Hire the Best
Manga Artists

Manga artists specialize in creating the unique and captivating art style found in Japanese comics, known as manga. These artists bring stories to life with intricate illustration, expressive characters, and dynamic compositions. Whether you’re looking to develop a full-length manga series, create engaging marketing materials, or design eye-catching merchandise, skilled manga artists can significantly enhance your projects with their creativity and expertise.

Hiring the right manga artist requires a strategic approach. Writing a well-crafted job post and having a thorough understanding of the role and skills of a manga artist can help you attract top talent. By clearly outlining your project requirements and expectations, you can find an artist who not only matches your artistic vision but also aligns with your business needs, ensuring a successful and impactful collaboration.

Writing a manga artist job post

A well-crafted job post can help you attract the right manga artist for your project. The details below explain how to write a job post that effectively communicates your needs and gets you one step closer to having the right professional on your team.

Job post title

A first step in creating your job post is identifying a title that is clear and concise, with enough information to show potential candidates what you’re looking for. Review the samples below for a better idea of what an effective job post title looks like:

• Manga artist. Seeking a talented manga artist to create visually compelling and detailed illustrations for our new manga series.

• Character designer. Looking for an experienced manga artist to develop unique and expressive characters for our upcoming graphic novel.

• Comic book illustrator. Need a skilled manga artist to produce dynamic and engaging artwork for our comic book projects.

• Freelance manga illustrator. Searching for a creative manga artist to contribute high-quality illustrations and cover art for our publishing company.

Project description

An effective manga artist project description should include the following:

• Scope of work. List all the deliverables you’ll need, from designing individual character sketches to creating full manga pages and cover art.

• Project length. Indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project, providing an estimate of the project’s duration and milestones.

• Background. Specify if you prefer artists with experience in certain genres, styles, or aesthetics. 

• Budget. Set a clear budget and specify whether you prefer to work with hourly rates or fixed-price contracts.

Manga artist responsibilities

Clearly outline your expectations of daily work and responsibilities. You can adjust the following examples to fit your specific needs:

• Character design. Create unique and expressive character designs that fit the story’s theme and setting.

• Storyboarding. Develop detailed storyboards and panel layouts to visualize the narrative flow.

• Illustration. Produce high-quality illustrations for manga pages, including backgrounds, characters, and action scenes.

• Revisions and feedback. Incorporate feedback and make necessary revisions to ensure the final product meets all requirements and expectations. 

Manga artist skills and qualifications

Be sure to include any specific skills and qualifications you’re looking for, such as:

• Proficiency in illustration software. Expertise in tools like Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Photoshop, or Procreate.

• Artistic skills. Strong skills in drawing, inking, and coloring, with a focus on manga style.

• Creativity and innovation. Ability to create unique character designs and engaging story visuals.

• Attention to detail. Meticulous attention to detail to ensure all illustrations are consistent and high-quality.

• Communication skills. Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with writers and other team members.

• Project management skills. Ability to manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables efficiently to ensure the project stays on track, on budget, and within scope. 

Knowing how to generate an effective job post is an important step to getting the right talent on board for your next manga project. A manga artist job description template can give you a great visual understanding of what your own post might look like. 

Helpful information to know before you hire a manga artist

Having a clear idea of what your job post will look like is a great step toward hiring the right manga artist. A more thorough understanding of different manga genres and the costs associated with hiring talent will allow you to make a more informed decision for you and your team.

Understanding different manga genres

When hiring a manga artist, it’s crucial to understand the various genres of manga and their specific stylistic and narrative conventions. By identifying the genre that best fits your project, you can find an artist who excels in that particular style and can effectively bring your story to life. Key manga genres include:

• Shonen. Action, adventure, and personal growth, typically targeted at young male readers. 

• Shojo. Romance, emotional development, and relationships, aimed at young female readers.

• Seinen. More mature themes, complex characters, and often darker storylines, targeted at adult readers. 

• Josei. Focus on realistic romance, career challenges, and personal growth.

• Kodomo. Simple stories with educational or moral themes, targeted at young children.

Understanding these genres not only helps in selecting the right artist but also ensures that the storytelling style aligns with your target audience’s expectations. When discussing your project with potential artists, be clear about the genre and the specific elements you want to incorporate. This will help the artist tailor their approach to match your vision and create manga illustrations that resonate with readers. 

Average costs of hiring a manga artist

Understanding the average cost of hiring a manga artist is necessary for budgeting your project effectively. The cost can vary widely depending on the artist’s experience and skill level. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

• Beginner manga artists cost under $15 per hour. Beginner manga artists are typically new to the field and may still be building their portfolios. They can offer affordable rates, often under $15 per hour. These artists are suitable for smaller projects or clients on a tight budget. While they may lack extensive experience, they can still deliver quality work, especially for simpler projects or concepts.

• Intermediate manga artists can cost between $15 and $50 per hour. Intermediate manga artists have a moderate level of experience and a solid portfolio of work. You can find these professionals charging rates under $50 per hour. These artists strike a balance between cost and quality, making them a reliable choice for most projects. They have honed their skills and can handle more complex illustrations and storytelling, providing a higher level of detail and professionalism.

• Top manga artists cost up to $200 per hour. Top-tier manga artists, who may charge up to $200 per hour, bring extensive experience, specialized skills, and a refined artistic touch to their work. These artists are well-known in the industry and often have a significant body of published work. They are capable of producing the most detailed, creative, and polished manga illustrations, ensuring your project stands out. While they command higher fees, their expertise often results in faster turnaround times and superior quality, making them an excellent investment for high-stakes projects.

What you pay for a manga artist depends on various factors, including expertise, location, and your project scope. 

Find your next manga artist

Hiring a talented manga artist can significantly enhance your project, bringing your stories and characters to life with vivid and captivating illustrations. By understanding the various genres of manga, evaluating an artist’s portfolio, and knowing the average costs associated with different skill levels, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your project needs and budget. Whether you’re working on a new manga series, promotional materials, or product designs, finding the right artist is essential to achieving a successful and engaging outcome.

With a wide range of talented professionals available on Upwork, you can easily find an artist who fits your specific requirements. Don’t leave your important manga projects to chance—sign up for Upwork today and start collaborating with skilled manga artists who can help bring your vision to life.