Ask John: Are There Alternative Methods to Becoming a Manga Artist?

Question:
One of my goals is to become a popular manga author. However, I remember reading that it’s very difficult for an American to become a manga author in Japan, so I decided to think of alternative routes to how I could become one. I was thinking about becoming a video game designer here in America to gain popularity internationally. After many years, I might have my own company, and if I’m popular enough, I would try for a run in Japan as a manga author. Do you think this is a good alternative for an American to become a manga author in Japan? Do you think there are more, better ways for an American to become one?

Answer:
Allow me to generalize with my response. I’m not particularly criticizing your individual goals or ideas. Since I’m often asked about how a foreign artist can become a Japanese manga or anime author or artist I’ve come to wonder whether many of the people who have this dream really understand their desire. I understand the desire to be accepted and approved of by the Japanese culture that created manga, but I don’t think that someone should decide upon a career path just as a means to earn respect from peers. A career is a personal obligation, so an ideal profession should be one that provides personal satisfaction. In other words, I think that prospective artists should aim to become a professional artist first, before aiming to become a Japanese artist or an artist in Japan, in particular.

I believe that art is a expression of personal ideas. Even commercial art is influenced by the tastes and style of the artist. Achieving fame and acceptance in Japan may provide a sense of gratification, but I think that an artist’s foremost priority should be on creating art and expressing himself honestly. Someone who’s not Japanese will never be able to create literal Japanese manga. Likewise, a Japanese artist can’t create pure American art. However, there’s no rule that prevents any artist from being influenced by foreign art. There’s no rule preventing Americans from creating art that’s similar, nearly indistinguishable from, or even superior to original Japanese art.

If you’re determined to draw Japanese style comics, do it. A foreign artist doesn’t have to live or work in Japan to create Japanese style comics. If you wish to write or draw manga, I recommend concentrating on writing or drawing. Don’t let a preoccupation with working in Japan stop you from being creative and gaining experience. Don’t let an arbitrary title like “manga artist” prevent you from expressing yourself creatively.

Since there are so many aspiring artists in Japan already who already have the advantage of speaking the language and living in the country, Japanese publishers have a convenient pool of talent to draw from rather than go through the trouble of working with a foreigner. Becoming a video game designer is not a bad stepping stone to the ultimate goal of being published in Japan. In fact, any training and experience you can accumulate will make you more attractive to a Japanese publisher. Celebrity opens doors. You’ll find more opportunities placed before you if you’re recognized as a talented artist than if you’re literally a nobody knocking on the door, begging for work.

A Japanese publisher is much more likely to be amiable to an established, professional artist that has proven himself. Desire to become a manga author is admirable, but probably won’t get you very far. Proof that you’re a competent, experienced, professional has concrete market value that publishers will pay for. If you wish to be a manga artist, become an artist first. Self-publish, take college or technical school classes, build a resume or show-reel, get professional experience as a writer or artist in comics, movies, video games, TV, stage, or any field that develops your professional and technical experience. Your chances of breaking into the Japanese industry are much better if the Japanese industry hears of you and approaches you than if you submit unsolicited proposals to Japanese publishers. I’m sure you’ll find it easer to fulfill your dream of moving into Japan’s manga industry if you’re professionally moving horizontally rather than vertically.