And i was thinking, surely most of u guys here would have the same thoughts as me? After falling in love with anime and manga at a young age, i was thinking: I want to become like those people who created such awesome works when i grow up.
Now, im 18, and i want to become a mangaka. Everyone around me is telling me, either directly or subtly hinting, that it is absolutely impossible. Of course, i understand where they are coming from, being that i am from a small country called Singapore where there is none/a really,really small market for manga drawing etc. However, i would want to get recognized someday and go to japan to draw manga and create those awesome works that i have loved since childhood.
I feel really alone right here, but i guess there will be people who have similar thoughts here! Just post randomly if u guys had dreams of working in the manga or anime industry or related, and ur thoughts on such dreams! ( be it in the past or if u still have this dream! ^^)
(PS: I seemed to have posted this on the wrong board previously, sorry hahaha!)

If it's your dream then go for it!! I'm sure you'll get there!! Personally, I want to be a top researcher in some field in science X3 it's hard to get there but I'm going for my dream you should go for your's too! Best of luck! Tell us when your famous ^^
*･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･'(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)'･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*

While I'd love to say "you can do anything!" and just suggest you learn the language, I really can't say that. I used to have similar dreams to you, but I've learned better.

If you want to make manga, that's fine. However, keep it in your country, or perhaps aim it to an American/UK audience since manga sells fairly well there. I've seen some really good American manga-styled comics, so you've definitely got a chance! Just... not in Japan.

I've heard more than once that Japan is unfortunately pretty racist. I love it nonetheless - I love the creative minds there, the merchandise that comes out of it, their fashion, their folk tales, all the old traditions, etc. It's just not a good place for an outsider to sell their wares; there is an especially slim market for non-Japanese manga in Japan itself.

You'll have a much better chance at success if your target audience is and physical marketing/publication takes place elsewhere. Good luck on whatever path you take. Even if you end up getting a job working something else, never give up on your art and writing if it's something you enjoy c:

>2 thank you! Best of luck for your dream! Don't give up and don't stop persevering!
>3 Thanks for the advice ^^ I do notice Japanese are a little racist though there are cases of foreigners becoming mangakas there but they r really,really rare. I will consider other alternative routes in case Japan doesn't work ... thanks! X3

>1 Same here. I have some thoughts like you before. But thanks to BarabiSama, who gave us good advice :) I really appraciate it.

>>4
yes there is a subtle tone of racism in japan, and it is not exclusive to foreigners becoming mangakas, just foreigners in general.

if you show how determined you are in you're work they will give you respect, and learning some japanese customs it will help.

I also agree with that >>3 said

I wanna be a mangaka as well but my country has no future in it so when I grow up (I'm 14)(after I get a degree at smth I like as a different job) I will travel to Japan for not long time and try to make my dream come true if I don't make it I will try to go there again..but I guess I can wait for it since I'm still pretty young ^^ though I really hope I'll be recognized one day x) (good luck to you too)

Have you started drawing? Are you good at it?
If yes, then you can be a mangaka. Learn Japanese, study hard on drawing and I think you can do it. There are some tutorials on youtube about manga drawings. Try them and then tell me how is it.
I'm not that good at painting and I don't plan on being a mangaka, but you can be.
Oh, I just read what Barabisama wrote, and I agree with her. The japanese are pretty racist and they don't really like foreigners, but they appreciate hard work and talent.
Good luck!