Can I make my obsession with comic strip a profession?

[Ameriblush]

For the past couple of years I have been obsessed with drawing random comic strips, cartoons, concept art and entire fictional world' for a story setting.

I've been slowly learning better and faster ways to draw, and the feel of a mechanical pencil scratching on paper is so soothing. Only recently did I seriously consider cartooning as a secondary/side choice to my Web design degree, as a hobby way of making minor money along with my major career or a back up if the economy acts up.

I'm thinking about taking art classes--maybe have a graphic design major, download Adobe prpgrams, buy art materials, or get together with my video game-making friends and make an indie game utilizing an improved version of my art style. It' lofty, but I'm willing to try it.

I'm just afraid that the business is super dependant on what people think of your art, and I'm a little fearful of my stuff being considered junk in the eyes of editors. I'm wondering if someone who still has meltdowns from loud noises, too afraid to be left alone, and can't keep a desk job is capable of something like cartooning and animation.

 

[Streetwise]

For the past couple of years I have been obsessed with drawing random comic strips, cartoons, concept art and entire fictional world' for a story setting.

I've been slowly learning better and faster ways to draw, and the feel of a mechanical pencil scratching on paper is so soothing. Only recently did I seriously consider cartooning as a secondary/side choice to my Web design degree, as a hobby way of making minor money along with my major career or a back up if the economy acts up.

I'm thinking about taking art classes--maybe have a graphic design major, download Adobe prpgrams, buy art materials, or get together with my video game-making friends and make an indie game utilizing an improved version of my art style. It' lofty, but I'm willing to try it.

I'm just afraid that the business is super dependant on what people think of your art, and I'm a little fearful of my stuff being considered junk in the eyes of editors. I'm wondering if someone who still has meltdowns from loud noises, too afraid to be left alone, and can't keep a desk job is capable of something like cartooning and animation.

If you are given an office it would be different do you find sketching calming enough to destress quickly draw your conclusion from that

 

[the_tortoise]

A graphic artist can work for themselves as an independent contractor so depending on the types of art you produce and the work available to you, you might be able to control your workspace rather than having to fit yourself into someone else's.

People will definitely judge your art, I don't think you can get away from that.....but with art, things are really subjective, so even if some people think your work is junk that doesn't mean everyone will. And the more different styles you can learn the more you can tailor your art to what another person might want to see.

 

[Lady Penelope]

I think it's positive.
Maybe start your own Etsy shop and sell your zines and art?
Test the waters to see how it is received?
Upload to Instagram and follow other artists.
Approach communities like Society6 and Threadless to discuss them taking you on board as one of their artists?

 

[Mia]

I'm just afraid that the business is super dependant on what people think of your art, and I'm a little fearful of my stuff being considered junk in the eyes of editors. I'm wondering if someone who still has meltdowns from loud noises, too afraid to be left alone, and can't keep a desk job is capable of something like cartooning and animation.

You can start by putting a few feelers out. That is submitting something to a local newpaper on a small scale. Drawing an idea for a political cartoon or something relevant at the moment, and emailing it to an editor, it's all about the right place and right time. Not a full drawing, a 'comp' before the final piece/drawing/sketch, say in marker or pencil or ink and wait for feedback. Keep the final colour piece to four colours for print; red, green, blue and cyan.

Sometimes you can do these things and you won't hear for awhile, or you'll get a rejection. But if it fits, and it's right for them, they might buy it from you. First timer's or free-lancers usually get a basic forty to eighty dollars for one political cartoon or a strip, depending on the newspaper's readership online or in print. Not giving up is the point here, and submitting 'comps' to various places.

 

[Ameriblush]

If you are given an office it would be different do you find sketching calming enough to destress quickly draw your conclusion from that

That doesn't sound too bad, it' something I do now at school.

 

[Ameriblush]

A graphic artist can work for themselves as an independent contractor so depending on the types of art you produce and the work available to you, you might be able to control your workspace rather than having to fit yourself into someone else's.

People will definitely judge your art, I don't think you can get away from that.....but with art, things are really subjective, so even if some people think your work is junk that doesn't mean everyone will. And the more different styles you can learn the more you can tailor your art to what another person might want to see.

I certainly agree with this. I wonder what I would do to get this start.☺

 

[Ameriblush]

You can start by putting a few feelers out. That is submitting something to a local newpaper on a small scale. That is drawing an idea for a political cartoon or something relevant at the moment, and emailing it to an editor, it's all about the right place and right time. Not a full drawing, a 'comp' before the final piece/drawing/sketch, say in marker or pencil or ink and wait for feedback. Keep the final colour piece to four colours for print; red, green, blue and cyan.

Sometimes you can do these things and you won't hear for awhile, or you'll get a rejection. But if it fits, and it's right for them, they might buy it from you. First timer's or free-lancers usually get a basic forty to eighty dollars for one political cartoon or a strip, depending on the newspaper's readership online or in print. Not giving up is the point here, and submitting 'comps' to various places.

I like this idea!