Well, comic drawers have opportunities in advertising agencies to create visual content for campaigns. Some may even teach comic drawing in art schools or conduct workshops. Plus, they can get involved in creating comics for educational materials or children's books.
You need good materials like quality wood and proper tools. Then, measure and plan the size and layout carefully. It's not too hard if you take your time.
Barefoot Billy in the 'barefoot billy true story' might be a unique individual. He could be a person who rejected the norms of wearing shoes. Maybe he had a philosophical reason for it, like believing that being barefoot kept him more in touch with the real world. Or perhaps he grew up in a situation where shoes were a luxury he couldn't afford, and over time, it became a part of his identity.
Sure, Billy Bathgate is fiction. It falls within the realm of creative writing, where the author weaves a tale that may or may not have any resemblance to reality.