u/ExamPsychological884

I am looking for recommendations on communities, forums, or platforms specialized in hiring authentic Japanese manga artists.

The goal is to find professionals who strictly master manga anatomy and complex facial expressions (psychological tension), completely ruling out Western comic styles.

Standard searches on platforms like VGen or general art subreddits predominantly yield amateur portfolios or heavily Westernized anime styles. It has proven difficult to filter for genuine, high-level technical proficiency in authentic manga conventions through standard search tags.

In a few weeks, I will post a formal commission with a baseline budget of $150 - $250+ per B&W illustration. I am making this inquiry in advance to properly plan the budget and understand the standard market rates for this specific level of quality.

What specific channels or professional hubs would you recommend to find this exact profile?

Hi! I am looking for a professional artist to create a book cover for my upcoming epic fantasy novel.

The Project: I need a full-body character illustration with a detailed background. 

>EDIT: Just to clarify the style I'm looking for: I want something moody, dark, and high-stakes. I'm a big fan of the Seinen / Dark Fantasy aesthetic (like Berserk or the serious moments in Attack on Titan).

I really value facial expressions. I want the character to look "alive" and show real emotion (pain, grit, or intense focus), not just a generic pose. If you can handle dramatic lighting and deep shadows, you are the artist I'm looking for!

Looking forward to seeing your portfolios. Thanks!

Budget: My budget is up to 150€ (negotiable for the right quality). **Terms:**Must include commercial rights for publishing and promotional use (social media/ads). Deadline: End of summer.

IMPORTANT: Please leave a link to your portfolio in the comments below. I will not be checking DMs (Direct Messages) without a portfolio link in the thread first. I am looking for professional quality.

Thank you!