After the pencilwork has been completed, the inker adds the blackwork to the comic. Although inkers have long been thought of as glorified tracers, the job is actually quite difficult and time-consuming. Someone interested in pursuing a career as an inker in the comic book and graphic novel industry has several options. Aspiring illustrators should be aware that the field is highly competitive, and that breaking into the industry and earning a living can take years of hard work.
An inker who is also a trained comic artist is not uncommon. Many inkers got their start practicing for years, sending out samples of their work to comic book publishers, and eventually landing low-level inking jobs. With practice and time, these employees will gradually be given more responsibilities and will eventually be able to work independently as inkers. This path to becoming an inker can be lengthy, but it aids in the development of supplemental skills that can be used to earn a living.
Some working inkers advise people to start practicing inking as soon as they realize it’s a career they want to pursue. Photocopies of penciled artwork may be obtained from comic publishers, other inkers, or comic artists someone who wants to become an inker. They can use these tools to hone their inking skills and build a portfolio. Others began tracing published comics in pencil and then inking them, honing their skills over time until they reached a level of proficiency that allowed them to apply for jobs.
Attending art school is another option for someone who wants to become an inker. Some art schools and colleges have programs dedicated to the creation and design of comic books. Others may provide more general training that will benefit an inker. Inkers must have a strong sense of space as well as a thorough understanding of light and dark, shading, and mood. Inkers don’t have access to tools for more subtle effects because they only work in black ink, so they must learn to master the pen or ink brush to achieve the desired look and feel in their work.
Drawing black lines over someone else’s pencil work isn’t the only thing inking entails. The work of an inker can make or break a piece. When it comes to shading and effects, inkers are frequently given autonomy, and they have the power to correct bad pencilwork or ruin good work. It is critical for people who want to work as inkers to learn as much as they can about the job.