Expert: Justin Case - 9/16/2009

Question
I have dreamed of creating/drawing comics since I was young and have recently decided to pursue it as a full-blown career. However, one vital question I have is, would I have to permanently move near whichever comic/publishing company hires me or am i able to live in my hometown of Phoenix, AZ (after receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Illustration of course)??

Answer
Hi Kira -

That's awesome!  That's been a dream of mine as well but hasn't yet materialized so I hope it will work out for you.

Given the 'new management' mentality prevalent in most of the more prominent comic publishers the odds are that you probably would not have to move in order to pursue a career like that.

Many of the larger companies are now heavily involved in what they refer to as 'hoteling' wherein their artists, writers, etc. are able to take advantage of computers, Fed Ex, fax machines etc. and work from their homes (or studios) without having to move.

I know a couple of writers who work for both DC and Marvel comics who live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Denver, Colorado, but whose 'headquarters' is actually in New York.  One of them works with an artist (who illustrates all his work) and that individual lives in the United Kingdom.

So, I doubt you would necessarily have to move.  Best of luck with that, I hope to see your work someday!

Thanks!

Deran

You bet!  I'd love to look at your art sometime if you have a website or anything like that.  Best of luck the profession needs all the talent it can get!