High School

While in high school, take classes in drawing, graphic design, digital design, painting, and sculpture (if it’s offered). English literature and writing classes also provide a good foundation for skills needed in comic book art.

Postsecondary Education

A bachelor’s degree is not required to become a comic book artist, but it will help you hone your skills and expand your knowledge of art. In some cases employers prefer to hire comic book artists with a degree in art. Academic programs may focus on fine art, computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Classes include painting, drawing, sculpture, and, depending on the degree, interactive media or animation. Core required subjects are usually art history and studio art, as well as English, social science, and marketing. Students also take classes in software programs for art.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in art that students can take to improve their skills and artistic technique. A few colleges offer certificates in cartoon art. For example, the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, Vermont, offers certificate programs (https://www.cartoonstudies.org/programs) in cartoon art. The Massachusetts College of Art and Design offers a visual storytelling and comic arts certificate (https://massart.edu/program/visual-storytelling-and-comic-arts). Portland State University and San Diego State University also offer certificates in comics studies.

Other Education or Training

The Graphic Artists Guild provides teleclasses that focus on topics such as optimizing your portfolio and utilizing social media for marketing and self promotion. AIGA, the professional association for design, also provides continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements to become a comic book artist.

Comic book artists must have solid drawing and illustration skills. There are no required number of years of experience to be a comic book artist, but most comic book artists have years of practice at drawing and telling stories before they break into the field. Imagination, storytelling abilities, and the ability to collaborate with others on projects are important attributes for this type of work. Experience with art software such as Adobe Photoshop, Manga Studio, SketchBook Pro, or others is important. Strong communication skills and a flexible attitude also come in handy when working with art directors, writers, editors, and publishers, and is especially helpful when under deadline pressure. Many comic book artists learn the trade and get their foot in the door by assisting an established artist.