ART CAREER HELP-for a confused soul
Hello Everyone,
I'm torn between pursuing a Master's in Comics and Graphic Novels or Games Art and Design as a path to a career in one of these fields. These programs offer industry connections and strong training, so they're a great way to break into the industry. I’m currently based in London and prefer staying here, which leans me toward Games Art and Design, though Comics and Graphic Novels still pull at me. One is in Teesside which is not in London whereas the game art and design is in London at Goldsmiths and for me, I don't want to leave London. I found two other Masters in Comics that are in the US which makes my argument of staying in the UK in London even worse but then again US is enticing because well it's US and I get to go abroad.
Manga is another passion, I literally have a story planned out in my head but that would require moving to Japan to do a Master's in Manga and reaching business-level Japanese language proficiency, which seems like a stretch right now.
[CONTEXT]
I’m a beginner in art with no experience in drawing or 3D modeling. Currently, I'm focusing on Blender due to a hand injury that prevents me from sketching, but I should recover by next year before starting a Master's. I've got a course in Blender and a hand sketching course by Trent Kanuga. My background is in Biological Sciences (BSc), and I’m currently working in customer service, but my true passion is art. I'm in my mid-twenties, I’m looking to transition into a creative career.
[THOUGHTS]
I’m torn between pursuing manga, graphic novels, or games art and design. I love character design, especially in RPG fantasy/sci-fi styles like LOTR, WoW, Gw2, Diablo and Warhammer 40K, but I’m also passionate about storytelling through comics and manga. I fear picking one path will lead to regrets about missing the other. If there were a Master's in Comics in London, I’d lean toward that, but I’d still feel like I’m missing out on game art.
This "just in case" mindset has held me back, leaving me stuck and indecisive. I plan to revisit this with my therapist, as I don't want this mentality to keep limiting me. While I love manga, I’m unsure if I’m ready for the demanding life of a comic artist, working long hours to meet deadlines.
[QUESTIONS]
What should I do to figure out the right path? Do I need to try all three? The problem is the Master's deadlines are approaching, and I need to decide by December for 2025. I can't afford to wait until 2026 and stay stuck in customer service. I don't have enough time to explore everything, especially with my hand injury limiting my practice. If I rush, I might regret choosing the wrong path. I feel completely stuck.
I'm torn between pursuing a Master's in Comics and Graphic Novels or Games Art and Design as a path to a career in one of these fields. These programs offer industry connections and strong training, so they're a great way to break into the industry. I’m currently based in London and prefer staying here, which leans me toward Games Art and Design, though Comics and Graphic Novels still pull at me. One is in Teesside which is not in London whereas the game art and design is in London at Goldsmiths and for me, I don't want to leave London. I found two other Masters in Comics that are in the US which makes my argument of staying in the UK in London even worse but then again US is enticing because well it's US and I get to go abroad.
Manga is another passion, I literally have a story planned out in my head but that would require moving to Japan to do a Master's in Manga and reaching business-level Japanese language proficiency, which seems like a stretch right now.
[CONTEXT]
I’m a beginner in art with no experience in drawing or 3D modeling. Currently, I'm focusing on Blender due to a hand injury that prevents me from sketching, but I should recover by next year before starting a Master's. I've got a course in Blender and a hand sketching course by Trent Kanuga. My background is in Biological Sciences (BSc), and I’m currently working in customer service, but my true passion is art. I'm in my mid-twenties, I’m looking to transition into a creative career.
[THOUGHTS]
I’m torn between pursuing manga, graphic novels, or games art and design. I love character design, especially in RPG fantasy/sci-fi styles like LOTR, WoW, Gw2, Diablo and Warhammer 40K, but I’m also passionate about storytelling through comics and manga. I fear picking one path will lead to regrets about missing the other. If there were a Master's in Comics in London, I’d lean toward that, but I’d still feel like I’m missing out on game art.
This "just in case" mindset has held me back, leaving me stuck and indecisive. I plan to revisit this with my therapist, as I don't want this mentality to keep limiting me. While I love manga, I’m unsure if I’m ready for the demanding life of a comic artist, working long hours to meet deadlines.
[QUESTIONS]
What should I do to figure out the right path? Do I need to try all three? The problem is the Master's deadlines are approaching, and I need to decide by December for 2025. I can't afford to wait until 2026 and stay stuck in customer service. I don't have enough time to explore everything, especially with my hand injury limiting my practice. If I rush, I might regret choosing the wrong path. I feel completely stuck.
(edited 10 months ago)
Original post by Mohamed Aliz
Hello Everyone,
I'm torn between pursuing a Master's in Comics and Graphic Novels or Games Art and Design as a path to a career in one of these fields. These programs offer industry connections and strong training, so they're a great way to break into the industry. I’m currently based in London and prefer staying here, which leans me toward Games Art and Design, though Comics and Graphic Novels still pull at me. One is in Teesside which is not in London whereas the game art and design is in London at Goldsmiths and for me, I don't want to leave London. I found two other Masters in Comics that are in the US which makes my argument of staying in the UK in London even worse but then again US is enticing because well it's US and I get to go abroad.
Manga is another passion, I literally have a story planned out in my head but that would require moving to Japan to do a Master's in Manga and reaching business-level Japanese language proficiency, which seems like a stretch right now.
[CONTEXT]
I’m a beginner in art with no experience in drawing or 3D modeling. Currently, I'm focusing on Blender due to a hand injury that prevents me from sketching, but I should recover by next year before starting a Master's. I've got a course in Blender and a hand sketching course by Trent Kanuga. My background is in Biological Sciences (BSc), and I’m currently working in customer service, but my true passion is art. I'm in my mid-twenties, I’m looking to transition into a creative career.
[THOUGHTS]
I’m torn between pursuing manga, graphic novels, or games art and design. I love character design, especially in RPG fantasy/sci-fi styles like LOTR, WoW, Gw2, Diablo and Warhammer 40K, but I’m also passionate about storytelling through comics and manga. I fear picking one path will lead to regrets about missing the other. If there were a Master's in Comics in London, I’d lean toward that, but I’d still feel like I’m missing out on game art.
This "just in case" mindset has held me back, leaving me stuck and indecisive. I plan to revisit this with my therapist, as I don't want this mentality to keep limiting me. While I love manga, I’m unsure if I’m ready for the demanding life of a comic artist, working long hours to meet deadlines.
[QUESTIONS]
What should I do to figure out the right path? Do I need to try all three? The problem is the Master's deadlines are approaching, and I need to decide by December for 2025. I can't afford to wait until 2026 and stay stuck in customer service. I don't have enough time to explore everything, especially with my hand injury limiting my practice. If I rush, I might regret choosing the wrong path. I feel completely stuck.
I'm torn between pursuing a Master's in Comics and Graphic Novels or Games Art and Design as a path to a career in one of these fields. These programs offer industry connections and strong training, so they're a great way to break into the industry. I’m currently based in London and prefer staying here, which leans me toward Games Art and Design, though Comics and Graphic Novels still pull at me. One is in Teesside which is not in London whereas the game art and design is in London at Goldsmiths and for me, I don't want to leave London. I found two other Masters in Comics that are in the US which makes my argument of staying in the UK in London even worse but then again US is enticing because well it's US and I get to go abroad.
Manga is another passion, I literally have a story planned out in my head but that would require moving to Japan to do a Master's in Manga and reaching business-level Japanese language proficiency, which seems like a stretch right now.
[CONTEXT]
I’m a beginner in art with no experience in drawing or 3D modeling. Currently, I'm focusing on Blender due to a hand injury that prevents me from sketching, but I should recover by next year before starting a Master's. I've got a course in Blender and a hand sketching course by Trent Kanuga. My background is in Biological Sciences (BSc), and I’m currently working in customer service, but my true passion is art. I'm in my mid-twenties, I’m looking to transition into a creative career.
[THOUGHTS]
I’m torn between pursuing manga, graphic novels, or games art and design. I love character design, especially in RPG fantasy/sci-fi styles like LOTR, WoW, Gw2, Diablo and Warhammer 40K, but I’m also passionate about storytelling through comics and manga. I fear picking one path will lead to regrets about missing the other. If there were a Master's in Comics in London, I’d lean toward that, but I’d still feel like I’m missing out on game art.
This "just in case" mindset has held me back, leaving me stuck and indecisive. I plan to revisit this with my therapist, as I don't want this mentality to keep limiting me. While I love manga, I’m unsure if I’m ready for the demanding life of a comic artist, working long hours to meet deadlines.
[QUESTIONS]
What should I do to figure out the right path? Do I need to try all three? The problem is the Master's deadlines are approaching, and I need to decide by December for 2025. I can't afford to wait until 2026 and stay stuck in customer service. I don't have enough time to explore everything, especially with my hand injury limiting my practice. If I rush, I might regret choosing the wrong path. I feel completely stuck.
I'm admittedly not an expert in art, but I think it's relatively common to move around in the field of art, so you can start in one thing and end up in another one. I'd pick the choice that's most enticing to you right now, or maybe the most convenient for you, and see where that takes you.
You say however that you have no experience in drawing or 3D modelling, which is a bit worrying. You should double-check if you need to submit a portfolio with some of your artwork for these Masters, or even maybe taking a year out to learn more about drawing and modelling yourself without being plunged into the deep end of a Masters.
Reply 2
4
What about if I pick the most convenient but end up regretting it because its not the most enticing?
In regards to the Masters I do need a portfolio, its probably best I email each individual uni to find out their requirements. Some may be more harsh than others and I might be able to have the bare minimum for a portfolio since im going to start learning 3D modelling soon.
In regards to the Masters I do need a portfolio, its probably best I email each individual uni to find out their requirements. Some may be more harsh than others and I might be able to have the bare minimum for a portfolio since im going to start learning 3D modelling soon.
Original post by Mohamed Aliz
What about if I pick the most convenient but end up regretting it because its not the most enticing?
In regards to the Masters I do need a portfolio, its probably best I email each individual uni to find out their requirements. Some may be more harsh than others and I might be able to have the bare minimum for a portfolio since im going to start learning 3D modelling soon.
In regards to the Masters I do need a portfolio, its probably best I email each individual uni to find out their requirements. Some may be more harsh than others and I might be able to have the bare minimum for a portfolio since im going to start learning 3D modelling soon.
It's a judgement call. I said the most convenient because there might be great difficulties in getting you into one of these courses - but I wouldn't know. But preferably do the course you're most excited for!
Do email the universities for their portfolio requirements, they will want different things and you might not be able to provide what they want in time, or they might want a bigger portfolio than the one you can build in the short time you have before your application.
Reply 4
Original post by Mohamed Aliz
Hello Everyone,
I'm torn between pursuing a Master's in Comics and Graphic Novels or Games Art and Design as a path to a career in one of these fields. These programs offer industry connections and strong training, so they're a great way to break into the industry. I’m currently based in London and prefer staying here, which leans me toward Games Art and Design, though Comics and Graphic Novels still pull at me. One is in Teesside which is not in London whereas the game art and design is in London at Goldsmiths and for me, I don't want to leave London. I found two other Masters in Comics that are in the US which makes my argument of staying in the UK in London even worse but then again US is enticing because well it's US and I get to go abroad.
Manga is another passion, I literally have a story planned out in my head but that would require moving to Japan to do a Master's in Manga and reaching business-level Japanese language proficiency, which seems like a stretch right now.
[CONTEXT]
I’m a beginner in art with no experience in drawing or 3D modeling. Currently, I'm focusing on Blender due to a hand injury that prevents me from sketching, but I should recover by next year before starting a Master's. I've got a course in Blender and a hand sketching course by Trent Kanuga. My background is in Biological Sciences (BSc), and I’m currently working in customer service, but my true passion is art. I'm in my mid-twenties, I’m looking to transition into a creative career.
[THOUGHTS]
I’m torn between pursuing manga, graphic novels, or games art and design. I love character design, especially in RPG fantasy/sci-fi styles like LOTR, WoW, Gw2, Diablo and Warhammer 40K, but I’m also passionate about storytelling through comics and manga. I fear picking one path will lead to regrets about missing the other. If there were a Master's in Comics in London, I’d lean toward that, but I’d still feel like I’m missing out on game art.
This "just in case" mindset has held me back, leaving me stuck and indecisive. I plan to revisit this with my therapist, as I don't want this mentality to keep limiting me. While I love manga, I’m unsure if I’m ready for the demanding life of a comic artist, working long hours to meet deadlines.
[QUESTIONS]
What should I do to figure out the right path? Do I need to try all three? The problem is the Master's deadlines are approaching, and I need to decide by December for 2025. I can't afford to wait until 2026 and stay stuck in customer service. I don't have enough time to explore everything, especially with my hand injury limiting my practice. If I rush, I might regret choosing the wrong path. I feel completely stuck.
I'm torn between pursuing a Master's in Comics and Graphic Novels or Games Art and Design as a path to a career in one of these fields. These programs offer industry connections and strong training, so they're a great way to break into the industry. I’m currently based in London and prefer staying here, which leans me toward Games Art and Design, though Comics and Graphic Novels still pull at me. One is in Teesside which is not in London whereas the game art and design is in London at Goldsmiths and for me, I don't want to leave London. I found two other Masters in Comics that are in the US which makes my argument of staying in the UK in London even worse but then again US is enticing because well it's US and I get to go abroad.
Manga is another passion, I literally have a story planned out in my head but that would require moving to Japan to do a Master's in Manga and reaching business-level Japanese language proficiency, which seems like a stretch right now.
[CONTEXT]
I’m a beginner in art with no experience in drawing or 3D modeling. Currently, I'm focusing on Blender due to a hand injury that prevents me from sketching, but I should recover by next year before starting a Master's. I've got a course in Blender and a hand sketching course by Trent Kanuga. My background is in Biological Sciences (BSc), and I’m currently working in customer service, but my true passion is art. I'm in my mid-twenties, I’m looking to transition into a creative career.
[THOUGHTS]
I’m torn between pursuing manga, graphic novels, or games art and design. I love character design, especially in RPG fantasy/sci-fi styles like LOTR, WoW, Gw2, Diablo and Warhammer 40K, but I’m also passionate about storytelling through comics and manga. I fear picking one path will lead to regrets about missing the other. If there were a Master's in Comics in London, I’d lean toward that, but I’d still feel like I’m missing out on game art.
This "just in case" mindset has held me back, leaving me stuck and indecisive. I plan to revisit this with my therapist, as I don't want this mentality to keep limiting me. While I love manga, I’m unsure if I’m ready for the demanding life of a comic artist, working long hours to meet deadlines.
[QUESTIONS]
What should I do to figure out the right path? Do I need to try all three? The problem is the Master's deadlines are approaching, and I need to decide by December for 2025. I can't afford to wait until 2026 and stay stuck in customer service. I don't have enough time to explore everything, especially with my hand injury limiting my practice. If I rush, I might regret choosing the wrong path. I feel completely stuck.
"I’m a beginner in art with no experience in drawing or 3D modeling."
"my true passion is art"
•
These statements are at odds with each other. How do you know it's your "true passion"?
•
Both of these are incredibly competitive industries. Having a masters will not in any way guarantee you a job in either of them.
•
Any decent art course will require an entry portfolio. If they don't, they are setting you up to fail by not making sure you have the skills to even complete the program.
•
Lots of these courses will take your money, even if they think you will fail. They are a business. They don't care if you sink or swim.
•
I would wait and do an art foundation course or spend a year developing your craft and consider applying next year. You would benefit from having a stronger set of fundamental skills. Draw from life - draw objects, people, surroundings in your real life. Focus on tone and shadow. Develop your 3d skills.
•
In general I would always advise a course that teaches 3D skills over a course that is strictly a 2D course. It never hurts to add another skill to your toolset as an artist - having the ability to do 3d competently will make you more employable.
Reply 5
4
Original post by aspalax
"I’m a beginner in art with no experience in drawing or 3D modeling."
"my true passion is art"
"my true passion is art"
•
These statements are at odds with each other. How do you know it's your "true passion"?
•
Both of these are incredibly competitive industries. Having a masters will not in any way guarantee you a job in either of them.
•
Any decent art course will require an entry portfolio. If they don't, they are setting you up to fail by not making sure you have the skills to even complete the program.
•
Lots of these courses will take your money, even if they think you will fail. They are a business. They don't care if you sink or swim.
•
I would wait and do an art foundation course or spend a year developing your craft and consider applying next year. You would benefit from having a stronger set of fundamental skills. Draw from life - draw objects, people, surroundings in your real life. Focus on tone and shadow. Develop your 3d skills.
•
In general I would always advise a course that teaches 3D skills over a course that is strictly a 2D course. It never hurts to add another skill to your toolset as an artist - having the ability to do 3d competently will make you more employable.
Why specifically 3D though-most comic artists don't employ 3D modelling or anything of the sort? To be honest, I don't know if it's my true passion but I do know one of them is because its what is most interesting to me and looks to be what I would like to spend my time on.
Reply 6
Original post by Mohamed Aliz
Why specifically 3D though-most comic artists don't employ 3D modelling or anything of the sort? To be honest, I don't know if it's my true passion but I do know one of them is because its what is most interesting to me and looks to be what I would like to spend my time on.
Here's an article with some great resources and videos for how 3D is used as a modern tool to assist concept art, comics and illustration.
https://theartsquirrel.com/26/using-3d-software-for-illustration-comics-concept-art-and-digital-painting/
Probably more comic background artists employ 3D than you think. I would do some more research into the modern techniques used in the industry you are interested in pursuing. And as I said, it's an additional tool. Having extra skills can only ever help you.
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