The field of sequential art encompasses graphic novels, comic books, comic strips, children’s books and storyboards for animation and film. Sequential artists combine words and pictures to form entertaining and effective narratives.
SCAD offers the largest and most comprehensive sequential art department in the United States, with the most full-time faculty. SCAD was the first and remains one of the few institutions that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in sequential art.
A progressive curriculum allows students to create/write a story and then pencil and ink the story or utilize digital sequential art applications. Using advanced tools such as Cintiq displays and specialized computer applications, students combine art with technology.
Sequential art electives include courses in Manga and superhero comics, advanced writing for comics, painting for comics, cover illustration for comics, conceptual illustration, comic strips, storyboarding and sequential picture books for children.
Guest artists and visiting professionals have included Art Spiegelman, Maurice Sendak, Jules Feiffer, Mark Chiarello, Scott Hampton, Jack Davis, Mark Schultz, Brian Stelfreeze, Randy Stradley, George Pratt, Howard Chaykin, Lea Hernandez, Will Eisner, Scott McCloud, Axel Alonso, Rick Leonardi, Bernie Wrightson and others. Through these connections, students gain valuable insights and often secure opportunities to publish even before they graduate.