• For translators –Samples should highlight a vibrant use of the English language while providing accurate translations from Japanese. Select your best and most natural-sounding translations of Japanese manga or novels, showing a range of tone and, if possible, include selections containing common manga elements such as dialogue, sound effects, and asides.
• For letterers – Samples should display a technical and artistic competency in the lettering and layout of manga pages. Letterers must be capable of retouch (redrawing art and screentones), and a successful portfolio will provide multiple examples of retouched art. Letterers must be accomplished at laying out text in dialogue balloons, and the samples must include examples of balloon lettering. Although any digital art program can be used to retouch and redraw sound effects, letterers MUST use Indesign for balloon lettering.
• Remember: You must provide the raw Japanese-language source materials for comparison against your work!

What does a freelance translator or letterer do?

A translator translates a Japanese work into an English script. A letterer takes that script, and combines it with raw art files, replacing any Japanese with English and redrawing any art necessary, by using graphics software like Photoshop and Indesign.

How many samples should I include in my portfolio?

For translators, include about 10 pages of a single or of various translated scripts. Selecting several samples with different tone or style will give us a better sense of your capabilities. For letterers, include about 10 pages of various samples. The more variety you can show—including a variety of genres, fonts, and retouch—the better.

When can I expect a response about my portfolio?

Due to the high volume of applicants, you will only be contacted if there is job availability. We’re sorry, but we cannot offer feedback on your portfolio.

Do I need to live/work in the United States to translate or letter for VIZ Media?

No.

How many positions are available for translator or letterer?

There is no set number of positions for these roles. If we have a need for someone to work on a book, and your portfolio is a good fit, we will contact you.

If I am hired, will I be an employee of VIZ Media?

No. Freelancer translators and letterers are independent contractors who receive contracts to work on individual projects.

I already translate or letter for another localization company. Can I apply?

Yes! We welcome freelancers who are currently working at or already have experience working at other manga/anime/video game/etc. localization companies.

My translation or lettering portfolio includes samples from non-manga works. Is that okay?

It’s okay to include samples from non-manga works, such as light novels or western-style comics, as part of portfolio that demonstrates your skills working on manga.

I translate from another language into English! Should I submit a portfolio?

Sorry, we are only looking for Japanese-to-English translators at this time.

I have a different skill set! How can I work for VIZ Media?

Please see the Jobs page.

I’m a creator. How can I submit my work for consideration?

Please see the VIZ Originals submissions page.