Professional

Practice

Narrative plays a critical role in illustration as it helps to tell a story through images. An illustration with a compelling narrative engages the reader's attention and provides a deeper understanding of the message being conveyed. The narrative is conveyed through various elements, such as characters, setting, and plot, and can be abstract or concrete. Additionally, how the illustrator chooses to depict these elements can significantly influence the narrative's overall impact. A well-crafted narrative in illustration can evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and create lasting impressions on the reader, making it an essential tool for communication and storytelling.

Professional practice in comic books is a challenging field that requires a range of skills and abilities. As detailed by Trent Kaniuga (creator to the comic Creed) one of the most significant aspects of professional practice in this industry is self-employment. Many comic book artists and writers work as freelancers or independent contractors, which means they are responsible for finding their own work, managing their own finances, and promoting themselves and their work to potential clients.
One of the key ways that comic book professionals promote themselves and their work is through social media. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook provide artists and writers with a way to connect with fans, showcase their work, and build a following. By consistently posting updates about their work, sharing artwork and sketches, and engaging with fans, comic book professionals can develop a loyal following that can help to advance their career. Having a solid and filled-out story is critical in the comic book industry. Readers expect compelling characters, engaging plots, and well-developed worlds. As such, comic book professionals must spend a significant amount of time on their storytelling, including outlining, scripting, and revising their work.
The comic book industry is a deadline-oriented profession, which means that artists and writers must be able to work quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines. This often requires the ability to work long hours, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain a high level of productivity. Being able to work quickly while maintaining quality is a skill that takes time to develop, but it is essential in the competitive world of comic book publishing.
Being on schedule is critical in this profession. Publishers rely on artists and writers to deliver work on time, and missing deadlines can have serious consequences, including loss of work and damage to reputation. To be successful in the comic book industry, professionals must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage their time effectively.

Andrew Dilon states that Collaboration is also an essential aspect of professional practice in comic books. Comic book publishing is a collaborative process that involves a range of professionals, including artists, writers, editors, colorists, and graphic designers. As such, professionals must be able to work closely with others, communicate effectively, and be willing to make changes to their work based on feedback from others. Self-publishing is another essential aspect of professional practice in comic books. While many comic book artists and writers work with traditional publishers, self-publishing can provide greater control over the creative process and a higher percentage of the profits. However, self-publishing also requires a significant amount of additional work, including marketing and distribution, and may not be the right choice for all artists and writers.