Unit 2: Industry Roles and Professional Practice 1

Many animated series/feature films have had their source material originated from existing comics and novels. I’ve been exposed to a lot of comic book adaptations, video game adaptations, and of course – anime. Most anime – if not all, were adapted from manga. I’ve always been interested in publishing my own graphic novel through publishing agencies like Penguin Random House, Drawn and Quarterly, Self Made Hero, etc. In many cases, artists submit their manuscripts alongside a draft of their comic to the companies. I tried applying to Self Made Hero in the past before with an original but unfinished story. To no one’s surprise, I didn’t get a response. I definitely want to develop a full narrative for a graphic novel in the future.

Another way of getting into publishing, is to self-publish. This path can be more costly, depending on the materials and manufacturers I choose. I’d have to rely on my own ability to produce, distribute, and market – with the advantage of having full creative freedom with my art and not having a percentage taken from profits by agents or handling fees. I have a collection of short comics I’ve created over the years for Instagram which I think would do well for my first self-published work.