Premier Graphics
& Animation
Work with us
Menu
Studio
OverviewServicesCapabilitiesThe Collection
Institute
OverviewProgrammesCourse libraryHow we teachCareersGuidesFor universities
Journal About Contact Work with us
Design · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Writing and Story Telling

This course explores the universal mechanics of narrative, applicable to any field—from filmmaking and marketing to law and game design. Unlike “Creative Writing” which focuses on prose, this course focuses on Structure. Students will study archetypes, the Hero’s Journey, and emotional arcs to understand how to craft stories that resonate with human psychology across various media.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Analyze the "Monomyth" (Hero's Journey) and its modern applications
  2. Understand Character Archetypes (The Mentor, The Shadow, The Trickster)
  3. Master the "Story Circle" (Harmon) and Three-Act Structure
  4. Apply storytelling principles to Branding and Corporate Identity
  5. Create "Transmedia" narratives that span across text, video, and social media
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Why We Tell Stories: Evolutionary Psychology
  2. 02The Hero's Journey (Campbell & Vogler)
  3. 03Character Archetypes (Jungian Psychology)
  4. 04Structure: 3 Acts vs. 5 Acts
  5. 05Conflict: Internal vs. External
  6. 06The Story Circle (Dan Harmon method)
  7. 07World Building: Rules of the Universe
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Visual Storytelling: Storyboarding
  10. 10Storytelling for Brands (Marketing)
  11. 11Interactive Storytelling (Games/Choose your own)
  12. 12The Art of the Pitch: Verbal Storytelling
  13. 13Non-Linear Narratives (Flashbacks/Time)
  14. 14Transmedia Storytelling
  15. 15The Future of Story: AI & VR
  16. 16Final Project: The Multi-Platform Narrative Bible

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Multi-Platform Narrative Bible

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
  2. Story: Substance, Structure, Style by Robert McKee
  3. The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
  4. Building a StoryBrand (Marketing context) by Donald Miller
  5. Into the Woods by John Yorke
More in Design
Abstract Motion DesignAnimation is not always about characters; sometimes it is about pure form, color, and rhythm. This studio course explores Abstract Expressionism in motion.
Advanced Digital Imaging TechniquesThis course pushes the boundaries of pixel manipulation. Moving beyond basic photo editing, students will master high-end compositing, retouching, and restoration workflows used in advertising and fashion.
Advanced Digital Printing and OutputThe screen is not the final destination; the print is. This course revives the art of the physical photograph.
Advanced Illustration (MS elective)This capstone-level course pushes students to find their unique artistic voice and apply it to complex professional challenges.
Advanced IllustrationsThis course explores advanced illustration techniques through research, anatomy, character development, expressive portraiture, genre-based visuals, book illustration, and professional presentation.
Anime & Manga-Inspired DesignThis course explores the distinctive aesthetic of Japanese animation and comics, teaching students how to adapt this globally popular style for commercial illustration and character design.