Become a Comic Book Artist
Many people dream of becoming or creating superheroes and villains seen in comic books or graphic novels. For people with talent, ambition and a passion for the medium, becoming a comic book artist can be a lucrative and rewarding career. If you have artistic talent and enjoy doodling superheroes and villains, a job as a comic book artist may be for you.
Instructions
Make a Portfolio
1. Know what comic book editors are looking for. When reviewing an artist's portfolio, most editors look for 3 essential elements. The first is sequential storytelling, or the ability to tell a story through the action in sequential frames. The second element is the ability to draw realistic and interesting landscapes. The third element is the ability to create a variety of emotions in your characters' faces.
2. Asses your skills and know which you excel in. Comic books are illustrated through penciling, inking and coloring. Remember your strengths when building a portfolio and provide examples that showcase each of your skills.
3. Gather or make samples of your artwork for the portfolio. Present the art in a clean and organized way. Be original with your samples and display your use of sequential storytelling. Editors like to see at least 6 pages of sequential storytelling in a portfolio. Add a few pages of splashes or pin-ups of characters that also showcase your talents.
4. Place your work in a portfolio or folder. Use plastic sleeves to hold your art within a binder. This displays the art in an organized way and keeps the pages from wrinkling or bending.
Apply for the Job
5. Ask prospective publishers what their artist guidelines are. Major publishers list their submission requirements on their websites. To find the name of a specific comic book's publisher, look at the credits in the comic book.
6. Make a cover letter. This letter must give a brief description of yourself, your talents, career interests and your contact information.
7. Send your cover letter and portfolio to more than one editor at each prospective publishing company. In order to get into the comic book industry, many artists start working for a smaller publisher to get experience and work on their skills before moving on to a bigger publishers such as DC or Marvel Comics.
8. Listen to any feedback the publishers give you. You may receive a phone call or a letter from the publisher stating that your portfolio has been placed on file. Do not be discouraged. The publisher has looked at your material and you may be called later when a position opens up. If you receive a rejection or negative letter, read the response carefully and use any criticisms to improve your portfolio or skill base.
