How do I get an artist to work with me on a comic?

GamerPrincessXI 2019-08-31 22:13:31 UTC #1

General question aside from paying them.

skicoak 2019-08-31 22:15:06 UTC #2

Hire a private detective to follow them/dig up dirt...then blackmail them.

GamerPrincessXI 2019-08-31 22:15:54 UTC #3

That would be epic but isn't extortion illegal?

skicoak 2019-08-31 22:19:56 UTC #4

So is probably what you're blackmailing them with so...it's kind of a morally Grey area. Right?

Vortex 2019-08-31 22:21:45 UTC #5

Probably be a good writer. That's the second biggest reason i'm working with my friend.

Kura 2019-08-31 22:46:44 UTC #6

Without paying? Best best would be is work without one, gain your own readership and wait for one to willingly approach you.

Artists may come to you if they find your story and what you're creating appealing to them as something they can invision it as a comic.

Other options, have an artist friend, that is NOT already working on a comic but is also looking for a writer willing to work on a comic, and start your dream team.

imiogri 2019-08-31 22:49:39 UTC #7

I don't know if this is useful, but I hopped on a project with a writer who was a stranger to me for no pay. The reason was that it wasn't a comic, but a children's book that wouldn't take years to complete but would still be very rewarding and useful for my portfolio. Additionally, it was on a subject I was extremely passionate about and thought was equally as important to me to draw as it was for the writer to write.

Another very useful feature was very clear communication about what was expected, together with no pressure about when the project was supposed to be completed. I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't expect anyone to do anything for you that would take years upon years with unclear benefits. Keep it short and sweet.

ratique 2019-08-31 22:51:29 UTC #8

There are some good resources written by community members here on the forum regarding this topic that may help, but honestly, unless you happen to be real life friends and you enjoy working together, I don't see a reason why an artist would work with a writer just for fun.

I have worked with a writer before, because I found his work and found it inspiring.

If you want your work illustrated however, you will likely have to pay an artist.

GamerPrincessXI 2019-08-31 22:54:25 UTC #9

Ironically I got more replies to this thread than the other one. XD

GamerPrincessXI 2019-08-31 22:56:54 UTC #10

Right. I guess when you put it, that. It kinda makes sense.

SleepingPoppy 2019-08-31 22:57:48 UTC #11

There really aren't that many people available for or interested in collaborating. You can always try your luck, but not enough people realize that the people here are already actively working on their own projects. There's also WAY more demand for artist collaborators than writers, so writers are at a perpetual disadvantage. But being a very talented writer who builds up their own renown by publishing novels and such would be the best path.

Because we're not interested in collaborating, but we do care that it's difficult to want something and not have it pan out. We want you to succeed, but there's only so much we can do, ya known?

GamerPrincessXI 2019-08-31 23:05:19 UTC #12

I've written my own stuff. Hell, I've even animated my own place. Sample:

I'd have like 1, 300 lying around somewhere. I have maybe 1,000. But people always want more. I'm not wrong.

ZatchZ 2019-08-31 23:07:55 UTC #13

Money. Not the promise of money, payment to an artist.
That or look for an artist looking for a writer.

SleepingPoppy 2019-08-31 23:14:26 UTC #14

When I say "But being a very talented writer who builds up their own renown by publishing novels and such would be the best path." I'm referring to the ongoing effort of self improvement and building a readership. There's no "If you write X many projects, you are awarded an artist" prize.

It really depends on the amount of work you're asking to have done. You are never owed an artist. No one is obligated to do anything for you. If they feel you're not offering enough money to compensate them for their time, they're are correct to say no. $1000 could totally fund a small project if you went about it reasonably and consider the ability level of the artist.

GamerPrincessXI 2019-08-31 23:16:19 UTC #15

To be or not to be. That is the question. Not asking for a drawing of any of these:

writercynknapp 2019-08-31 23:28:48 UTC #16

Give us a little hint on what you would like.

GamerPrincessXI 2019-08-31 23:31:10 UTC #17

I have a whole thread for this, though. XD https://forums.tapas.io/t/writer-4-artist-split-revenue/36613

GrimRose 2019-09-04 20:49:15 UTC #18

Make sure you are clearly pitching your idea and have a good outline of how long it is going to be (20 pages? 50?) and the genre and level of detail that is going into your comic.

From experience, I am hesitant to start working with a stranger, unless they have a clearly described story that I find interesting or if they have no clear idea of how long it is going to take.

I wouldn't sign up for a project that would take over a year long, as that is a lot of time to dedicate to a project that I have no personal connection to.

A few things that drew me to the current projects that I am collaborating on.

-the story concept was personally interesting
-i had some personal say in how i drew the characters or backgrounds. (I love the process of design and layout)
-we both had a clear idea of what the project process would entail (schedule, pay or no pay, length, script)
-they work in a similar genre to me (fantasy)

I am actually always looking, as an artist, to collaborate on a short story with a writer, even if it is no pay, but most are unwilling to work on a short story and are always pitching 100 chapter epics.

Its very unlikely to find someone to collaborate if that is the case (not many people like long term projects)
Or if you do find someone, there is a high possibility that it may never be finished, since your partner may have real life commitments come up and have to drop the project mid way.

nixxusnibelheim 2019-09-04 22:08:33 UTC #19

Honestly I'm more incline to collab' with someone if everyone wear the same cap.
Like they are writer and artists who pitch in for the concept of the story, the outline, the script etc. But also share the art aspect, like someone do the sketch, the other the lineart etc.

That way it doesn't feel like i'm working for someone but more like I'm working with.

Tanako 2019-09-04 22:23:03 UTC #20

You also need to keep in mind that what you are asking for is a serious commitment. most people are either in school, or working full time and barely have time to pour into theirs let alone another persons project (like myself). and just like everyone here said, if you don't know them personally the chances is like likely none and even if you do find someone, its only a matter of time before they flake on you in literally like one to two months.

It's difficult being consistent and this is one of the reasons why many artist barely finish their own personal projects because life take control and mos times it's not something that can be controlled so my personal advice to you is you take it upon your self to execute it. you can always continue to search for artist don't get me wrong but just keep in mind it may take a very long time before you find someone interested and if they are, how committed will they be because after all, its your project not theirs.