Manga Artist startup

merits & demerits ?

Starting a business as a manga artist comes with several advantages. For instance, you can connect directly with readers through your own work. By not relying on publishers, you are free to develop your ideas, which brings a sense of creative fulfillment. Additionally, if successful, the income can be substantial, and the financial returns when a work becomes a hit are very attractive. Furthermore, by establishing your own brand and increasing your fanbase, you can anticipate long-term revenue streams.
On the other hand, there are also disadvantages to starting a business. Notably, there is a high possibility that your income may become unstable. Due to initial investments and operational costs, the period until you start making profit might be longer than expected. Moreover, you must handle marketing and sales tasks yourself, which can sometimes prevent you from focusing on creativity. These factors can undoubtedly lead to mental stress and pressure.

Manga Artist startup
merits

◎An Environment to Unleash Creativity

The greatest advantage of starting a business as a manga artist is the establishment of an environment to unleash creativity. You can directly present your work to the world and maintain your own style. This allows you to captivate readers with unique art and stories without being constrained by others' opinions. Just imagine, you can create the world you want with your own hands, and the excitement is boundless!

◎Diversification of Income

Starting a business enables the diversification of income. Creating fantastical stories in our minds is not the only source of income. Merchandise sales, event participation, and managing online salons provide limitless options. This reduces the risk of relying on a single income source, allowing you to focus on your creative activities with peace of mind. This is truly a dream-like business style!

◎Formation of a Community

By starting a business as a manga artist, you can meet many fans and peers. This leads to the formation of a community, creating a space for empathy and support. Through your work, you can deepen connections and exchange ideas with people who share similar interests, gaining further inspiration. Interaction with fans can become an invaluable asset.

◎Establishment of a Brand

Starting a business broadens the opportunity to establish your own brand. This brand serves as an unmistakable identifier for your work and style. By confidently branding yourself, you can enhance the value of your work and highlight its uniqueness. This differentiation from other manga artists will significantly increase your presence in the market. This is a winning pattern that harnesses the power of entrepreneurship!

◎Flexible Time Management

Walking the path of an entrepreneur allows you to gain flexible time management. You can engage in creative activities at your own pace and manage time efficiently, enabling you to design your lifestyle as you wish. This maximizes your creative energy, allowing you to progress with work or take vacations as you feel. Ultimately, you can lead a happy creative life that balances work and personal life.

Manga Artist startup
demerits

×High Competition

The manga industry is an extremely narrow world teeming with talented creators. Even if you start with just one work, the chances of that work catching attention are extremely low. In this world that many people dream of, merely surviving is a feat that cannot be achieved without extraordinary effort. In the midst of heightened competition, differentiating oneself from others is not an easy task.

×Income Uncertainty

When starting a business as a manga artist, income prospects are highly unclear. Some months, you may only earn a few thousand yen, while on the other hand, if you hit it big, you could suddenly receive a large sum of money; thus, financial anxiety is a constant reality. As a result, it is not uncommon to face mental stress.

×Time Constraints

Creating manga requires immense time and effort. From plot development to character design, there are times when you might pull all-nighters for several days to meet deadlines. Therefore, you may find that your free time diminishes, and sacrificing personal life becomes the norm.

×Burden of Self-Promotion

To succeed as a manga artist, marketing and promoting your work is essential. However, this process demands skills that are entirely separate from the creative activities, leading to a vicious cycle where trying to learn takes time away from creation.

×Strict Industry Regulations

The manga industry has various rules and regulations. This is particularly stringent concerning content and copyrights, and the freedom of creative activities is often restricted. Exploring your own expression within such constraints is quite challenging, and as you are also expected to meet client demands, feelings of frustration may increase.

Pros and Cons of Starting a Career as a Manga Artist

There are numerous advantages to starting a career as a manga artist. Firstly, it allows for free creative expression, enabling you to produce works based on your own style and themes. Moreover, if your work gains popularity, you can have influence, which brings the joy of appealing to the masses. Additionally, by creating a unique work environment for yourself, you can secure a comfortable workspace and deepen your connection with fans. Thus, the potential for income is diverse, and achieving success may translate into the dream of a prosperous life.


On the downside, one notable challenge is the solitary struggle. The loneliness of creating work alone can lead to mentally taxing situations. Furthermore, the pressure of constantly looming deadlines is significant and can exhaust your creative spirit. The instability of income is also a point to consider, as securing a stable income can prove difficult. Additionally, physical fatigue and health impacts cannot be overlooked, as long hours of work can take a toll on your body. It is essential to consider these aspects comprehensively.

Manga Artist  merits and demerits?  [startup]  merideme