Is it too late to hope to become a cartoonist/mangaka.

~urlordjesus Aug 5, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

I have a very simple question and since it's late I won't take too much time to butter it up. As it stands now, I have been drawing for... three weeks. I don't know if I'm good or not for three weeks in but, the point is, I'm 17 right now about to enter my final year of highschool and I have finally acted on my long existing urge to draw and try to become a cartoonist/mangaka. The question is if I work (as in WORK... at least an hour a day type thing) at drawing and story-telling, is it even possible that I will make it to the level needed to do manga professionally by the end of university?

Is this possible? Or have I just started drawing too late to have a decent shot.

Now be honest. Don't worry about me giving up. I have stories I want to tell and even if I know there is no shot at making it, I'll still give it my best shot because, that's who I am.

Also, while I'm typing... Does anyone have tips or advice that will steer me around pitfalls that many get into.

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~urlordjesus Aug 5, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

To those who wanted to know, I did post a drawing I've just done for people to judge and give feed back. I shall continue on posting one or two things a day (until i get full into figure, then expect it to slow down as I work on that stuff)

~Glori305 Aug 5, 2012

Cartoonist...no

Mangaka....yes, unless you are native japanese.

~urlordjesus Aug 5, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

Well I use the term manga-ka to mean someone who draws manga, even if it's not originally from Japan (because I'm not an elitist prick in that aspect).

Also, frankly, given how most manga-ka live in Japan coupled with the rampant rascism, it is not the life for me in the slightest.

~Tinybrainhippie Aug 5, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Sure you can.
Just work had and keep your goals realistic.
While your at it work on a backup in case it doesn't work out. Something like Neurology, aerospace engineering, cardiology.

=Slave2Karma Aug 5, 2012

It's never too late. Take life drawing, study from real life. Draw every day. Don't get discouraged. Don't be afraid to post your artwork online and ask for advice and help.

~Uraal Aug 5, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

It's never too late to become what you are dreaming of. However I would give up on "by end of the university" thing as life rarely works like that.

~urlordjesus Aug 5, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

Well, by the end of University is more a point where I feel like I will gauge if it's something I should pursue then or if I should give it more time and try to put out manga on top of working toward becomming a journalist.

~shininginthedarkness Aug 5, 2012

Geez, won't you be too busy babysitting your grandkids?

PS, use the reply button to reply to people!

~Vineris Aug 5, 2012 Student General Artist

Yes. It is totally too late. Go to college and become a neurosurgeon or tax lawyer or sewer engineer instead, those disciplines are much easier for your aging brain to grasp than drawing some cartoon characters.

~urlordjesus Aug 5, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

I like the way you think!

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Is it too late to hope to become a cartoonist/mangaka.

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