A4 Size

Term from Manga Production industry explained for recruiters

A4 Size is a standard paper size commonly used in manga and comic production. It's slightly larger than US letter size paper and is the default professional paper size in Japan and most other countries. When mentioned in manga artist or illustrator resumes, it typically refers to their ability to create artwork at this professional standard size (210 × 297 millimeters or 8.27 × 11.69 inches). This is important because manga publishers require artwork to be submitted in A4 format, and it shows that the artist is familiar with professional industry standards.

Examples in Resumes

Created 20+ original character designs at A4 Size for serialized manga

Published doujinshi (self-published manga) in A4 Size format at national conventions

Completed weekly manga submissions in A4 Size following publisher guidelines

Typical job title: "Manga Artists"

Also try searching for:

Mangaka Comic Artist Manga Illustrator Digital Artist Storyboard Artist Character Designer

Where to Find Manga Artists

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you organize a manga page layout for A4 size to maximize storytelling impact?

Expected Answer: A senior artist should explain their process for planning panel layouts, considering margins required by publishers, and how they balance text and art elements within the A4 space to create dynamic storytelling.

Q: What challenges have you faced when adapting digital artwork for A4 print format?

Expected Answer: They should discuss resolution requirements, color space considerations (RGB vs CMYK), and their experience with print-ready file preparation while maintaining quality at A4 size.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the standard margins and safe areas you need to consider when working with A4 size for manga?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain standard margin requirements for A4 manga pages, including trim areas and safe zones for text and important artwork.

Q: How do you handle screen tone application on A4 sized manga pages?

Expected Answer: Should describe their process for applying and adjusting screen tones, whether digital or traditional, to ensure they look correct when printed at A4 size.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Why is A4 size important in manga production?

Expected Answer: Should understand that A4 is the industry standard size for professional manga submission and publication, and be able to state the basic dimensions.

Q: What basic tools do you use for creating A4 sized manga pages?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list standard tools like A4 paper with proper weight, appropriate sizing for digital canvases, and basic template setup.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of A4 page setup
  • Can create simple layouts at A4 size
  • Familiar with basic margin requirements
  • Understanding of resolution needs for A4 print

Mid (2-4 years)

  • Efficient A4 page layout creation
  • Advanced panel arrangement techniques
  • Print-ready file preparation
  • Understanding of bleeds and trim areas

Senior (4+ years)

  • Master of page composition at A4 size
  • Expert in print optimization
  • Can train others in proper A4 formatting
  • Advanced understanding of publisher requirements

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unfamiliarity with standard A4 dimensions
  • No experience preparing files for print
  • Inability to maintain consistent quality at A4 size
  • Lack of knowledge about publisher margin requirements