Comic Jobs
Cathy G. Johnson
Introduction
So, you want to make comic books. Congratulations! It’s amazing to know what you want to do!
I want to start by saying, comics do not have to be your job. They can be your hobby, your passion, your life’s work, but they don’t need to be your job. Jobs are how people “make a living,” but they don’t need to be the reason you’re alive. Comics can give you life without giving you money.
That being said, it’s also rare to make a full living on comic books, or in the arts in any form. It takes a lot of luck that is oftentimes out of people’s control. You could work very very hard and make incredible comic books, but without a lot of luck, it may be impossible to make it your only income. Professional artists often piece together a living through a lot of different gigs. You deserve happiness and it is not your fault if you are unable to make a living in the arts.
I also want to say, there is no shame in having a day job. No shame in working at a restaurant and making comics in your free time. This can in fact help cartoonists not burn out, and keep making work they are proud of. I personally have a day job that makes me very happy.
There is a lot of philosophy to this that we won’t be getting too deeply into, but I’d like to touch on it, especially in the context of this pedagogical website. We live under a capitalist system that lies to us, saying success is dictated by how much money we make at something. That is simply not true. You are a successful cartoonist when you complete your comic book. That in itself is the success. The purpose of Comic Art Ed! is to highlight the value of comics in an educational setting; comics offer a lot to growing minds, and that will always be a valuable thing to pursue whether or not it offers us money. However, I understand that capitalism is the reality of our lives, and therefore we should find our happiness as best we can, do the most good that we can, and help each other along the way.
Comic and Comic-Adjacent Jobs
All that being said, here is a list of comic and comic-adjacent jobs. The purpose of this list is to help cartoonists expand their minds and expectations of themselves, and to understand that making comics has given cartoonists useful and transferable skills that can be applied in other industries.
Comics Production
Artist / Author
Writer
Penciler
Inker
Flatter
Colorist
Letterer
Independent Artist
Freelance Cartoonist for Newspapers / Magazines
Commissions
Portrait Artist
Artist Grants and Residencies
You can sell your own artwork at:
Comic Conventions
Craft Fairs
Online / E-commerce Websites
Galleries
Publishing
Designer
Literary Agent
Editor
Assistant Editor
Marketing / PR
Illustration
Freelance Illustrator
In-House Illustrator
Medical Illustration
Graphic Designer
Video Games
Freelance Artist
Concept Artist
Script Writer
Designer
Development
Animation
Screenwriter
Storyboard Artist
Character Designer
Location Designer
Prop Designer
Animator
Layout Artist
Film
Storyboarding
Galleries
Attendant
Assistant
Sales
Customer Service
Curator
Museums
Attendant
Registrar
Curator
Collections Care Specialist
Teaching
K-12 Educator
College and University Positions
Professor, Adjunct and Lecturer
Continuing Education
Office Worker
Library, Museum and Community Center Workshop Educator
Adult Education
Librarian
Other
Life Model
Arts Supplies Store Employee
Studio Manager
I will keep adding jobs this list. Last updated: April 26, 2024
Next Steps
If any of these jobs look interesting to you, your next step is research. Put together a portfolio and a resume. Volunteer. Find entry-level positions to apply to. I personally am unable to give further advice beyond this list, but I want you to have the confidence that you can do it. Making comics is a valuable skill that helps us achieve new heights, and I believe in you all.