What advice would you give someone going into Comic drawings

Authord Level 1

August 17, 2017, 5:51 pm

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What advice would you give someone going into Comic drawings

Hello guys.
I want to go into comic drawings , to add the skill to my skill bag. Cause i have seen many comic artist charging $25/hour and i think that's some good bucks.
so guys what advice will you give someone like me , and what are the things i need to know before going into Comic drawings. And what's the best place or the best resource i can use to fasten my learning process.

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LouisVaughn007

LouisVaughn007

To start a career in drawing comics, you need to consider some things first:

How well can you draw?

What type of comic genres will you practice? Is it MANGA or TRADITIONAL?

While deciding upon what genres you wish to practice, will it be COMIC BOOK ART,
GRAPHIC NOVEL ART, or CONCEPT ART?

What type of art media will you use or specialize in?...
Will you use traditional ways of drawing with pencil, ink, and paper?
Will you use digital forms of drawing and inking?

Are just wishing to be a COVER DESIGN graphic?

Do you wish to perform graphic art working within the COMIC FRAMES telling an illustrated story?

Will you be publishing your drawings as you perform the art assignment?
Even though you're being paid to draw, your art interpretation may add an unforeseen but
unique dimension to the comic or character of the comic.

Do you wish to pursue a formal education for this field of work? Some schools or universities to consider are:

1. Rhode Island School of Design teaches Graphic Design
2. Yale University School of Art
3. Maryland Institute College of Art Graphic Design
5. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
6. Cranbrook Academy of Art
7. Art Center College of Design
8. California Institute of the Arts or “Calarts”
9. School of Visual Arts in New York has a Graphics Design undergraduate program that works in 2D, 3D and digital media.
10. Parsons School of Design

Perhaps these are some things to observe your journey in the COMIC INDUSTRY, and your goal in comic drawing.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Thanks, i can draw well though, back in my school days, i was one of the best guys when it comes to sketching.
Am not planing to pursue a formal education for this field not at all, i don't want to go to school dude.
I just want to acquire the skills of a comic artist. thanks for the tips though

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

If you can draw extremely well already then you're almost there as a comic artist, to be honest. All you need to do is practice your story writing skills but if you're not too good with that then you could partner with someone that is good. They could concentrate on the story and plot of the comic whilst you concentrate on drawing the scenes and the actual comic. I'm sure you don't have to go to school, there are probably hundreds of online courses and tutorials online that you could use.

7 years ago

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kammy143

kammy143

When I was younger, I also aspired to be an animator... It's just that, it takes a lot of dedication and patience to finish, which I lack. I have high respects for animators because they take a lot of time staying loyal to their craft and create such awesome graphics and unique stories.

7 years ago

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allyn2017

allyn2017

I agree with you, it is really hard even though you have talent and skills.

6 years ago

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anyone01

anyone01

I sometimes present one among my works-in-development to a pal, who regularly tells me what's disproportional or missing in them. This manner, you can enhance through understanding errors that you would in any other case take a lot longer to look if you were alone.

6 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

Glad that you can draw really well, and that can help you a lot to get an extra income. However, it would be great if you add a professional help to it, so if you want to be one of the best out there, then you should take at least some classes about it. Also, when you do that, you have the chance to meet people with good connections, that can help you get a job with it. I'm pretty sure that if you already have the basic, then with the right expert help, you will totally dominate the art of comic drawing.

7 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

It's also important to develop your own drawing style in comics that will differentiate your work vs other artists, and to just be consistent on that style in your works. It doesn't have to be beautiful, but a unique style and consistency is key to make it feel different over others. Substance also matters, so work on your storytelling if you want to write ongoing comics or just on comedic timing and keeping up-to-date with the news if that's your thing.

7 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

These are great pointers and tips my friend! Thank you for your effort in sharing this not just to the OP, but also to us as well! I agree that it would be better to choose which category you would focus into so that you can give really detailed concepts and ideas regarding that category alone. Each of those category, may it be traditional manga, or comics or cartoons, would still be profitable if you wish to make a revenue from it.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

This was a very comprehensive and helpful post here. I once dreamed, like Authord, of being a comic book artist. I grew up admiring and imitating Jack Kirby, Art Adams, and John Byrne. Life happened, and I went into a totally different direction. However, your questions and suggestions here really narrow down some of the key concerns when one is considering going into this line of work. It is very competitive, so the more one can prepare through asking questions like this the more one will be able to succeed, I think.

7 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

I never dreamed of becoming a comic artist, however, I took interest in drawing illustrations when I was in teens. I had a friend who is very good at drawing human figures, especially women figures. His naughty drawing encouraged me to develop the skills (I was young and was attracted towards such drawings). I even tried to enroll into an art school. However, you cannot master everything. I gave up.

7 years ago

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stbrians

stbrians

This is very good advice. I would not have done better than this. You have done comic drawing justice.

6 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

I think that any kind of freelancing advice can be applied specifically to comic drawing as well. There isn't anything special. Just be motivated, meet deadlines, try to promote yourself and your work through different platforms and so on.

Regarding where you can find some work, I would highly suggest opening your own service right here on Pixelclerks by clicking at the top right corner of the website where you see "Seller" then make it.

You can also try on different freelancing platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr. Clients there often look for people that can draw comic ideas.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Yeah, i work on upwork and fiverr, as a graphic designer and i get to these comic guys earning amazing bucks from comic drawings, and their pay is really cool. I'm already handy with those sites. thanks

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

Meeting deadlines is as important as anything for that is what will make the clients come back next time for jobs to be done.

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

$25 per hour does sound really good so I can see why you would want to get into that business niche. It all depends on what you want to do really. Do you want to design comics for people that have great ideas but don't have good drawing skills? Or do you want to create your own comics and then sell those? If it's the first then you should draw a few comic pages and then try to find potential buyers and show your work to them. If it's the other option then you should sit down to think of a good story, plot and characters. Once you have brainstormed everything then you can begin drawing out your comics.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

it's really a good niche, seeing the big guys in my estate, earning some cool bucks through this comic drawings really got me thinking fast. i will be designing for people and along the line of gathering experiences, dynamics,perspectives and concepts, i can now maybe start my own comic story.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I'm curious to hear what type of comics you plan on drawing, would you care to share? Also do you have any plans on how to sell or market it after it's done? I think I've heard of people getting very famous and successful by releasing their comics for free, and some I've seen get good money off of monthly donations from their readers.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Well, I think I will first go into freelancing after developing myself and gone through trainings, I will only be drawing for people to gather enough experience , for what I might dive into in the future, like the example you just stated. thanks

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

I would also suggest that you try to create your very own work and then try to sell them. Maybe you could make a few designs and then put those designs on things like t-shirts, mugs, notepads and then sell them because it could potentially sell quite well and make you a lot of money. The problem with freelancing is that it can be quite difficult because of how many designers/artists there are out there.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Haha, you are very observant with seeing it's the money that is pulling the poster's interest in becoming a comic artist. I must confess that the pay of $25 per an hour is quite a good deal.

My advice is that if you have the skill already or still planning on acquiring the skill, I'm sure it's worth it. Just put in more effort and become good at it and see yourself making good money.

Good luck.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I think what helps most is studying previous works that have proven to be successful. First, find a few comics that are similar to the style you would like to model your style after, then figure out what makes them work for the goals they have set for themselves. You may find that complexity or simplicity might only be applicable in certain types of comics, or your particular method might call for both types mixed in different ways. If you are wanting to get into superhero or manga type artwork, I would suggest focusing on practicing drawing perspectives. I find that a lot of amateur artists show their lack of experience a lot with this small detail that can be easily corrected with just a few months of practice.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Exactly, that's what am doing now, look and revising some successful projects. and mastering the prospects and dynamics used and practicing to develop my self too using papers and pen. will soon head over to digital drawing tablets.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

That's good to hear. I saw a video on Youtube just recently talking about a very cheap tablet that is under a hundred dollars, and works well, although unfortunately I forgot what brand it was. I'm sure it would be easy enough to find with a bit of research so maybe you could consider that brand if you're just starting out. Good luck!

7 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

Yeah. One of the artist's common mistake is after they have successfully published an artwork or a comic drawing before, they wouldn't use it anymore such as a reference for their future ones. They should remember that it was what made them successful. And if they aren't successful with their current one, they should look back and seek reference from the previous one.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

You are wise. your advice has been duly noted, i always make reference to my past works in anything i do, especially in my design and illustration works, it really helps.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

I agree with you here as well, in all art, whether it is writing or drawing comics, it is smart to be self-referential in your style and to constantly build on what you have created before. For one thing, this develops a kindred relationship with your audience who may follow you over a long course of time, over years even, depending upon your career.

7 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

Thanks but I am not that wise.

I would love to see some of your artworks. You say that you are a freelancer in Fiverr and UpWork? That is really awesome! I was also trying to get a client in UpWork but didn't really managed to get one back in the day.

Show us some of your artworks here please. We'd love to see them. (:

7 years ago

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plasmablutte12

plasmablutte12

In my opinion, You can create your own style of drawing design base upon of your imagination. Not necessarily to base from common standards of what we have today. Like most japanese do. Most of them did make a simple as like drawing of a child's imagination. If you want to try to make a design at least start with basics of human form, motions, texture. Having a tutorial is not a bad idea at all but I recommend to practice and stick to your own design.

7 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

Not just purely by imagination but also by combination! I mean, if you combined whatever you are trying to express with those that we already have, you could potentially create something new and would make people get attracted to it because of how you managed to put up such a creative work of art.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Yeah bro, right from child hood, i have been drawing comics with pens and paper, i and my friend sold some, for some few bucks, so i have the imagination and designs, but am not perfect at replicating my imaginations on paper, but am working on it, with my friend who is a good comic artist, but not yet a professional, and am trying to discover my design, then i will stick to it.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

Authord,

I would have to advise you work working to enable you get better and start earning from doing so. It might take time, but definitely worth the time input.

7 years ago

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gelotologist

gelotologist

I agree with the imagination thing, but first things first, the ability or the skill that you can or must have is Drawing. Drawing is the first you need to have or a skill you must have, because if you're good or has skills on drawing then probably you don't have a problem. And lastly is the idea you are trying to tell, like the story you want to show, and in order to do that is you must think out of the box or think more bigger, for you to gain more ideas.

7 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

It's going to depend on what kind of genre you're looking to get into. For example, the kind of person that wants to draw comics in Jhonen Vasquez's style (the creator of Invader Zim) is going to need a different skill set and style than someone who wants to draw traditional Marvel comics. Comics such as those by Jhonen Vasquez are going to require a far more stylized and cartoony style than those drawn in traditional styles like classic Marvel and D.C comics. Those comics, on the other hand, require a greater knowledge of anatomy and traditional illustration techniques. Find a style you like, and try to stick to it for the beginning. Look up the work of some of your favorite artists and do your best to imitate them. Eventually you'll land on something that looks similar but has your own flair to it.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Thanks, I think there is nothing wrong in learning all types of styles, is there?, I know it actually requires hardwork and much brain power or so they say, but i think i can draw very well, and all the types of styles you listed there requires drawing, and maybe the difference between them might be the perspective, dynamics. But well i would like the traditional marvel comic but mastering all the skills is in my best interest and heart

7 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

There is definitely nothing wrong with familiarizing yourself with different styles and developing your skills. However, the thing is that spreading yourself too thin and trying to learn everything can give you unexpected or unwanted results. As the old saying goes, "Jack of all trades, master of none." Every style of illustration has something you can take from it, but if you really want to stand out (and it is going to be necessary among the hundreds of artists who are your competition) you want to pick a style that you can focus on to hone and perfect it.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

One thing I learned about comics, from trying to draw them and from knowing a few people who are successful at creating them, is that it is nowhere near enough to be just a good artist. There are tons of amazing artists out there, but do they have the expertise to tell the story in the medium of the comic book frames and pages--do they know how to manipulate the medium? Sometimes the simplest art with the most crafted dynamic can trump any great creator of images. Then you need to consider if you want to be a penciler or inker in the traditional sense, or if you want to paint your images or use computer imaging or combine some of this media into a mix. I think that the comic book art is a very tough one to break into, but I applaud and encourage any artist trying to do so.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

I agree with you on the need to be an expertise before writing comic books. The good thing about that is that one will understand how to reach out to the kids and adults that will be in need of those comic books.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

When I was a bit younger, I was quite skilled with pencil drawing, especially when I was still in primary school. I had so many action movies drawing telling a deep story. But as I grew older, I lost my interest in drawing to the extent that my hands gets shaky anytime I picks up a pencil. But hey, if you think you can achieve your goal of becoming a comic artist, I wish you all the success in the world.

7 years ago

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bienn05

bienn05

Always make a plan. Always have the story line before doing some drawings and sketches. It is always good to start with a plan to avoid wasted time and effort.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

If one has the talent and skill then he must use it. I really like to become a comic book artist but sadly, I'm not that good in drawing. I agree that it's a field that is very hard to penetrate but if a person is really deserving and has some luck then he could make it good as a comic book artist.

6 years ago

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