I've had a conversation with someone about their comic progression and they told me their team for their comic disband and for that, she hasn't worked on it at all.
NOW THAT'S A PROBLEM!
I really do encourage teamwork but I do not encourage crutches.
If you are not paying anyone, even if you with them face to face, they will not give you 100% despite how AMAZING everything is. Artists that are looking for help have to make sure that if you can't do it alone, you can't expect others to help.
Before I got an assistant, I was my editor, colorist, inker, manager, calculator, etc. and I made sure I had a working schedule that worked with my schooling. I've gotten far without help until a friend saw the pressure of everything crashing down such as the Covid-19 pandemic, schooling, personal problems AND the comic, so she told me an assistant would help (of course, I refused).
Overtime, I thought about getting an assistant and went on a search for "Temporary assistants" to help me with only one episode, which led me to actually think what weight I'd like to take off my shoulder.
From episodes 1-3 1/2, I worked extremely hard to keep up with everything and it paid off!
Now let's stop talking about me and get to you!
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Firstly understand this: This may not work for everyone!
-Be prepared: Now, you cannot expect to grow plants without dirt! Do not plan to start a comic based around a group. You will NEVER get anywhere because of that thinking. Have few episodes prepared by yourself, that way, you will have some type of proof reliability and skills as a creator.
-Be fair You're not going to get professionals, that's for sure. That's when you compromise. When you are looking for people, let them know what you're looking for and how you want it done. Actually work with them so they can learn or if you don't want to help out, then I guess you don't need anyone then.
-Give simple position: Do not give someone a knife to cook if you aren't paying them to do it. People who are giving multiple parts to everyone will have a high chance of losing everyone. You have to still do most of the work (75%) since this is YOUR story and you aren't paying anyone. Give them something simple like coloring or editing (not the script but more of the dialogue within the comic), that way, you and your partner can grow. The more you grow, the better!
PLEASE DON'T:
Rely on your teams for everything: You're not paying them, meaning, they are obligated to walk out on you, so be prepared to take the roles.
Take Advantage: They are nice enough to even lend you a hand, Don't be mean.
False advertise: Though you are planning to make it a job, don't write it as one, It's not a job until you can make a solid pay-rate/check
Over staff: Like I said, If you can't do it alone, you don't need to have a team because you aren't paying them.
Yeah! Those are my advices!
-Make sure you are capable of doing it without help.
-Be reasonable and respectful
- Prepare for the future.
