Adjunct Instructor – Comics Studio: Digital Tools & Techniques

Adjunct Instructor – Comics Studio: Digital Tools & Techniques (COMC3300)

Position Summary:The Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) invites applications for a Part-Time Adjunct Instructor to teach Comics Studio: Digital Tools & Techniques (COMC3300) within the Comics & Narrative Practice program. This position requires on-campus instruction and active engagement with students in a studio-based learning environment.

Course Description:This class explores digital tools and methods for creating sequential art. Students create digital assets specific to comics, build technical skills in flatting and coloring comic line art, practice approaches to digital lettering, and learn to prepare comic art for print to industry standards. Additionally, students will examine how these techniques are used by professionals in both historical and contemporary contexts.

• Course Details: This is an in-person on campus course. Digital Tools & Techniques establishes and broadens the practices of comics making that rely on digital workflows. Junior-level students with a basic understanding of Photoshop and InDesign will perform exercises to expand their understanding of the programs' capabilities and specific uses within the comics industry. Emerging programs like Clip Studio Paint will be explored for their comic-focused workflows, and all outcomes will be aimed at producing print-ready comics as well as digitally-native comics.

Particular emphasis is placed on professional production standards. Students will learn the process of digital flatting for comics printing, including color separation workflows, layer organization, and best practices for collaborative work. The course also covers preparing comics files for professional print production, including bleed setup, trim and live areas, CMYK conversion, resolution requirements, file packaging, and printer-ready PDF export. Faculty applying to teach this course should have demonstrated experience in digital flatting processes and comprehensive knowledge of preparing comics files for commercial print production.

The course is not intended to explore basic animation, coding, or other digital-specific avenues of comic storytelling.

Qualifications:

• BA or BFA required
• MFA preferred and/or a minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in comics creation or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in comics theory, narrative structure, and visual storytelling.
• Demonstrated expertise with digital comics-making software, including Photoshop, ClipStudio Paint, and InDesign.
• Evidence of effective teaching or mentoring experience in art and design education preferred.

Course Schedule:

• Days/Times: Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30–6:15 p.m.
• Format: In-person, on campus.

A completed application will include:

• A cover letter that articulates the ways their experience fits the role, highlights their teaching philosophy, and discusses their experience teaching through a lens of cultural competency.
• A CV including names/contact details for three references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About CCAD:

Columbus College of Art & Design teaches undergraduate and graduate students in the midst of a thriving creative community in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1879, CCAD is one of the oldest private, nonprofit art and design colleges in the United States. CCAD offers nine BFA programs and a Master of Professional Studies in User Experience Design that produce graduates equipped to shape culture and business at the highest level. Additionally, CCAD offers year-round community art classes for children and adults of all ages, led by local creators and designers skilled in their craft. For more information, visit ccad.edu.

About Columbus:

Columbus is among the Top 10 best U.S. cities for new college grads and one of the top 10 creative scenes in the country as well as one of the 15 most affordable cities in the U.S. As one of the nation's largest college towns Columbus is the type of city where creative activities flourish. There are eight distinct cultural districts that surround CCAD and there are more than 165 restaurants, pubs, and clubs in downtown alone. CCAD is a campus community located in the heart of this vibrant city.

EEO Statement:

Columbus College of Art & Design ("CCAD") is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on an individual's race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. CCAD is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment.