The Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey

For my graduation project at the Art Academy (2015), I was challenged to create a work that reflected both my artistic identity and the technical skills I had developed throughout my studies in film and animation.

For my graduation project at the Art Academy (2015), I was challenged to create a work that reflected both my artistic identity and the technical skills I had developed throughout my studies in film and animation.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted the project to be both deeply personal and potentially a stepping stone into the industry. After exploring several ideas such as an animated series on the history of words or a visual tribute to pop music through the decades. I discovered Joseph Campbell’s theory of the Monomyth, also known as The Hero’s Journey.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted the project to be both deeply personal and potentially a stepping stone into the industry. After exploring several ideas such as an animated series on the history of words or a visual tribute to pop music through the decades. I discovered Joseph Campbell’s theory of the Monomyth, also known as The Hero’s Journey.

This storytelling framework immediately captured my imagination. I noticed that many of my favorite fantasy and sci-fi films, as well as Hollywood blockbusters, were built upon Campbell’s twelve-step structure. I became fascinated by how universal this narrative pattern was, and I set out to create a film that both explained and celebrated it through iconic cinematic examples.
niversal power of narrative.

The process involved extensive research, scripting a voiceover, and carefully selecting and editing film scenes to highlight the parallels across genres and decades of cinema.
Collaboration played a vital role in elevating the project:

  • Visuals: With the help of my friend Mirjam Verhoog, a student of Illusionism, I enhanced the visual quality of the piece. Her expertise added depth and polish to the imagery.

  • Sound & Music: My childhood friends Arthur and Boris contributed sound design and music. Boris created seamless transitions inspired by original film scores, while Arthur brought humor and originality through foley work and playful voice effects.

  • Support: My parents were an invaluable part of the journey, providing feedback and encouragement as I refined countless script drafts.

This passion project is both a tribute to Christopher Priest’s The Prestige and a celebration of my love for cinema, design, and the sense of wonder that makes both possible. Presented as a short animated film, it’s an exploration of storytelling, craft, and the magic at the heart of creativity.

Credits

Concept & creation

Iskander Krayenbosch

Illustrator

Mirjam Verhoog

Sound design

Arthur Bruinse

Boris Stipdonk

Voice over

Bob Miller

Get in touch

iskander@krayenbosch.com

Haagweg 4h4 Leiden

06-14437710

© 2025 Iskander Krayenbosch

Privacy & Cookies


Get in touch

iskander@krayenbosch.com

Haagweg 4h4 Leiden

06-14437710

© 2025 Iskander Krayenbosch

Privacy & Cookies


Get in touch

iskander@krayenbosch.com

Haagweg 4h4 Leiden

06-14437710

© 2025 Iskander Krayenbosch

Privacy & Cookies