Every year, artists, designers, writers, and comic book fans converge in New York City for an epic event—Comic Con. Many come in full costume, but everyone comes ready to talk about why they love the world of comics, media, and entertainment. This year we got to attend Comic Con and were absolutely stunned by the passion and work ethic of the creative professionals we met, from an illustrator who doubles as a musician to a biotechnologist-turned-Wonder Woman artist!
We managed to snag a few artists and writers away from their fans to ask them how they got started. Not only did they have inspirational career stories, but they also had tons of practical and thoughtful advice for students and aspiring creators. Check out our interviews below!
Freddie E. Williams II
Who: Artist for Batman/TMNT and He-Man/Thundercats
How he got started: Freddie remembers staying in from recess to draw Superman and He-Man. Once he’d discovered his passion, he studied How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way and found a mentor.
Advice for students:
Learn through all different kinds of media.
You’re going to fail and hear “no” a lot, but you just have to stick with it.
Afua Richardson
Who: Artist for Black Panther, Musician, Jane of All Trades
How she got started: Afua started out by drawing trees, and before long she was also drawing people and just about everything else.
Advice for students:
Promote yourself! Get a website and business cards.
Draw from life. Find resources through your local ASIFA Chapter.
If you’re looking for a community of creators, check out Docta Foo’s Lab.
Emanuela Lupacchino
Who: Artist for DC Comics—Supergirl and Wonderwoman
How she got started: Emanuela started her career as a biotechnologist, and when she was 24 decided to become a comic book artist. Her first comic book was for a small publisher in Italy.
Advice for students:
No matter what you’re doing, you have to practice a lot.
Always look around you for inspiration.
Man of Action Entertainment Team
Who: Creators of Ben 10 and the characters for Big Hero 6
How they got started: Duncan loved to draw Godzilla as a kid, and Steve’s first book was called Escape from Spain. They were friends who went to conventions together, and then they decided to make comics together.
Advice for students:
Learn about the business and marketing sides of art.
Work on what you love every day.
Don’t be afraid to take yourself seriously.
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