ILLUSTRATION DESIGN PROGRAMME CONTENT
LET'S SHAPE NEW WORLDS TOGETHER.
PROGRAMME CONTENT
ILLUSTRATION DESIGN
«The Big Picture in Mind»
It tingles under your fingertips – you want to illustrate your first book, create concept art for a video game or film, and that comic idea has been bouncing around in your head for ages. Patience – first, we need to lay some foundations. New techniques and software training will quickly expand your skills – get inspired, all in a hands-on, practical way, and importantly: always with fun!
ILLUSTRATION DESIGN // FOUNDATION SEMESTER
1st SEMESTER
«Let’s get started»
FIRST STEPS
Illustration is more than just painting pretty pictures – that should be clear. Even the greatest talent cannot rely solely on their illustrative skills; they must also engage with typography, layout, and of course, the appropriate software.
Perspective, colour theory, anatomy, and, of course, working with professional software are the focus of the 1st semester. Over time, your sketchbook will get fuller, especially with subjects like Creative Workshop, which fill page after page.
Learning from the professionals – our teachers
MAKI SHIMIZU
Free Drawing
FELIX BÜTTNER
Typography & Illustration
LEONIE HERZOG
Illustration Fundamentals
MEIK LAUER
Non-Fiction Graphics
BIANCA SCHENK
Editorial Illustration
Click here for the full list of lecturers
ILLUSTRATION DESIGN // FOUNDATION SEMESTER
2nd SEMESTER
«More basics»
FROM PERSPECTIVE TO TYPOGRAPHY
The first semester is complete, and we’re still focused on the basics – hang in there! After many hours with perspective and more in Illustration Fundamentals 1 from the first semester, we now continue with lighting (light and shadow) and building scenes in the second semester.
All with one goal: You should be able to visualise your stories and ideas. With Editorial Illustration, you’ll now enter the world of book and magazine illustration, combined perfectly with typography!
ILLUSTRATION DESIGN // FOUNDATION SEMESTER
3rd SEMESTER
«Storytelling»
HALF-TIME IS NEAR
By now, you’ll really notice it – time is flying! After all, the programme will be halfway over after the third semester – and there’s still so much to learn!
One of the major highlights of this foundation semester is Digital Illustration. Applied and technical graphics will show you new possibilities, from logo design to photorealistic food illustration. Storytelling & Storyboard will take your stories to the next level – perfect for your first complete book project!
HALF-TIME
The mid-term project
Hard to believe, but by this point, you’ve already completed three semesters of Illustration Design – well done! Now it’s time for the mid-term project. Over the course of around 10-14 days, you’ll independently develop a project and present it to us – simple as that. Afterward, you’ll finally move into the main part of your studies.
ILLUSTRATION DESIGN // MAIN SEMESTER
4th SEMESTER
«Illustrate! Sleep! Repeat!»
FROM NOW ON, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO
The foundation semesters are done, and now your entire focus will shift to building a portfolio for future job applications. In the 4th & 5th semesters, the tasks become more complex and demanding, so good time management will be key to completing the projects on time.
Highly anticipated subjects like Concept Design or Character Design will finally make their way into the programme content – these modules, and much more, will be covered in the 4th semester – wonderful!
ILLUSTRATION DESIGN // MAIN SEMESTER
5th SEMESTER
«More passion, more energy, more illustration »
ILLUSTRATIVE FULL THROTTLE
The final semester before the final project is approaching – by now, the first ideas for your graduation project should already be forming in your mind.
The new semester kicks off with new modules: 3D Modelling, Motion Graphics / Animation, and Digital Art open up further possibilities in the illustrative field. But follow-up subjects like Concept Design 2 and Creature Design (which can also be combined) are also essential parts of your training. It’s time to give it one last push in the illustrative field before graduation!
THE GRAND FINALE
Time has flown by!
Your final semester is fully dedicated to your culminating project. You’ll start by selecting a project – unless, of course, you’ve already decided on a topic during your studies.
ILLUSTRATION DESIGN // FINAL PROJECT
6th SEMESTER
«It’s time»
THE BIG FINALE
By this stage, your portfolio should have expanded considerably over the years. Take a moment to reflect on the work you created in your first semester and compare it to your pieces from the 4th and 5th semesters. Your illustration skills have reached new heights, and you have every reason to be proud of how far you’ve come. Now, it’s time for the final effort! In other words, it’s the moment for your final project!
You’ll now have an entire semester to prepare your final project, starting with the conceptual phase and a subsequent review of your idea. Then, you’ll enter the execution phase with plenty of guidance from experienced tutors. At the end of the semester, you’ll present your completed project and portfolio to a panel of internal and external evaluators.
Semester CONTENTS (Preview)
- Concept
- Coaching
- Design Business
- Portfolio Check
- Presentation
- Speed Recruiting
- Exhibition
- Final project
EXHIBITION &
SPEED RECRUITING
Time to make your mark! And what’s the best way to do that? With a final exhibition and our extensive network of contacts!
The grand finale is the showcasing of your project at our graduate exhibition: You’ll display everything you’ve worked on during the semester at your own booth, where family members and prospective employers can appreciate your work. Additionally, we’ll arrange job interviews with potential employers, setting you up for a smooth transition into your professional career right after graduation!
ANY QUESTIONS? ASK ONE OF OUR
STUDENT ADVISORS
HAMBURG