What's your opinion on outsourcing?

[Darth_Biomech]

Say your comic needs a robot but you can't draw robots.
Or it needs a flashy outfit but you're not a cloth designer.
Or there needs to be a castle but you know nothing about medieval buildings.
Or maybe you get some professional help to iron out some of your comic script's rough edges in a couple of important scenes?
Stuff like that.

Would you just plow through and try to do as best as you can, or you would rather leave stuff for people that actually know their stuff?

I think the "outsource that!" would be the better approach that would result in a better quality of your work (I myself commissioned outfit redesigns for my main cast because I can't design clothing for life, and logo design since apparently I suck at that too), but at the same time, it feels kinda slightly... wrong? Your comic becomes less... yours. There are elements in it now that you did not make, that you can't claim credit for, that feels a tiny bit like stealing even if you've paid for the work. Those outfit designs I've commissioned, for instance, I'm still wary of using them freely. Is it okay if I change them? Is it okay if I use their elements to make derivative designs? Is it honest to still say that the comic is made by "me"? I'm not talking about the legal copyright angle here, I do not particularly believe in the business side of the concept of IPs anyway, I mean more... ethical and moral sides, I guess?

I guess it's less of an issue in collaborative projects when multiple people provide their input in the comic-making from the beginning - you won't feel like it's your personal comic if you're just the script writer\illustrator\inker and there's at least one another that inputs an equal amount on effort into the comic.

[ar-ninetysix]

I'm split on this. On the one hand, obviously it'd be nice to get that practice in. Same goes for having the exact image you're aiming for, you don't have to rely on anyone else to get things done. However.. it'd tough to ensure everything gets across the way you want it to when you feel inexperienced in the skills needed. And who knows if you'll become a perfectionist in the process of trying to get things right again and again..

This is where outsourcing becomes a great option if you have the money to spare. The important thing is to establish what you can and can't do with their finished result, so you don't run into any issues after the commission's done. That, and to have a strong vision of what you want before commissioning the person. The comic might not be 100% yours by the end of it, but anything to get your vision out there in an experienced manner, right?

Plus, you could always try to study the input of those you commissioned. Learn from those who know better, and all that~

Edit: It kinda feels like I rehashed your entire topic, sorry if it seems that way lol but I feel like it pretty much depends on how important this paid collaboration aspect of it matters to specific people. I myself wouldn't mind. If I like the result, I'll gladly put it out there that someone helped out. Plus revealing that also puts their name out there for new eyes so.. Win-win scenario

[NickRowler]

Most professional comics/mangas are done by a team of people. Even books will have ghost writers. I have no issue with someone asking for help, however I think that person should get some credit.

Now if you are a Jeff Koons like artist and don’t really write or draw any of your comics yet take all the credit, yeah that is awful. Don’t do that.

[DiegoPalacios]

As long as you credit the people involved and compensate them accordingly, it's fair game.

[thecrystalrook]

Pay your team accordingly and give them credit. All will be good.

Now if someone doesn't do the above and takes credit, then I'm gonna identify as a problem

[Relieth]

creo que esta bien para tener mas calidad en tu obra, no pienso que lo haga menos tuyo, ahora, los que dicen que hay que dar creditos, pienso que no es necesario mientras los otros artiastas-escritores reciban un pago o salario por su trabajo, a fin de cuentas la idea o el proyecto es tuyo, tu lo empezaste

[SheniraS]

"If you can't do it yourself, get someone to do it for you," is how our economy has been established. You don't make your own clothes that you wear, but the style with which you put them together is still yours. If you do make your own clothes, do you also weave the fabric? Spin the thread? pick the cotton? I mean you could do all that, or you could get someone else to do it for you. Your style is still yours, even if not all the pieces started off that way.

Edit - cuz I forgot something important. Like others said, as long as there is an understanding, and proper credit given when required (you aren't gonna credit every brush you use) then i don't see an issue outsourcing.

[TedGravesArt]

My art motto is almost always "If you have a tool, use it." I think that applies here. As others have said, give credit where credit is due of course. Make sure you're clear on how you can use the content when you commission it.
That said, I'm also really a big supporter of bootstrapping stuff and putting the work in to learn how to do things yourself too.
Personally, sometimes I'll avoid using a tool because it reduces my exposure to a skill that I want. I don't use digital brush smoothing for example, because I want to keep my hands trained for working with physical ink as well. Sometimes leaning too much on a tool can deny you the opportunity to learn and improve. Outsourcing work that's hard or requires research for knowledge you don't have is fine, as long as you understand that you're side stepping building your own skill set by doing so.
Your art journey is your own, and only you can decide your own level of involvement.

[kettopeter15]

You are right, the main thing is to effectively use all available tools

[Shomin]

First,

I mean more... ethical and moral sides, I guess?

First, to question about "ethical and moral" of outsourcing is itself, is not the proper question.

I know my own limits. A fact about I am not perfect in every form of art.

Okay, let's slightly twist the question and look into the case:
1- Is making a spaghetti bolognese with bought pasta from the market wrong?
2- Is making a spaghetti bolognese with bought pasta and canned bolognese sauce from the market wrong?
3- Is making a spaghetti bolognese with raw self-made pasta and bolognese sauce but the whole thing taste like shit wrong?

So it really depends on the situation.
Since I'm a hobbyist and not a pro, I prefer to make spaghetti bolognese with no.2 method. But If I want to open a good restaurant to serve fancy pastas, I will learn to make my own pasta and bolognese sauce. No3. is not wrong too, since that is simply a process while developing the great spaghetti bolognese recipe. But you cannot expect people to swallow that shitty stuff... unless, they agree to do that experiment for you.

So I hope that's people get what I mean...

[samconnely]

Outsourcing can feel a little weird at first, especially if you're used to doing everything yourself. But in my experience, it’s more about improving your work, not taking anything away from it. When someone with more skill in a specific area—like designing robots or clothing—steps in, it can make your project stronger and help you focus on what you’re good at.

I felt the same way when I started outsourcing billing in my optometry business. Partnering with an optometry billing company freed up my time so I could focus on my patients and growing the practice. It didn’t make my business any less mine; it just helped me do it better.

For your comic, it’s okay to get help where you need it. You’re still the one steering the project, and outsourcing is just a way to make your vision come to life in the best way possible.

[Rai_Muffin]

Not huge on outsourcing drawing since I enjoy doing; I find it fun to research stuff I don't know and expand what I can draw.
I struggle with backgrounds, but I can't deny the feeling of accomplishment when I finish one.

Now busy work I would happily outsource if I could afford it.
Colouring, lettering, especially advertising; stuff that needs to be done but feels more like an obligation than something enjoyable.

When it comes to outsourcing designs, there's no shame in altering an outfit or design to fit your style.
Especially if the outfit is an overly extravagant design that you'll have to draw five times a page.
Just make sure people are compensated and credited accordingly.

[Leyelle]

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