Hi there! I just started publishing a novel on Tapas, Life in Polaroids, a story about two college-age strangers who drive off into the sunset to escape their lives and have adventures. The writing is already complete, and throughout the story, they take pictures with a Polaroid camera (hence the title). There are 10 throughout, and I currently have them all described in detail. However, I'd love to actually have images of them to share when we get to those parts. My budget is not massive, but flexible.
Overview
I'm currently only committing to the first one, which would ideally go with the update on February 3rd (I can push it back a week if needed and I know before Sunday). If it picks up any kind of readership, then I'll want to have all 10 of them done. Depending on the price I may have them all done regardless, but that's undetermined.
I have thorough descriptions for all of them and character references. I can also provide photo references for poses or (terrible) sketches if the description is unclear. Most are centered on one or two women, but a few are more complex. In summary:
1. Girl A sitting inside a diner (wide shot)
2. Heads of girls A and B
3. Girls A and B in front of a roller coaster (very wide shot)
4. Girl B wading in a pond
5. Heads of girls A and B
6. Full body of girl A
7. Full body of girl B
8. Girl A doing karaoke on a stage with girl C
9. Close-up of hand
10. Girls A and B sitting on top of a car (wide shot)
Obviously more detail will be provided, but that should give you a general idea of the scope.
The first episode of the story is available below so you can see I'm not a terrible writer. I'll be posting daily through Sunday (or Saturday if the deadline needs to move and I know in time to change Sunday's scheduled post).
Contractual Notes
As I said, the story is already entirely written. My budget is not huge but flexible, but please tell me up front what you'll charge for one as well as the full 10. My expectation is that whatever I pay up front for them will allow me to share it anywhere the novel is shared online (Tapas, and social media or Patreon if I end up making one. Note they would not be exclusive to Patreon, just posted earlier along with their respective chapters). Your name/tag will be included in the episode description, along with any social media links/tags you would like. I will under no circumstances suggest that they were my creation and you will always be credited. I will be permitted to give away illustrated print copies to friends or family (and if that occurs, you will receive up to five copies for free as well; I do not guarantee any illustrated print copies will be made). If I end up selling physical copies that include the artwork, we will discuss further compensation. I don't know what form that would take, but we would figure out something that we both feel is fair. If we can't come to an agreement, I won't sell illustrated copies.
Final Notes
As far as art style, I prefer art on the more realistic side as opposed to highly stylized comic styles. For example, True Beauty or Freaking Romance on Webtoons. They will all be the same aspect ratio as a traditional Polaroid, full backgrounds required.
If you're interested, please provide some art samples, price (for one and the full 10), and timeline for the first one (ie. how long will you need to finish it once we've agreed to work together?). Below is the description for the first image. Some are longer, some are shorter, but this should give you some idea of the type of descriptions I mean. I can be somewhat flexible if the images I've described just don't work. I would like to follow them, but I'm open to other thoughts if you think they can be improved.
Finally, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask!
Polaroid 1
A half-lit neon sign proudly announces Jamie’s 24 Hour Breakfast Parlor, the faint Open sign in the window attesting to the fact that it truly is open 24 hours. The entire picture is covered in the haze of the partially risen sun, casting long, faint shadows over everything. It isn’t a new building, but there is a certain quaintness about it, as if it’s been passed down through a family for a few generations, loved even for its crumbling brick and peeling window frames. It’s one of those places that’s a favorite in a small town, but would be swallowed instantly in a big city. In the back of the diner, almost hidden by the haze of the sun and the windows, stand a man and a woman, a waitress and a cook it appears. Neither are young – in their 40s one might guess. The man is talking, and the woman caught with her mouth open, probably chewing gum. They appear bored, and tired.
The parking lot looks empty, but inside the building, in the very center of the photo, is a young woman. Long dark hair drapes over her shoulders, tangled and frizzed. She wears a baggy sweater, as if asking others to not notice her, but her face is pretty with full lips and dark olive skin. In front of her sits a large platter, now empty, and a single piece of French toast in her hand. Her eyes are red and bloodshot, her shoulders slumped and defeated, but there’s a small smile on her powdered sugar-covered lips as she looks at the toast she holds.
Beside her sits a plate of waffles. Much smaller, and barely touched.
[Note: This description suggests a very wide frame but also mentions very tiny details. I realize this dichotomy doesn't work and details will be lost - all good.]