Graphic Novel Writer/Artist

Job Description:

Comic book artists tell stories through the graphic images they create. They team up with comic book writers, who create the characters, plots, and dialogues for the artists to illustrate. Some comic book artists write and illustrate the comic books themselves

Salary: $42,967

Occupational Outlook:

Due to the pandemic comics are in higher demand due to people using them as a respite.
A Market Watch report predicts that the global comic book market will grow by about 3 percent annually through 2026.

Links to Learn More About This Career:

Educational Requirements:

Bachelor's degree.
A degree in art.
A degree in design.
A degree in illustration.

Andrew's University

Address: Berrian Springs, MI

Website: https://www.andrews.edu/

Information on the Major: The art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content.

Pratt Institute School of Art

Address: Brooklyn, NY

Website: https://www.pratt.edu/art/

Information on the Major: Through the graphic design and illustration associate’s degree program, students gain the skills they need to begin a career from their art. They can either take the training directly into the job market or transfer to complete a four-year degree.

Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts

Address: Syracuse, NY

Website: https://vpa.syr.edu/

Information on the Major: Approaching illustration as a form of storytelling, the degree teaches students how to find the right mode of expression for whatever situation they face. With these skills, students can go on to work in everything from advertising and newspapers to video games and animation.

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

It may seem obvious, but an aspiring comic book artist will need to be able to draw proficiently. Capturing movement, mastering proportion and understanding color are key. If you're thinking about working for a comic book publisher, your drawing talents might be enough to get you in the door. If you would rather create your own comic, you'll need to be able to write well, build meaningful characters and tell a story efficiently. Some practical skills will help, too. Working in a vacuum like this requires dedication, time-management skills and perseverance.

Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:

Knowledge of software like Adobe Photoshop and Animate CC.

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

Self-employment opportunities

Work in a comfortable environment

Minimal education requirements if you have good artistic skills

Multiple areas to choose from for your work (political, sports, humor, advertising, etc.)

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

Work can be sparse if you're freelancing

Strict deadlines can result in having to work overtime

Many aspiring comic cartoonists have to hold down other jobs

Slower than average employment growth (four percent from 2012 to 2022)

Typical Working Conditions For This Career:

Working conditions for comic book writers range from the comforts of home to a regular office environment, depending on whether the writer works full or part-time and the type of comic book publisher for which he or she works. A few of the larger comic book publishers are housed in large offices in major U.S. cities, but most are modest operations that are located in small offices and, in some cases, in private homes. Many comic book writers start their careers and build their portfolios by writing in their leisure time after work or school.