Comic books are an amazing way to bring history to life for everyone, whether they’re young or only young at heart. Not only do illustrations help readers absorb the information better, but they are also more evocative and will stick with readers longer.
There is a proud lineage of comic books and graphic novels that tackle challenging subject matter through a colorful lens. However, choosing the right artist for your project will make all the difference. Follow these tips to narrow down your options and build a powerful partnership.
Decide on Your Audience
Knowing your audience is crucial to finding an illustrator who can bring your words to life. A comic book teaching children about the history of electricity will feel very different from one geared to a slightly older audience, even though the subject matter is the same. You’ll likely use fewer words, simpler nouns, and punchier verbs that will get them excited, while an older audience will appreciate nuance and a more serious tone.
Different art styles also speak to different people. A comic book for older history buffs will likely use more intricate drawings, with subtler shades and more symbolism that may be lost on a younger demographic. This will also help you find the right illustrator.
Write the Text Ahead of Time
An illustrator needs to understand your subject matter and how dense the text will be so they can shape their art around your premise. As such, prepare a good rough draft of your text, even if a few words may change between manuscript and publication.
You should also decide how many pages your comic book will be, how many panels you’ll require, and how large each illustration should be on the page.
Another key element is whether you will have footnotes, endnotes, or references, which are common in historical graphic novels. References are a good choice if you don’t want to distract readers from the art, but they don’t allow you to specifically note sources for particular points. In this case, endnotes may be a good compromise that helps readers find the sources they need to look deeper into a specific point.
Get Familiar With Different Illustration Styles
Certain styles will work better with different historical subject matter. The Boston Public Library showcases comic books and graphic novels that explore different eras of history, often drawing inspiration from popular art of the era. For example, a graphic novel about the Atomic Age could use the colorful 1950s art style that was prevalent in advertising and illustrations of the era. Not only is this eye-catching, but it also conveys a sense of historical relevance, making your project feel like an artifact of its time.
Assess Your Options On an Illustrator Marketplace
Illustrators are a small but passionate community of highly experienced professionals who pride themselves on producing high-quality work for their clients. However, finding the perfect fit can be difficult if you choose a standard freelance platform. Some artists you find are incredibly skilled, while others are just starting out in their careers and may have no publications to their name. And, unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals may rely on AI-generated graphics rather than truly bringing your vision to life.
Instead of taking your chances on these more generalized platforms, consider looking to specialized marketplaces for comic book illustrators. These vetted professionals have full portfolios you can review, including resumes that demonstrate their years of experience. You can request quotes from multiple graphic artists, talk about your project, and assess whether they have the skills you’re looking for.
Prepare for Collaboration and Conversation
For many history buffs looking to share their insights into their era of interest, the conversations with a skilled illustrator are among the most rewarding aspects of the project. Minute details, such as the right shade for a protagonist’s face, can unlock new insights and add an unexpected depth to the finished project.
However, it’s crucial that you remain responsive throughout the process rather than expecting the artist to complete their work without direction. If you have preferences, share them at the beginning of the project to avoid costly redrafting and delays.
One excellent way to direct the work is to provide a color palette and inspiration images. If there’s a comic book you love, offer this as an example of what you’re looking for. You should also consider aspects like specific symbolism that you believe will help advance the narrative or what items should be prioritized in different panels.
Developing a history comic book can be an incredibly fruitful way to explore eras past and educate the public. The right illustrator can make a significant difference in both the reception and profitability of your book, making it essential that you plan carefully and remain open to collaboration. Through specialized artist marketplaces, you can find the perfect partner for your winning vision.
