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Joel
Student
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How do I make it in the comic book industry?
Is it self publishing or seeking out a publisher or working under an editor? I heard it's a very competitive field and I want to know all the information I can get to get an advantage over my competitors. How do I set a good schedule and avoid burnout? How do I become consistent?
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Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
75
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Joel,
I'm not a comic artist but a friend teaches comic book history at Minneapolis College of Art and Design and has self-published, so I've absorbed a little over the years, and some advice applies to all creative disciplines. I don't think there's a single path to success, but many--especially nowadays, so you may self-publish and/or work an unrelated job in or outside publishing and/or get really lucky and have your submissions accepted by a publisher.
The way to gain an edge over your competitors is do something others aren't doing. Tell stories no one else is telling, or in a way no one else is doing. No problem, right? And if it takes you a while to get there, in the meantime you can learn how to communicate well, deliver what your clients or bosses ask for, and meet your deadlines. Just being an overall good person with a good work ethic will set you apart in a transactional culture.
There are plenty of comic illustrators who use their sequential art skills for commercial illustrations--ads, instructional materials, and so on. So that's an option.
Your other questions are much easier to answer! It might take some time, and there will be needs for periodic adjustments, but one way to set a schedule is to prioritize your tasks. Deadlines come first. Within those deadlines, which work tasks have the most unknowns, are the most challenging, or are the ones you don't want to do? Tackle them first.
What do you need to maintain strength, health, focus, and well-being? Those are right up there with deadlines. Do your best to consider self-care equally important to work. Sometimes you have to miss some sleep, but try not to make a habit out of it. Eat well. Exercise. Beautify and organize your surroundings. Keep good company.
I also think it's important to be a lifelong learner. Learn art history, illustration history, comic book history, world history. Learn about all sorts of subjects. This will enrich your comic work, whether you put it there consciously or unconsciously, and this is one way to distinguish yourself from others.
That's a start, anyway. I'm sure you'll get some good advice from pros in the industry. If you don't get them here, try to get a teacher's help to land an informational interview so you can talk directly to someone in the field.
Wishing you all the best. Keep doing what you love, and it will light your path.
I'm not a comic artist but a friend teaches comic book history at Minneapolis College of Art and Design and has self-published, so I've absorbed a little over the years, and some advice applies to all creative disciplines. I don't think there's a single path to success, but many--especially nowadays, so you may self-publish and/or work an unrelated job in or outside publishing and/or get really lucky and have your submissions accepted by a publisher.
The way to gain an edge over your competitors is do something others aren't doing. Tell stories no one else is telling, or in a way no one else is doing. No problem, right? And if it takes you a while to get there, in the meantime you can learn how to communicate well, deliver what your clients or bosses ask for, and meet your deadlines. Just being an overall good person with a good work ethic will set you apart in a transactional culture.
There are plenty of comic illustrators who use their sequential art skills for commercial illustrations--ads, instructional materials, and so on. So that's an option.
Your other questions are much easier to answer! It might take some time, and there will be needs for periodic adjustments, but one way to set a schedule is to prioritize your tasks. Deadlines come first. Within those deadlines, which work tasks have the most unknowns, are the most challenging, or are the ones you don't want to do? Tackle them first.
What do you need to maintain strength, health, focus, and well-being? Those are right up there with deadlines. Do your best to consider self-care equally important to work. Sometimes you have to miss some sleep, but try not to make a habit out of it. Eat well. Exercise. Beautify and organize your surroundings. Keep good company.
I also think it's important to be a lifelong learner. Learn art history, illustration history, comic book history, world history. Learn about all sorts of subjects. This will enrich your comic work, whether you put it there consciously or unconsciously, and this is one way to distinguish yourself from others.
That's a start, anyway. I'm sure you'll get some good advice from pros in the industry. If you don't get them here, try to get a teacher's help to land an informational interview so you can talk directly to someone in the field.
Wishing you all the best. Keep doing what you love, and it will light your path.
Thank you for the advice, Kim.
Joel