Comic Book ArtistMichael Burdge

Brief History of Comic Books• Comics have brought entertainment since the 19th

century

• Some stories were humorous and some were suspenseful

• The Golden Age of comics (1930’s-1950’s)

• World War II had a big impact on the popularization of comics

• After the war, sales dropped slowly until the 70’s

• Modern America gets most of its entertainment from television and video

games, leaving comic sales lesser than they once were

Skills, Abilities, and Interests

• Drawing and Art skills are obviously needed

• Graphic Design and Paintings skills will be helpful

• A vivid imagination will help the artist interpret what the writer has put on

paper

• Writing skills will aid the artist so that he can give his input on the story and

dialogue of the comic

• The artist must be able to tell a story

• Experience

Education

• A formal education is not necessarily needed

• School helps create a foundation

• School also helps to hone and reform one’s skills

• It also gives experience

• The art school experience will help add tools to the artist’s craft

• After art classes, the artist will be more qualified to apply for a position as a

comic book artist

Finding Work

• Usually work as freelancers

• Sometimes seek out authors or publishing houses

• Writers spread the word that they need artists

• Some advertising agencies and product design companies

will hire comic book artists

Salary

• Comic book artists make approximately $100 per page

• They make an average salary of $53,080

• More work equals more pay

Bibliography

• http://www.theartcareerproject.com/wham-pow- blam-blast-your-way-into-a-comic-book-career/559/