Mangaka (漫画家) is the Japanese word for a comic artist or cartoonist. Specifically, it refers to artists who create manga, which is the Japanese style of comic books and graphic novels.
Manga is a popular art form, with many manga being adapted into billion-dollar anime and live-action films. As the influence of Japanese pop culture spreads worldwide, more people dream of becoming mangaka.
This guide will explain everything you need to know to start a career as a manga artist, from developing your skills to getting published.
What is Manga?
Manga refers to Japanese comic books and graphic novels. The word “manga” combines the Japanese words for “whimsical” and “pictures.”
Unlike American comic books which are generally coloured, manga is usually published in black and white. The art style features exaggerated facial expressions, action lines, and large dreamy eyes.
Stories in manga are told through a sequence of panels, read from right to left. This is opposite to the left-to-right reading style of Western comics.
Manga encompasses many genres, including action, romance, horror, comedy, and more. Some manga are created for specific demographics, such as young boys or girls. But many titles enjoy cross-demographic popularity.
The Most Famous Mangaka
Many mangaka have achieved celebrity status in Japan and even internationally. Here are some of the most influential manga artists:
- Osamu Tezuka: Known as the “God of Manga,” Tezuka created iconic series like Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion in the 1950s-60s. He pioneered many techniques still used in manga today.
- Akira Toriyama: Creator of globally beloved series like Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. Toriyama’s works introduced millions outside Japan to manga.
- Rumiko Takahashi: One of the most successful female mangaka. She created the popular series Ranma 1/2, Inuyasha, Rin-ne, and others.
- Eiichiro Oda: His pirate manga One Piece has smashed sales records, with over 490 million copies sold worldwide.
- Naoko Takeuchi: Her magical girl series Sailor Moon has been iconic since the 1990s, inspiring numerous anime adaptions.
- Hirohiko Araki: His avant-garde horror series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has spanned over 30 years with a devoted international fanbase.
As these examples show, the most successful mangaka create series that catch on worldwide. Having an original idea with universal appeal is key.
Skills Needed to Become a Mangaka
Mangaka handles both the visual art and storytelling involved in creating manga. Here are some of the main skills you’ll need:
- Drawing: This skill is essential. You must be able to draw by hand and digitally. Develop your own style but also be versatile.
- Storytelling: Mangaka writes the plot and dialogue along with the art. You must craft compelling stories and characters.
- Panel layout: Plan the sequence and pace of panels to control the flow of the story. This takes planning and visual storytelling skills.
- Speed: Mangaka works to strict deadlines. You need to draw quickly and consistently to get a chapter done each week.
- Collaboration: Most mangaka work with assistants and editors. Communication skills are vital.
- Perseverance: The manga industry is very competitive. You must keep trying and improving your skills.
How to Develop Your Mangaka Skills
Here are some tips for developing the necessary drawing, storytelling, and manga-specific skills:
- Practice constantly: Set aside time each day to draw. Sketch characters, objects, and landscapes using online photo references. The more you practice, the faster and more skilled you’ll become.
- Study the masters: Read manga by famous artists in genres you want to work in. Analyze their panelling, character designs, pacing and compositions to improve your own work.
- Take art classes: Formal instruction can teach you foundational skills like anatomy, perspective, lighting, and colour theory. These apply even when drawing in black and white.
- Learn digital art: Most manga work today is done digitally. Practising on a graphics tablet helps you develop this essential skill. Programs like Clip Studio Paint are made for drawing manga digitally.
- Attend workshops: Many manga artists hold classes and workshops. Participating provides hands-on learning and a chance to get professional feedback on your work.
- Write every day: To improve your storytelling, write short stories, poems, manga plots, etc. daily. Experiment with dialogue and descriptions. Read fiction in the genres you want to work in.
- Study panelling: Analyze how your favourite manga uses panel layouts to pace the story. Experiment with different panelling techniques in your own work.
- Develop original stories: Mangaka jobs require pitching story ideas to editors. Start coming up with unique characters and storylines early.
How to Get Published as a Mangaka
There are a few potential paths to getting published in Japan:
Win a New Mangaka Contest
Many Japanese manga publishers hold annual contests seeking new artists. For example, Weekly Shonen Jump’s JUMP Treasure New Mangaka Audition offers the winner a contract to serialize a series.
These contests allow publishers to discover promising rookie talent. If you win, you get invaluable exposure and mentoring.
The catch is contests are extremely competitive, with only 1-2 winners chosen out of thousands of applicants. You’ll need very polished skills and stories to have a good chance.
Submit One-Shot to Magazine
Japanese manga magazines frequently run one-shot manga stories by amateur artists. For example, Shueisha’s Jump NEXT! and Shogakukan’s Ura Sunday magazines.
One-shots are short, standalone stories just 10-20 pages long. If editors like your submission, they may contact you and ask to see more story ideas. This can potentially lead to a serialization contract.
As with contests, competition is fierce. Really refine and practice your short manga before submitting.
Find Work as an Assistant
Working as an assistant for an experienced mangaka helps you learn directly from a pro. You’ll gain vital industry knowledge and make connections.
Many assistants parlay this experience into publishing their own manga. However positions are limited, so you’ll need an impressive portfolio showcasing your skills.
Self-Publish Doujinshi
Doujinshi refers to self-published works, including manga. Many aspiring artists create doujinshi (same meaning as “indie comics”) and sell them at huge conventions like Comiket in Tokyo.
This lets you directly reach tons of potential fans. If your doujinshi becomes a hit, it can demonstrate commercial viability to publishers.
Of course, the Doujinshi market is also very saturated. Marketing skills are vital to make your work stand out from the crowd.
Tips for Aspiring Mangaka
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve your goal of becoming a published mangaka:
- Start young: Many famous mangakas began drawing and submitting manga as teenagers. Starting your career early allows more time to refine your skills.
- Know the industry: Understand the major Japanese publishers and magazines. Research which ones publish genres you’re interested in. Follow submission guidelines closely.
- Seek mentors: Experienced mangaka artists, editors, and industry veterans can provide invaluable mentorship. Attend events to connect with pros.
- Network online: Social media allows networking with artists worldwide. Share your work and mutually critique each other.
- Attend conventions: Selling doujinshi at conventions lets you get fan feedback. You can also meet editors and artists.
- Consider relocating: Working in Tokyo provides more job opportunities. If language is an obstacle, consider attending a manga school in Japan, which sometimes provides dorms.
- Practice stamina: Mangaka works long hours on tight deadlines. Building physical and mental endurance helps you handle the workload. Stay healthy.
- Don’t give up: The industry is very competitive. Expect a long struggle before getting published. Persist and continue improving your manga.
- Have a side income: At first, you likely won’t earn much from manga. Have savings or a part-time job until your career takes off.
- Learn Japanese: Although some manga publishers accept submissions in English, you’ll have much better chances if you can speak Japanese fluently.
Is the Mangaka Lifestyle for You?
If you want to become a mangaka, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the career path. Here are some things to consider:
- Very competitive industry: There are far more aspiring mangaka than available jobs. Publishing typically requires years of hard work developing skills.
- Irregular income: Most artists don’t earn a steady paycheck. Income relies on sales and commissions. Having a financial safety net is crucial.
- No vacations: Mangaka works on tight serialization schedules with new chapters due every week. Falling behind isn’t an option.
- Long hours: Mangaka routinely work 12-18 hours per day to meet relentless deadlines. Stamina and time management are vital.
- Health risks: A sedentary lifestyle and work pressure lead to a high incidence of back pain, wrist injuries, insomnia, and other issues for many mangakas.
- Sensitivity to criticism: Editors often demand changes or cuts. Thick skin is required to not take criticism of your work too personally.
If this reality suits you, then you have the dedication to make it as a mangaka! Passion for manga will keep you motivated through all the hard work.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional mangaka takes tremendous persistence, skill, and patience. But for dedicated artists, it offers an unparalleled chance to entertain millions with their unique stories and art.
Success requires mastering both the visual and writing aspects of manga creation. Polish your skills and develop a portfolio of impressive work. Stay committed through years of practice, networking, and submission attempts. Aim to win contests, get published as an assistant, or self-publish doujinshi to build your reputation.
With enough hard work and perseverance, you can achieve the dream of becoming a published mangaka in Japan!
