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When hiring an artist, you aren’t just paying for their time – you’re also paying for years of experience. This is especially true for manga artists because Japanese comic books and graphic novels have a very distinct style.
You want someone skilled in drawing manga while also understanding the needs of your specific project. At the same time, you can’t afford to blow your whole budget on illustrations. Suddenly, finding the right freelancer has become a real challenge.
The best way to get quick and affordable manga art projects is through Fiverr. You can hire an experienced manga artist on Fiverr from just $5 – no gimmicks and no fine print. For more extensive projects, Upwork is an excellent choice. The talent pool is massive, and there are many hiring and work tools to help you stay on top of everything.
Even better, you can shortcut the process of finding talented artists because I’ve already done it for you. I combed the internet and compiled a list of the top nine freelance manga artists for hire. Read on to find out my top picks.
In a hurry? I tested dozens of freelance websites to find the best manga artists in 2024, but most artists I liked came from Fiverr1. There’s a freelancer on the platform for every project and budget.
9 Best Freelance Manga Artists
As mentioned above, Fiverr is my top pick because it features budget-friendly freelance manga artists. It’s also easy to use and super efficient for a quick job. Upwork is an excellent choice when hiring freelancers for ongoing work. To make your search easier, I’ve looked through dozens of profiles and narrowed it down to the top nine.
These artists excel at a variety of tasks:
Crafting original manga illustrations
Sketching storyboards for your manga series
Designing unique characters
Customizing art for promotional materials
Offering advice on manga style and cultural elements
The freelancers I picked offer high-quality illustrations at a great price, and they’ve received stellar feedback from clients for their past work.
Robottostudio creates sketched-style Japanese brush portraits
Robottostudio uses traditional Japanese brush techniques to create sketches of people, animals, and fictional characters. Their style is simplistic (in a good way), and you choose whether you want it colored with pastels and earth tones or kept black and white. Gig turnover is just 2 days, and you receive your illustrations in high-quality 4000×4000 resolution.
Robottostudio’s profile scores an impressive 5 with over 680 reviews. Many clients have left feedback that Rafael (the studio’s main artist) communicates well and that they’re satisfied with the work.
Joyce Ann’s illustrations capture the essence of manga
Joyce Ann is a full-time freelance manga artist who uses Clip Studio Paint for their comics and drawings. They specialize in bishoujo/bishounen (pretty, youthful characters), as well as romance and fantasy settings. Their style is distinctive, capturing the essence of manga with bold character designs, bright colors, and lots of movement.
Joyce Ann has earned the Top Rated badge, which means they’ve consistently delivered top-quality work with stellar feedback. Indeed, the profile is filled with 5-star reviews from satisfied clients commending the artist’s unique ability to bring concepts and words to life.
Krystaline can create manga art for all kinds of projects
Krystaline is a versatile manga artist with one of the most impressive portfolios on the platform. Ranging from serious anime illustrations to super cute chibi characters and full-body designs – Krystaline does it all.
This manga artist earned the Top Rated badge while maintaining a 100% Job Success score. In other words, they’ve nailed all the projects they’ve been a part of, currently over 185 with at least $60,000 in total earnings. Krystaline also offers consultations, allowing clients to better outline their vision and ideas.
Overlord specializes in full-body, manga-style character illustrations
If you want a piece of art that’s truly unique, look for an artist who has mastered more than one style and can mix and match them to bring your vision to life. Overlord is an excellent example, as they can draw in several manga and Western styles.
You can contact them for portrait sketches, fan art, photorealistic sketches, and custom pieces in their unique art style. Overlord has a reputation for great communication, checking in at multiple stages to ensure their customers are happy with the progress. They enjoy an average score of 4.9 with over 650 positive reviews.
Michelle’s drawing style aligns with some of the most popular manga comics
Michelle draws mainly shounen-style drawings for both print and webtoon series. The popular shounen style is usually more appropriate for young audiences that prefer action and effects – think One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Naruto.
Michelle has earned the Top Rated Plus badge, which means they’ve repeatedly delivered exceptional results on long-term contracts. With over 2,500 hours clocked in on the platform, you can rest assured this artist knows how to communicate, work with deadlines, and deliver high-quality work.
Raza’s unique manga-style portraits make for a perfect gift
Raza draws real-life people in the popular Dragon Ball and Naruto style. They’ll also create fan art or more realistic-style portraits if you prefer. Raza offers one package tier that can be customized according to your needs – full-body, extra power level, a specific background, and more.
Raza’s gigs have earned an almost perfect score of 4.9 with over 140 positive reviews. For best results, contact them before you book them to discuss exactly what you want your art to look like.
Jiachen’s portfolio includes videos that showcase 3D props and environments
Jiachen is a talented artist who draws characters, props, buildings, and environments in vector and bitmap formats. They can also design 2D models, but their specialty is 3D anime design for video games. They have experience with advanced modeling software, including Autodesk’s Maya, Adobe’s Substance Painter, and Epic’s Unreal Engine.
Jiachen has completed over 100 jobs on Upwork with a perfect Success Score of 100%. Many clients commend them for their excellent communication skills and fast delivery.
Nicov’s otherworldly beings are truly terrifying
Manga isn’t just about sparkles and butterflies. Nicov works with dark shades to bring spooky manga characters and monsters to life. This is their only gig, but they do it well since many clients are repeat customers. The Basic and Standard packages are black-and-white only, but the Premium one comes with color.
The gig is rated 4.9 with over 200 reviews, and there are typically more than a few orders in Nicov’s queue. As always with Fiverr, remember to contact the artist before ordering.
Galang is open to long-term collaborations
Galang hand draws in many styles, including Manga and Manhwa (Korean comics). They’re good at drawing human anatomy, poses, movement, and facial features. Depending on the project, they might also use digital software for the finishing touches.
This artist has completed over 15 jobs on the platform with a perfect Job Success score. Their affordable rate translates into many weekly invites, so hire them quickly before their hours are filled.
Hiring a manga artist on Fiverr is straightforward. Follow these steps to find and hire the right freelancer for your project:
Step 1: Use Fiverr’s Search Engine
You can find manga artists in different categories, like Illustration
Go to the Fiverr homepage.
In the search bar at the top, type “manga artist” or specific keywords related to the style or type of manga you need.
Hit enter or click the search icon to see a list of available freelancers.
Step 2: View Gigs
You can filter results by budget, seller details, and delivery time
Browse through the list of gigs offered by manga artists.
Click on any gig that catches your eye to view more details.
Step 3: View Packages for a Gig
Simply scroll down the gig page to see how different packages compare
On the gig detail page, scroll down to the “Packages” section.
Here, you’ll see different packages the freelancer offers, often categorized as Basic, Standard, and Premium, each with varying levels of service and price points.
Step 4: Contact the Freelancer
I like that Fiverr’s chat box has templated questions to help you start the conversation
If you have specific questions or need a custom offer, click the “Contact Me” button on the gig’s page.
Send a message outlining your questions or detailing what you need for your project.
Step 5: Place an Order
Many artists offer extras with their orders for a decent fee
Once you’ve decided on a gig and package, click the “Continue” button next to the package you want to purchase.
Review your order and click “Continue” (again), where you’ll enter your payment information and submit your order.
With hundreds of manga artists available, finding the right one for your project can be daunting. Here are some criteria to help you narrow down your options and select a manga artist who best suits your needs:
Artistic Style. Choose an artist whose style aligns with the tone and aesthetic of your project. Whether you prefer traditional shōjo aesthetics or more contemporary shōnen visuals, the right style is crucial for conveying your story’s mood and message.
Portfolio and Experience. Review their portfolio to assess their experience and range. A diverse portfolio that includes character designs, background art, and panel layouts can demonstrate their ability to handle various aspects of manga art, which is crucial for maintaining consistency across your project.
Client Feedback and Reviews. Check feedback from previous clients to gauge reliability and customer satisfaction. Positive reviews can indicate that the artist is professional and meets deadlines – key for keeping your project on schedule.
Communication Skills. Ensure the artist communicates clearly and effectively. Good communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that your artistic vision is accurately translated into the manga.
Adaptability and Creativity. Look for an artist who is adaptable and can offer creative solutions to artistic challenges. This is particularly important for projects that may evolve creatively as they progress, requiring the artist to adjust their approach and style accordingly.
Are You a Manga Artist Looking To Sell Your Services on Fiverr?
If you’re a manga artist ready to showcase your skills, Fiverr provides a straightforward platform to start. Signing up is simple: visit the Fiverr website, click “Become a Seller,” and set up your profile. You can list various services, from character sketches to full manga pages, and set your own prices to match your expertise.
Fiverr connects you with a global audience, offering your work international exposure, which can lead to diverse opportunities. The platform also includes tools to manage your gigs, track orders, and communicate with clients, all while you build your reputation through client reviews.
Joining Fiverr allows you to profit from your art on your own terms, providing a flexible and supportive environment to grow your freelance career. Start today and explore a vibrant marketplace eager for your creative talents.
Now you know where and how to hire talented manga artists. But how do you evaluate the quality of the artwork you receive? Here are five general tips that will help you make an informed judgment.
1. Check Line Art and Inking Quality
Manga art relies heavily on lines to define characters and environments. A high-quality manga illustration will have clean, smooth lines. If the lines are shaky or inconsistent, that could indicate a lack of skill or rushed work. Pay attention to the thickness of lines as well – well-placed line weights can add depth and emphasis to the artwork.
2. Evaluate Shading and Tonal Contrast
Manga often uses a black-and-white palette, so shading becomes crucial in creating depth and dimension. Check the grayscale tonal contrast to see if it provides the necessary depth. In color illustrations, see how the artist uses shades and highlights to add volume to the characters and settings.
3. Examine Character Consistency
Consistency is paramount in manga, especially if it’s a series. Facial features, clothing, and other details should be uniform throughout. Take the time to carefully review the work, especially if it consists of multiple drawings or illustrations. Any glaring inconsistencies can be jarring and distract the reader from the story.
4. Assess Background Detail
While characters often take the spotlight in manga, a good artist knows the importance of background art in setting the tone and atmosphere. Look for backgrounds that complement the story and characters in a way that brings your scenes to life.
5. Understand Cultural References and Symbolism
Manga is steeped in Japanese culture, and a good manga artist will be able to portray the nuanced cultural symbols and references present in your text. If your project calls for this layer of detail, ensure the artist has properly integrated these elements into the art.
By applying these tips, you can ensure that you get the most value for your investment, whether you’re spending $5 or $50 per illustration. Remember, the best freelance manga artists are not only those who can draw well but also those who can effectively bring your vision to life.
Hiring a Skilled Freelance Manga Artist Has Never Been So Easy
Fiverr is the best platform to hire top-tier manga artists at unbeatable prices. It provides a straightforward, user-friendly interface that makes finding the perfect artist for one-off projects quick and hassle-free.
Meanwhile, Upwork can serve as an alternative if you need long-term contracts. It also offers detailed artist profiles and past feedback.
FAQ
Where can I find freelance manga artists?
Fiverr features some of the most talented manga artists you can hire online. Sign up for a client account, fill out your brief, and browse among hundreds of professional manga artists specializing in many different styles.
How much do manga artists charge?
It depends on the freelancer’s location, skill level, and style. On Upwork, hourly rates for professional manga artists start as low as $4. On Fiverr, many manga artists price their basic packages (usually one simple illustration) at $5.
What skills do manga artists need?
A professional manga artist should understand the foundations of Japanese graphic design and the creative aspects of the style. They should also be able to recreate inspired pieces without plagiarizing or directly copying the original art. Communication and timely delivery are also essential characteristics.
Can you hire someone to draw manga?
You can! There are thousands of talented freelance manga artists on Fiverr that can bring your vision to life. Whether you want a new profile picture, someone to draw your character concept, or even someone to illustrate your comic, an artist on Upwork can help.
A freelance writer and editor with experience in digital marketing, Alex has published over 40 product reviews and comparisons on Website Planet. He has tested email marketing services, freelance websites, social media management tools, and more. Before joining our team, he worked at an Australian agency where he experimented with all things digital marketing. In addition to his work, Alex enjoys cooking and writing about games.
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