I've held a few different roles as an editor and creative director in comics over the years and it continues to amaze me how some writers and artists hobble their own careers.
1) Have a website or portfolio where it's easy to see a range of your work - and keep it updated. No need to go crazy. A social account where you regularly post work just fine. Your body of work is the main reason someone will hire you. Make sure your contact information is easy to find.
2) Network with other creators and the comics community - don’t relentlessly target people you think can give you work. Building a reputation as an engaging, trustworthy, normal, collaborative person is gold. Being the person always hustling for work, always pitching, makes people avoid you.
3) Play your game. Don’t get caught up trying to be “the next…” whomever or compare yourself to this or that person. Have a vision, however niche, and run with it. The honesty of your work is important. And along the way if you change your vision, that’s ok too.
4) Bear in mind that social media is not the real world. There is so much about the way the comics business ACTUALLY works on practical, day-to-day level that has little or nothing to do with how the social media THINKS the business works. Don’t drive yourself crazy.
5) Finally, the comics industry is brutal. Low pay, long hours, and little job security. It’s 100% ok to make comics when you have time, how you like, because you have a passion for it while still having a day job, or a family, or relationships, or a dog, or hobbies...
Good tips, but if I may...
6) Get a really good photo of yourself at the drawing board, turning around to face the camera. Ideally you will be wearing a sun visor but if you don't have one, don't worry. Here's mine.
