Some key illustrators in this field include:
- Andrew Hussie (Homestuck)
- Matt Melvin, Kris Wilson (Cyanide & Happiness)
- One (One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100)
- ND Stevenson (Nimona)
- Andrew Tsyaston (Owl Turd Comix, Shen Comix, Blue Chair Comics)

Professional illustrators and amateur illustrators alike usually work for themselves and get paid for their work through fan support e.g. through merchandise, donations/crowdfunding, Patreon/alternatives or by publishing their work. Some work for publications e.g. Stan Kelly for the Onion.

Their briefs are very flexible as they are often chosen by themselves. They may have to base it around a certain piece of work e.g. a comic based on an article for a publication. A lot of them work for themselves so they would revolve around their own projects. Some comics follow narrative structures so it would be about continuing their story.

Their time frames are usually self-imposed such as 'release X amount of pages by this date'.

Their career trajectories can vary greatly. They may start by releasing their work by themselves and usually working alone. They may then be able to profit off their work through direct donations or merchandise and gain a following. This may allow them to be commissioned by companies and grow their influence. As they grow a following they may be recognised by publishing companies. For example, Haley Newsome (2023) talks about how she was connected with [] by Tapas for a publishing deal for her comic Unfamiliar. They may even get picked up for animation, such as One's One Punch Man which was published in Shonen Jump and then animated by the studio Madhouse.