Arts

Should You Choose a Career in Sequential Arts?
By Editorial Staff
 
|   March 7, 2014
  |  
  3 Min Read
Study Magazine - Should You Choose a Career in Sequential Arts?
If you’re the type to doodle while in class, and if those drawings often depict a story or event, you may find your calling in the field of sequential arts. This could definitely be a really fun career path for those to pursue who are creatively inclined. In this article, we’re going to tell you all you need to know about getting on the path of a career in sequential arts.

What Does A Sequential Artist Do?

As a sequential artist, your primary job responsibility would be to use your narrative skills as a writer and fuse them with your illustration skills to craft a story that creates a real impact at first glance, presenting a solid point that defies generations. You will have to create illustrations for comic books and strips, plot storylines, stick to design briefs (if any), and be ready to work on tight schedules among others.

Is This Career Right For You?

A career in illustrating comics and graphic novels allows you to use your artistic skills while fostering your creativity. If you love to draw and are always exploring new ways to tell a story visually, this is a profession worth considering. Candidates for this career should have the tendency to get immersed in their work and should enjoy working alone. Do you constantly strive to improve your skills? If so, you may want to look into possible courses offering training in sequential arts.

Where To Study?

There are many places where you can study animation and sequential arts.  The Illustration for Sequential Arts Program at Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design is a three-year diploma program specifically designed to give students a broad skill base for a variety of employment options. The first year focuses on Visual Arts Literacy (VAL). To enter directly into year two or three, students can apply for advanced standing.  Other colleges that you can try your hand at animation and illustration include -

Where Are The Jobs?

A course in sequential arts will allow graduates to work in fields such as graphic design, advertising, and publishing. With input from leading Canadian illustrators, the program teaches skills that are in high demand in the game, comic book, and graphic novel industries. There is also the option to crossover into animation-related courses such as storyboarding.  As for cities where you’ll find these jobs, prospects are good in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, etc. Upon completion of the course, you will have a solid portfolio and web page, as well as the skills to seek employment and prepare for a job interview. Max the Mutt offers the advantage of an annual Open House where representatives from animation and gaming companies look for graduates to fill job openings. They also regularly pass along information on employment opportunities as they arise.

Are There Any Student Aid Programs?

Yes, there are. But it depends on which college you end up studying in. Each might have a different type of funding option available. For example at Herzing College, you have access to Quebec Funding options provided you make the cut. If you’re studying at Toronto Film School, you can make use of the Second Career  (now known as Better Jobs) program. You can obviously always make use of Federal Bursaries and Scholarships. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions abound whenever you start something new. Here are a few frequently asked questions about sequential art to help you out -

How much does a sequential artist earn?

According to Glassdoor, the average base pay of a comic artist in Canada is $67,528 per year, which is a rather good amount.

What is the course fee for sequential art?

Animation school fees in Canada can cost you anywhere between $4,000 and $5,000 per term. It’s best to apply for a funding program so you can have a smooth-sailing college experience.
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