How to become A Comic Book Artist

• Cartoonist
• Comic Strip Creator
• Graphic Novel Artist
• Comic Book Illustrator
• Editorial Cartoonist

What do Comic Book Artists do?

A Comic Book Artist would typically need to:

• Create cartoons that amuse, inform, or entertain readers, hand-drawing them or using computer software
• Brainstorm and conceptualise ideas for drawings from context or personal perspectives
• Design and develop animated narrated sequences for commission-based work, personal projects, or local and national publications
• Draft rough sketches for the editor’s review and approval
• Help the public process news about current political or social events through political cartoons
• Take part in story development, storyboarding, typesetting, directing, cinematography, and editing
• Co-ordinate in the storyboard, typesetting and editing process of animation
• Send personal portfolios to publishers for review; if approved, check with the publishers that the cartoon prints well on paper; revise as necessary 
• Work in collaboration with other creative artists, such as writers and producers
• Communicate with clients and customers for recommendations and feedback 
• Ensure that projects meet deadlines before press time

Comic Book Artists typically work in comfortable, well-lit creative studios and offices. Self-employed cartoonists usually work from home. The work requires sitting down for hours drawing cartoons by hand or on computers. 

The majority of Comic Book Artists work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week, depending on their position in the organisation. Flexible working schedules may keep you busy working longer hours when projects are in their development stage.

Freelancers or private contractors can create schedules to fit their lifestyle and workload, in which case, work hours may be variable.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Comic Book Artists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Comic Book Artists are generally employed by: 

• Graphic Design Firms
• Educational Institutes
• Wedding Planners or Agencies
• Publishing Firms 
• Newspapers and Magazines
• Television & Film Studios
• Gaming Companies
• Animation Studios

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for Comic Book Artists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The imbalance between one’s professional and personal life due to work pressures and long working hours to meet deadlines
• Health problems caused due to sitting down for long hours and working with drawing tools or on computers
• Dealing with social isolation 
• The need to exercise creative thinking constantly but running into a block now and then
• Unstable unemployment and income
• Accepting criticism with grace and the willingness to incorporate audience feedback into future creations

Any academic program that a potential Comic Book Artist takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. 

Engaging with school and university newspapers and magazines by creating a comic strip will help you gain hands-on knowledge in writing and editing and develop your artistic skills while strengthening your resume. You could also work as a freelance illustrator. These experiences provide you exposure to the real world and a platform to establish critical networking connections that could give you an instant leg up and lead directly to employment.

You may also consider connecting with professional Comic Book Artists who can advise and guide you to increase your confidence and help develop exceptional artistic skills.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow professional cartoonists to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

While not mandatory, aspiring Comic Book Artists typically earn at least a bachelor’s degree in animation, graphic design, illustration, or fine arts, focusing on cartooning, drawing or illustration. 

Coursework in multi-dimensional drawing, concepts, theories, fine art, studio art and art & design may be helpful to foster in-depth artistic skills. In addition to artistic ability, creativity and manual dexterity, Comic Book Artists must hone their skills in various illustration-based software either through their art programs or at home. 

Individual colleges and professional art schools that offer various degree and certificate programs may mandate different admission criteria. However, entry typically depends on a strong portfolio, diverse work experience, and successful interviews, all of which demonstrate your passion and skills.

Apart from illustration, a Comic Book Artist must allocate a narrative personality to each character in a cartoon strip with which the audience can engage. Taking high school classes in writing and learning illustration-based software will help you secure jobs at the best firms. 

Certification demonstrates a Comic Book Artist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

You may advance within the firm by taking the responsibility of working on more significant projects. Progression will likely result in new challenges and responsibilities accompanying greater repute and sizable paychecks. You may advance to become a Senior Comic Book Artist. 

Networking with like-minded people at comic book conventions and other events may open doors for new opportunities.

Education, coupled with relevant skills and experience in the industry, will provide individuals with the tools for entry, survival and success in a competitive environment.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Comic Book Artist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Taking courses and attending workshops regularly throughout one's career can help a Comic Book Artist stay up-to-date on current industry trends and learn about new tools and technologies. You may consider pursuing courses such as digital gaming design, animation, visual design, fine arts and graphic design to further your career prospects.

Types of Cartoons

Political cartoons make a point about political personalities or current political or social situations. Comic strips are a series of drawings placed in adjacent panels, with the speech bubbles helping narrate a story. Webcomics are digital comic strips created for online publishing, either on websites or apps. Movie cartoons are animated films with animals depicted as movie characters.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Comic Book Artists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Comic Book Artist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The original Kolinsky brush made from weasel hair, a G-pen and a multiliner are the traditional tools used by Comic Book Artists. However, they are now all available in digital format.

If you have a mind full of creative ideas and the graphic power to combine cartoons with eye-popping engagement, then a career as a Comic Book Artist offers you the opportunity to combine work with play and turn a talent into a career.

Sketching mini-comics or short stories would be an excellent kickstart for your career. Too ambitious and extensive a plan may be overwhelming and could slow down progress. Budding Comic Book Artists can refine their skills if they are willing to put in even a little but consistent effort.