Advanced Studies: Discussing The Joe Kubert School’s New Program With Anthony Marques

Longtime DC editor and illustrator of Batman: The Audio Adventures, Anthony Marques took over the Joe Kubert School in 2020 where he now serves as president. Under Marques’ direction, the renowned school has added an advanced studies program on top of its three-year curriculum. The new program kicks off in January for Kubert School graduates and other industry professionals. Comicon.com caught up with Marques to talk about this new program and his vision for the school.

Tom Smithyman: You’re not expanding the regular curriculum from three to four years, right? This is a special, advanced program?

Anthony Marques: That’s correct. Throughout the years of the Joe Kubert School, graduating students have always asked if a fourth year would be a possibility, if they could come back again, As we all know, eventually you have to leave the nest and fly on your own. But it did get me to thinking, what if there was a program for our students and professional individuals that could help guide them while they are out there flying, working on their first few projects or creator-owned properties And that is how The Joe Kubert Advanced Studies idea came to be.

Smithyman: What will students learn in this program that they didn’t pick up in the regular courses?

Marques: Unlike the full-time program that we offer, Advanced Studies is a personalized program. In order to take part in it, you must submit a written proposal of what it is that you want to achieve while you are attending. Are you looking to bring your creator-owned project to life and ensure that the quality is of the utmost professional standard? Are you working on that first big project and want to set yourself up for success by working with incredible mentors? This program is specific to the individual and helps them to achieve their goals.

Smithyman: How have students reacted to the announcement? Do you have a lot of interest already?

Marques: Students have responded very positively! There is interest and we’re excited to do this and watch it grow over the next few years! The program does have a limited number of students that can take part in it, so I would say that if you do have interest to apply today, it’s free to apply, and let’s see if our Advanced Studies is right for you!

Smithyman: Will you bring on more instructors for this program of study or will the existing staff expand their scope?

Marques: The instructors at The Joe Kubert School are some of the most skilled working artists in the comics business today. For Advanced Studies we are so excited to have Fernando Ruiz (Archie Comics, Die Kitty Die), Tom Mandrake (The Spectre, Batman), and Jan Duursema (Star Wars, Hawkman) as our mentors to the students. Their knowledge of the industry and level of skill are second to none.

Smithyman: You have mentioned that getting a first job as an artist is relatively easy, but the landing jobs after that – establishing a career – is much more difficult. How will this program prepare artists for a career that spans decades?

Marques: Utilizing our mentors, each of whom have had long and successful careers, the sessions are set up in a way to provide the students not only art advice but key business information. By helping the students achieve their goals sets their careers in motion by showcasing their artwork to future employees at a level of quality and professionalism that their work may have lacked without the mentors’ guidance.

Smithyman: You require interviews for prospective students before enrolling in the school. What are you looking for in these candidates?

Marques: A level of skill and professionalism as well as a clear plan of what it is exactly that they want to achieve while they are taking part in Advanced Studies. That is why we require a written plan from the individuals who wish to participate in it. After submitting the application, all potential applicants are vetted through a review and online or in-person interview. After which, their portfolio is reviewed by an internal board and then a final decision is made.

Smithyman: What is your vision for the school? Is there something beyond Advanced Studies that you’re considering to expand your reach even further?

Marques: My vision for the Joe Kubert School has been the same since I first took on the role of president and owner: To teach our students the absolute best skills needed to thrive in a competitive field while providing them with a supportive community and the opportunity to succeed!

We have made some incredible advances to the Joe Kubert School during my time as president, including online Studies, our affordable a la carte style program that has opened the doors to students and instructors from all around the world. Offering our full-time program online, updating the technologies used in our classes to be of the industry standards relating to the subjects taught, refining and updating our curriculum, opening of the Graphic Imagination Studio that has resulted in us providing production work for multiple major comics companies, The Joe Kubert School Art Agency, the announcement of Advanced Studies, and so much more.

As we go forward, we will continue to look for what else can be provided to our students to help make them successful in their careers while looking into avenues that will help us reach out even further to help teach people about narrative art and storytelling.

Smithyman: Thanks so much Anthony. I look forward to catching up with you in the future and seeing what other things you have cooking at the school.