by Peter Wilson
founder of https://comicspider.com find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PeteComics
So, you want to become a comic book artist? You're in luck because the industry is growing faster than ever. In this statistic world, the comic book is the only thing that allows you to send a message to anyone in the world without even speaking their language. It's the weapon that only a comic book artist can use and very few have the ability to use it so.
how to become a comic book artist?
There are a couple of ways to break into the comic book industry. One way to get in is by acquiring formal training in an art school. Although earning an art degree is not necessary, the training and experience you’ll receive will work to your advantage once you start looking for a job or work as a freelance comic book artist.
To get the ball rolling, you also have the option to either apply directly to comic book companies as a comic book artist or self-publish your work independently. Getting into big companies such as Marvel, DC, or Dark Horse may be a long shot. But there are a lot of up-and-coming comic companies that are looking for apprentices.
The next thing you can do is be an apprentice to a powerful comic book artist who has some connections to the real industry. You might not get paid very well at first, but once the industry starts recognizing you, you will not have to look back.
It's not just about passion, there are things you have to be aware of before you make an attempt to pursue a career in the comic book industry. Here are some tips that will help you to grab your dreams.
Find your niche
There are many sectors in the comic book industry. You might be good with old-school drawings, classic manga, chibi drawings, realistic color panels, or even something else.
The first thing you have to find out is which niche you enjoy the most. Which drawing is the one that best suits your personality and desires? Most importantly, which is the one you enjoy the most.
create your portfolio
Many aspiring comic book artists fail to show what they are actually capable of. For someone to give you a job or hire you for a comic book, they have to see if you are actually good at it. So, a personal website or a portfolio at Behance is the very first thing you should have after you decide your niche.
Upload the best works on your portfolio. Give proper descriptions and make it as lively as possible. Never give your work for free to anyone for any reason. Allow them to license your work, or use it for a well-praised testimonial on their website or books.
get creative
Being an aspiring artist, you should never try to copy someone's work and utilize it. Let's say you have uploaded a Spider-Man cover from Marvel. It may even be the best Spider-Man comics cover in history, but will still be someone else's work.
If you are only good at copying other's work, you will not survive for very long in this industry. If should try to make something from your own. Look around, there are hundreds of inspirations around you, just pick one and start exploring.
learn how to tell a story
A comic book is all about telling a story. A story that will stick on people's minds for the longest time, even if the comic book itself is long gone.
Learn to tell a story. It's not something you develop overnight, it's a struggle and the reward of a long wait. We all love Marvel comics, not because of the overpowered characters in their comics, it's because of the beauty of their storytelling ability.
don't be too ambitious
If you are just happened to start in the comic book industry, don't be too ambitious at the beginning. Those who are making thousands or even millions didn't start from that position. They too struggled, came a long way, and sacrificed long nights of sleep.
So, don't dream of making millions of dollars overnight. Work your way through. Remember, it's the journey that you will remember. Try enjoying it for a change.
learn from your mistakes
Nobody is perfect. There will be mistakes. It's a part of the process. You will learn from your mistakes and make adjustments as you go forward, so don't let it get to you.
be prepare for rejections
No matter what work we do, there is always something we can improve on or have room for improvement in our skillset. Rejection is an inevitable part of life. You will never know what you can accomplish until you try.
The more people say no, the closer we are to yes
Rejection is a lesson that teaches us how to be better and not just for our work but also as individuals. So don't take rejections personally- they actually help improve your skillset!
start small, aim for big
When you are starting, make the small arts and do freelances where ever you can. Nobody gets to work for the giants from day one. Start small and keep your eye on the big guy.
final words
There are many aspiring artists that want to enter this booming industry. But very few will eventually succeed. Don't lose hope if you fail, just keep your head high and go for it again.
** The Gesture of the blog post goes to Peter Wilson. Founder of the Best Comic Blog on the Internet **
