And don't forget to use AI to write your comic.
A collaboration can only work when you find people who have the same
vision/dream and that´s indeed very rare.
Working for free to fulfill another person´s dream is not a collaboration
and why should anyone want to do that?
Well, as an artist who has worked on collaborations before I can agree and put some imput into it
Definetly this usually happens when there is nothing to gain for the artist, this usually happens when the story, characters, plot, genre, everything is solely of the Writer and the artist is only a means to an end.
This also happens the other way around if the roles are inverted, the writer is the one making something that is solely from the artist, their idea, their characters, their plot, genre, etc.
Actually, if a writer sees their own ability as easy, then of course is going to undercharge for them, I can easily see both writers and artist charging way lower than the minimum wage. I've also seen several writers who have already built quite a fanbase, an income or simply have writing as a second career or hobby, to pay for artist long term (I've been drawing for a writer for almost 4 years now, shameless promo to Scarlet Society1, Yandere City -series TBA- and Love Quotes1)
Some collaborations do actually work, the thing is that most of the time since there is not a balance, and one will likely take advantage of the other, or demanding way more than what one is offering, then of course, these are going to likely fail if there isn't clear communication. Most of the time, collaborations that have an idea born within two, have higher chances to grow compared to others where the goals, the structure and more are solely of one person and the other is there being a tool to achieve those things.
I believe this is more of a problem about not knowing how to properly promote yourself, a lot of the time I see writers or comic artists dumping their episodes with very irregular schedules, posting every day or all of a sudden posting every now and then, and while there is no rule about doing things specifically, if you want to have a steady pace, build expectation and interest from a reader, then you'll need to construct a way to leave your readers with wanting to read more, but at the same time giving them the space to breath from your series. I also see a lot of them not understanding or not caring enough to see what kind of formula works better on the platforms that they post.
A lot of people also have the terrible bad habit of being... capricious, that they want their story to be LIKE THIS, I WANT IT TO BE THIS WAY! I DONT' WANT TO SEEK ALTERNATIVES! Like, if you assume writing is easy, a lower skill, then... shouldn't be easy for you to write a novel instead of a comic? But everyone wants everything the easy way, they want fame now, they want followers now, they want their story to be a comic, they want people to have the same level of interest and compromise as if we are them.
Or you can always try to date a writer/artist and try to pay them with food, love, being pampered and watching series together, like @Kuma and I do
As a fellow writer I feel like you had a bad day, you're taking one down, writing a salty post just to turn it around.
Collaborations, as the name indicate, need to be a two way street. If you're the doormat then you need to push your ideas more and if you are the one pressing your ideas without hearing your collaborator you should really start to listen.
I think you had one or two bad experiences and began generalizing everything.
Cus most collabs are not collabs. They are request for an art slave to draw or write how they want with little input. And expectations of high quality with little cash.
Also I would say avoid using AI for art
Ignore the tech bros. They tried to force nft's art thefts on people a few months ago
The copywriter legality is dicey at best. And the webtoons with that style barely have subs from what I've seen.
Honestly might as well say get AI to write your story. Pretty low tier.
Best free collabs I've seen between irl friends or spouses or people who pay others and seem proffesional
Wow, dang. I mean, it's a stretch to say that most don't work out. By saying that, you're assuming that at least 51% of the ones posted here are duds, which might be the case since most of us are broke. Money is a big motivator in most cases.
While I agree with your point about teaching ourselves how to draw. However, it is extremely hard, and not everyone has the talent or money to make their own art or use AI art. Take it from the guy who's been kicking the wall for the past month, learning how to draw.
Old drawing:
New one:
However, I don't think that we should throw away Collabs and rely on ourselves. The ecosystem might be trash, but writers might also be the ones making it like that. I think that we might be going about Collabs the wrong way.
Essentially, most of us value our work highly. I agree with that, most of us have our own stories, and it's like a kid to us. However, we have to realize that others feel the same about their own works.
If you are a writer, but you don't have any money and want your work made into a comic, there are many ways that it could happen. However, posting a Collab that essentially says "my work is great, feel honored to draw it" then no work is put into it and it has a small amount of subs or following is not a way.
There are 3 clear ways and a fourth maybe.
The best way to get an investment is to have a clear plan. Write a summary, the plots, the arcs, the different characters, the setting and explain every aspect of your story. Also, sketch out your scenes and make a draft of your comic so that artists need to do the minimum amount of work, cause if you love your work that much, you should put into the effort.
And for the point that people always love to bring up about their work being stolen: It doesn't matter if you think that someone's gonna steal it, cause, for the same reasons artist won't draw your work, your work is more likely to succeed than get stolen, as nothing is proven, and thieves don't steal gems that look like rocks on the outside.
However, by posting your full work, you open up so many opportunities, and the benefit outweighs the cost by far.
1) you seem more professional and dedicated to your work
2) you're more likely to get artists interested in your work as they know every aspect of your story and only have to put in the minimal effort to just draw out your plans
3) you could get a sponsor who's interested and gives you support
4) people love quick wins
Essentially, love your work to death
Years ago I dealt with a frustrating collab, so I can understand being upset if something didn’t work out for you. But there are many situations where they do work.
Like others said AI is not the answer. AI art is built on copying other people’s art, it is not public domain or fair use. There is also very little control over what the program will spit out unless you are feeding in your own references images. If you just want generic images with no narrative connection to each other, then pay for some stock photos.
For the AI thing, it won't work at all especially for making comics
I remember that one post on Twitter about a comic made by AI where people have to break down how a comic should have been written/formatted. AI may have inconsistencies on making a comic and it might possible that the comic might look blurry like the Dalle thing.
Teaching ourselves how to draw? Um...some of us simply don't have the talent, not even with stick figures 
I get where you are coming from. That is why it is important to select wisely in the collaboration process and lay out expectations as early as possible. Give creative room and flexibility for everyone involved in the collab even if you're paying them. Be open for inputs and suggestions.
Sometimes life just happens and we grow out of feeling as passionate about a project as we did in the beginning and that is okay.
If paying an artist long term is too much, try smaller projects with a limited budget.
I've had successful collaborations on here and do not agree with your statement that collabs should be avoided. Sorry you had a bad experience.
Looking through your post history.. @spiderbrahdfo13
Alot of the collabs you seem to try get into are the most shadiest set of people I ve seen.
Lots of "want a free writer" and then they proceed to argue they will pay with profit when asked about payment. which is... a red flag.
Even has people in those thread warning others to stay away in the posts immediately after the initial asking
No proffessional would make that kind of thread. Asking for 100 episodes for free from strangers at high quality. No mature person would ask these things of people.
I'm saying sorry but... if many have warned a thread and its filled with that many red flags. Low chances are already shown it's not gonna work out
The last paragraph is on point. This entire comment.
I am in no way going to attach the author of this thread, but you said it yourself. I remember they have often complained about collaboration threads and how it hasn't worked for them. They have deleted a lot of their posting history from the looks of it.
it's a tool like any other. you can use it to come up with some nice backgrounds or good colour pallets
Yes so is google images. I wouldn't reccomend people take images and art off there with no editing and try to profit off it.
It's a tool for references and skilled photonashing. Not to make commercial art to sell as your own
Oh... then that explains every thing. I dont look at collab threads much unless they are asking for payment or more a community project.
But if this isnt the first time they complained and they kept involving themselves in that many obviously shady collabs and ignore people who warn and them then.. yikes..
By checking your older threads I'll be very honest on this, but I believe you need to know it because that attitude won't do much for you no matter what kind of path you decide to approach
You always seek the most shady, red flag, incomplete, unprofessional, from dead/inactive/sus accounts, obviously you won't achieve anything if you go after something that won't be serious in the first place. Read the other replies, read about those making all the right questions before jumping blindly just to have their expectations crushed be it because it went nowhere or simply they ghosted you or are no longer interested in a thread that the person probably did on impulse or the backlash finally got them and made them realize what they've been asking was unrealistic and unfair.
You always seem to be on a rush to get your projects done, YOUR stuff done. You're already in denial that you won't improve in art and even said that you're too late to start learning just because you've been doing this for 4 years without improving much, despite you were 17 last year when you complained about that. You don't need to be good to take an idea out of your head, you won't improve if you only focus on theory, a lot of it comes from the constancy, the practice and the compromise. A lot of people improve not because they study or watch a tutorial or are making doodles on their notebooks for 4 years, a lot of them improve when they are already working in a comic, be it theirs, with a friend, a collab, etc.
I believe, you should really re-read the advice from senior artists you've received on your other thread regarding collaborations and your skills.
But I'll say this because I'm the most skeptical artist over there. You say you're "experienced" as a writer and script writer, but I see no work of yours?
Not posting in Tapas or any writer-hosting platform, no free to read samples, no links, no nothing, to me if you don't have a portfolio to show then it's the same as having nothing, trying to dig up stuff through DMs is the same as wasting time, and a lot of people won't even bother in messaging you if they themselves can't reach your stuff.
Same for artists, I'll never get those who don't even use their own artwork as profile pics, banners or won't even have a link to their portfolio or where they dump their artwork but I believe it's more because I'm a "Provide everything in a golden plate" kind of person, especially when it comes to paid work or if I want to look professional.
And if you're too afraid that your story is going to get stolen, then buddy, let me tell you that unless you're very talented or very famous, no one is gonna bother. So, post your work before you get the chance to say that someone else stole your idea.
I sure am glad there are a lot of good comments here because I'm not nearly as nice as these folks. I'll keep most of my thoughts to myself.
However, I will say I've worked in the industry for over twenty years. I've had two novels published-- not self-published, but by discovery from a publisher, with actual profits-- and I've also done commissioned art to pay my bills for a long time. I'm no Michelangelo but I've got a lot of experience.
I can say without a single doubt it has taken ten times more work to reach my current abilities in art as it has in writing. Writing tends to come rather naturally and though it can be lengthy work and even tedious, it does not -remotely- compare to the effort it takes (again, from my personal experience) to get to a decent level in drawing.
Perhaps you ought to appreciate your artists a little more.
I realize this may smell of bitterness but oh boy have I held back. lol.