camosun to pursue related programs, including the Diploma in Arts and Science Studies.
Related links
"The program is an excellent opportunity to learn many of the skills I’ll need for my future!"
- Rhys Anderson - Comics and Graphic Novels Student, 2022
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
In this one-year certificate, you will take two academic terms. Courses include creative writing, character design, structural drawing, perspective drawing and more.
You'll develop a wide range of visual storytelling skills, including scripting, storytelling layout, pencilling, inking, lettering, and colouring techniques (both traditional and digital), life drawing, character design, and perspective. You will also learn the essentials of publishing to help manage your career as a visual storyteller, and on graduating you will have created and published a full-colour comic book to exhibit at a comic arts festival.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program.
Comics & Graphic Novels, Certificate
$12,561 (domestic)
$15,540 (international)
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees.
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.
Financial assistance
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Curriculum & courses
Admissions
Effective date: September 2020
Ready to get started? Get your application in for the September intake.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
One of:
- C+ in English 12
- C in English 12 Camosun Alternative
Statement/portfolio*
Please submit all components together via email to Lois Fernyhough. An applicant statement of approximately 500 words, describing:
- yourself
- what kind of stories you want to tell
- which authors and illustrators have influenced you
- what attracted you to this program
- anything else relevant to your interest in visual storytelling as an art form and career path
A portfolio of 5-10 pieces of work (stories, scripts, sketchbook drawings, examples of graphic art, blogs, web pages, photographs, etc.) that support what you have told us about your interest in visual storytelling. Your portfolio can be provided as JPGs, PDF, or a link to a URL.
*review of submissions is non-competitive
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Missing admission requirements?
Take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact us today!
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your classes contact artsci@camosun.ca or the program chair.
Faculty/staff profile
Lois Fernyhough
Chair, Communications
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Contact information
School of Arts & Science
International students please contact Camosun International