4 / 12
Feb 2020

Um, hello. You all know me. ^^; I'm not entirely sure if this is a good idea...but I suddenly realized that the limiting resource in comic communities is usually artists, not writers, and that if there are some writers around who would just really like to be part of a comic-making experience if only an artist would give them a chance, then I think I can offer an opportunity.

So this is some concept art for a sort of workplace comedy I've been trying and failing to write for a couple years now. The main characters are these two young ladies, who are biology department mail-workers for a college campus...on another planet. ^^

And I know the job description is kind of niche (there are probably very few comics about mail workers, and even fewer about something this specific) but it's not hard to explain: basically, these are the people who make sure researchers get all the stuff they need. Their test tubes, their refrigerators, their live samples, their high-end sneakers and candy bars (those last two are based on true stories~). I can explain more of the ins and outs and common frustrations to anyone I'm interested in working with.

Anyway, I WANT to write it, but I think it keeps turning out bad because I'm just too close to the subject matter. This is why I stopped trying to do slice-of-life comics about myself and my experiences long ago; they end up too rage-y or too explain-y and leave very little room for funny. I hate to say it, but I may actually REQUIRE help for this.

Okay, now that the background is out of the way, here's a rundown of what I'm looking for:

Genre: Slice-of-life

Format: No specifics, but each ep must be relatively SHORT. If you can write 4-komas, you'll be good at this. If you don't know what a 4-koma is, think newspaper strips.

Tone: This is a silly, absurdist action comedy, designed to propel even weak jokes with the characters' funny faces and gestures. Conversational strips should be the norm, but more active scenes every now and then (e.g. chases, fistfights) are to be expected.

What I can provide:
-The talents of an experienced artist who has been drawing comics for 5+ years ^^
-Lengthy bios and backgrounds on the characters and world, including possible character development arcs
-Writing help! I do have a few good ideas...
-Credit, so much credit. If you have an account on any site I post the comic on, I'll be glad to link you or otherwise shove your name in there.

What I CAN'T provide:
-Money. There is no money. If you're looking to get hired, you can leave now. ^^; On the off chance that the comic becomes popular and there IS money involved, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it because I wouldn't count on it.
-A strict schedule. If things go well, I can probably buckle down and do at least a strip a week, but I make no promises. Although that's kind of good for you too; there's no pressure on you to gimme the goods by a certain deadline. If for any reason you can't get a script done, no worries.
-Exposure. I will definitely credit you, but don't expect to ride my coattails to the bank or anything. I am far from famous...

What I expect:
-SCRIPTS. With art direction if you've got it; if there's something specific I need to draw in order to make your joke work you need to say so.
-Nothing unsafe for work, please. Some cursing is okay, one of the main characters curses quite a lot, actually, but don't think you're writing for Adult Swim or anything.
-Communication: a Google Doc or some kind of space where we can share and store text and images would be ideal, but apart from that I'd like to check in from time to time, at least so we both know we're still alive. Or if you're leaving the country or something and won't be able to write for 3 weeks...I wanna know about stuff like that.
-Autonomy: Most of the time, you should be able to at least write a script from start to finish before asking for my opinion. Please don't expect to have your hand held as we write each episode line-by-line together; I'm looking for a partner, not a student.

Other stuff you should know:
-This may sound a little harsh, but: this concept is mine, and I won't draw something that I don't think suits it. That being said, I have the final say when it comes to 'canon'. If you want to talk to people about your ideas for the comic, feel free, but don't expect me to back you up if you say something I don't agree with.
-I can concede, though...my vision for each character (especially the many side characters) is not set in stone; if you have ideas that alter or even contradict whatever background I give to you, I still want to hear them and discuss them.
-I'm open to having multiple writers~. You'll be expected to play nice together.

What I want RIGHT NOW:
So, if you're interested in this, hit me up (you can talk to me in private if you prefer), introduce yourself, and most importantly, AUDITION!

I wanna see what you can do! Show me previous scripts from other short comics (or funny moments from longer-form comics), or just make something up on the spot! 2 or 3 examples at least would be nice, I'd be pretty disappointed to end up with a 1-hit wonder...

Before I go, here's a bit of a primer for anyone intending to make something up. Please ask if you have any questions; thank you and good night~.

Characters

  • Kcla Lluco: The pink one. Positive and friendly, but more mellow than outgoing. In regards to her job, she just wants to make sure all the patrons get the help they need. Interests include gardening, manga, and karaoke.
  • Ronmin Praw: The hairy one. Pessimistic, competitive, and full of repressed rage (more intimidating than actually mean, though). She doesn't seem to like her job, and she's overqualified for it, but for reasons unknown she stays. Interests include clothing design, music, and cooking.

Common Tasks
Signing in packages, emailing people who forget to pick up their packages, picking up mail, sorting mail, delivering mail to the different buildings around campus, figuring out what to do with mail addressed to persons unknown, making copies of exams and worksheets for professors, giving various office supplies to students and researchers who walk in and ask for them.

  • created

    Feb '20
  • last reply

    Jul '21
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Hi @DokiDokiTsuna, I'm interested in collaborating in a Slice-of-life project with you.
In this link I put some of the rough drafts of mine:

Global Game Jam 2020 - Text-Based Prototype

Contact: layondoesart@gmail.com.

Hey @DokiDokiTsuna,

This opportunity seems pretty awesome for something who lacks years of experience in drawing art, so thanks for doing this. I personally would like to work with you in order to make your story something you love. The characters seem quirky and their art style that accompanies them is unique. The art style for Ronmin Praw somewhat fits her nature, but her interests show a more personal light. I like the idea and would like to know more about the world: is it a modern, sci-fi, etc.

For my examples:
- I have a novel on tapas: https://tapas.io/series/Reborn-With-My-Memories5
- An instagram with some 4-koma work: instagram.com/boxofficeshorts

Here is my email for communication purposes: theessenicemail@gmail.com

Thanks again,
Essenic

This is such a fun and interesting idea! I hope you find your writer. I really like the concept of a workplace comedy that explores a weird, niche profession.

I'm not applying to be the writer, but I'm down to help you workshop your ideas! And art, too! Maybe through discord or something?

I've not worked as a mail worker, but I have worked in two biology labs in a large research university, and visited a few biotech companies. Since it sounds like you have worked as a mail worker before, I'd love to learn about some of the behind-the-scenes stuff about working in a lab from you. Maybe I can tell you a little bit about what I see on the other side, too? I also have a bit of writing/drawing experience working on my own comic, but it's completely different from your idea- neither slice-of-life nor comedy.

2 months later

Hello! So...I'm totally new to this area. But I do love to write. And I'm doing my undergraduate degree in English Literature if it helps. Also, I'm obsessed with comics, manga, and manhua. I'm reallyyy interested in writing for comics but I've never done it before. I don't have any experience, but I would like to try.... I'm diligent and will try my best to help. Also, I don't need any pay as I just want an experience. You can reach me through dhanyabajpe@gmail.com.

I can't offer to be a writer, but I just wanted to say that I absolutely love this concept and I hope something great comes out of it! <3

26 days later

Hello! This sounds like it could be really funny.

I would love to send you a possible script to see if you would like to hire me. If there is a way to send it to you directly to review let me know!

1 year later

Just felt like bumping this. ^^ I'm still up for the project; and the OP is just so well written~

With the new system for Collab topics, it'll probably get closed after a while though, so I guess this is the last time. ^^;

Hello. I'm interested but i want to talk about this matter through DM. Thanks