Guest comic protocol

leslie 2015-07-28 04:01:18 UTC #1

Hi Everyone-

I'm new to the online comic-making community and see that some of the popular comic series I follow will post others' guest comics once in a while. I was wondering what the polite protocol is if I wanted to create a guest comic for some of the strips I follow (these are usually just a one page strip-style and not an entire story). Do I just create a fan comic and send it to them? Do I ask them first? Do you usually send it to them through Facebook, email or Taptastic?
Thanks for the opinions!

infectedbloodcomics 2015-07-28 04:02:32 UTC #2

That's a good question, I'd like to hear about it myself, thanks for bringing it up

joannekwan 2015-07-28 04:02:50 UTC #3

I think the best way to start is to send them a message and ask before you draw.

VeloursRose 2015-07-28 04:42:26 UTC #4

Usually an artist will have a call for guest comics ahead of time. It's usually a good idea to follow artists and see if they have a open call for guest strips. Though some artists just ask their other comic friends. It's good to be vigilant for opprotunities though.:)

infectedbloodcomics 2015-07-28 04:46:34 UTC #5

It just happened with @abigailkbacilla

leslie 2015-07-28 04:47:20 UTC #6

Thanks! Yeah I've always wanted to know, I'm afraid of being rude if I just made one and sent it to them- I don't want to impose anything on them.

leslie 2015-07-28 04:48:44 UTC #7

Thanks! Sounds like a good solution since I don't want to sound rude by shoving my fan art at them!

leslie 2015-07-28 04:49:24 UTC #8

Great, thanks a lot!

kurisquare 2015-07-28 13:29:27 UTC #9

I'm seconding what @VeloursRose said, the best is to check if the artist has made an open call for guest comics (I guess a good place would be on their walls or the forum), and in any case always ask first! in case you do work with them you can ask them later where to send your comic - personally I prefer email but I guess anything works as long as they get it XD

PotooGryphon 2015-07-28 14:18:29 UTC #10

Yeah, artists usually make a call/plead for help for guest comics during chapter breaks, and it's best to follow and love the artist you're wanting to make a guest comic for. I usually make my call for guest comics over twitter.

However, fan art is awesome, and all creators love it! You could probably approach the artist you want to draw a guest comic for, at any time, and say something like, "Hey, I really love your series. Like a LOT! To the point where I want to take on extra work and make a guest comic for it, cause I that in to it. Would it be cool if we could set this up? Maybe you could use it as filler inbetween posts to take a well deserved break or something?"

I have a feeling most artists, getting a message like that, would respond with, "OMG :tears of joy for days: That'd be super awesome and I'd love that immensely! Let's totally work this out and plan a schedule where I can post this and take a break to refill my buffer, you beautiful creature you! :hearts hearts smiley face hearts:"
:everyone turns into a valley girl in my reenactment:

So yeah, after contacting them and getting the ok, present your strip idea to them (if you already have one in mind). For the most part, if you're approaching the artist first anyways, I'd assumed you'd already have an idea of something you'd like to do for a gs. I generally don't like asking the artist for an idea for the gs.

A guest comic is my way to show my love and appreciation for their work and asking them to provide an idea feels like it might diminishing that specialness or taking a potentially idea from the artist that they would have used in their own series. idk, maybe that's just me though, if I don't have an idea before hand I don't volunteer.

So yes, in conclusion Ask, Get Permission, Send Idea, Do the GS with lots of Love, and Send it Back, Done. Don't do it for the exposure, do it because you love the comic!