I'd like to start off by saying, I am a comic book artist; at least that's what I want my profession to be in this life. I haven't compiled my work yet, but as I want to get pubished, does anyone have any experience in the area? I mean a graphic novel isn't QUITE the same as a regular novel, but if someone could point me in the right direction, it would be appreciated

Are you a writer as well, or are you hoping to illustrate something that you haven't written?

Efan said:

Are you a writer as well, or are you hoping to illustrate something that you haven't written?

I do write, though I have a less confidence in it than my art. Right now, I'm working on a project, where I am just the artist, but I have a few stories of my own that I would like to approach when I get the chance.

I think you're putting the cart ahead of the horse. No point contacting them until you have something to show them.

Others can probably give better advice, but I would suggest the following:

--Put your work up on deviantart.com and other similar websites.

--Both San Diego Comic-Con and New York Comic-Con have panels where people can try to pitch their work to comics professionals. They fill up fast and they're crowded, but get to them anyway.

--Tell everyone you know what you want to do. Put it completely out there because you never know where help and connections are going to come from.

--Consider going to a school like the Joe Kubert school or some other professional program where you can make connections.

I don't know if any of these will help, but good luck!

Genesia said:

I think you're putting the cart ahead of the horse. No point contacting them until you have something to show them.

Thats a good point! I do need to get back to work; I just wanted some more information for people who might know something about publishing. Thanks

Efan said:

Others can probably give better advice, but I would suggest the following:

--Put your work up on deviantart.com and other similar websites.

--Both San Diego Comic-Con and New York Comic-Con have panels where people can try to pitch their work to comics professionals. They fill up fast and they're crowded, but get to them anyway.

--Tell everyone you know what you want to do. Put it completely out there because you never know where help and connections are going to come from.

--Consider going to a school like the Joe Kubert school or some other professional program where you can make connections.

I don't know if any of these will help, but good luck!

My big thing this year is to go to comic book cons; I need to work on my output though. Thanks for the other suggestions

CoolTarik1 said:

Genesia said:

I think you're putting the cart ahead of the horse. No point contacting them until you have something to show them.

Thats a good point! I do need to get back to work; I just wanted some more information for people who might know something about publishing. Thanks

Sorry to be so blunt about it. But in my experience, people don't like having their time wasted. Do that even once and you might not get a second chance.

I would think that with the advent of ebooks, self publishing would be easier.

I know authors who are published, who shouldn't be!

Genesia said:

CoolTarik1 said:

Thats a good point! I do need to get back to work; I just wanted some more information for people who might know something about publishing. Thanks

Sorry to be so blunt about it. But in my experience, people don't like having their time wasted. Do that even once and you might not get a second chance.

Don't worry about it, Genesia, I respond to blunt the best; you weren't rude at all.

BlackAdder7 said:

I would think that with the advent of ebooks, self publishing would be easier.

I know authors who are published, who shouldn't be!

Thanks for the info, I feel better about getting published in the future

Genesia said:

CoolTarik1 said:

Thats a good point! I do need to get back to work; I just wanted some more information for people who might know something about publishing. Thanks

Sorry to be so blunt about it. But in my experience, people don't like having their time wasted. Do that even once and you might not get a second chance.

for a job -- no...

but if you want to intern for free or cheap, you might be considered, especially if there are any small start-ups near you... One of my exes got in the field that way; he was later hired to be a colorist/color editor.. eventually did a lot of freelance stuff with DC on their comics. His idiot azz is always at ComiCon (not the best person, but a very talented artist.. )

I dated a guy who is a published graphic novel artist.

Orgnote me if you want his info.

I'm doing animation, and putting it out on youtube. Why not do the same with your comic?

CallMeCarrie said:

I dated a guy who is a published graphic novel artist.

Orgnote me if you want his info.

Sure, that would be a great connection. Thanks

PositivityNYC said:

Genesia said:

Sorry to be so blunt about it. But in my experience, people don't like having their time wasted. Do that even once and you might not get a second chance.

for a job -- no...

but if you want to intern for free or cheap, you might be considered, especially if there are any small start-ups near you... One of my exes got in the field that way; he was later hired to be a colorist/color editor.. eventually did a lot of freelance stuff with DC on their comics. His idiot azz is always at ComiCon (not the best person, but a very talented artist.. )

Right now I'm conflicted, because on one hand, this is something I really want to do with my life; however, I have an obligation to my job, and even though I live at home right now, so I have no living overhead, I would feel terrible not even bringing any money in right now. And the work, which I love is very time consuming.

However, I know that I could get some kind of internship at a big comic book publishing company or even a smaller start-up it will eventually get me miles ahead. Its a hard choice.

you can also get started doing illustrations for local companies.

YES ADS. (it is not selling out until you make it, even Prince did radio jingles before he got signed)

OnlyNDaUsa said:

you can also get started doing illustrations for local companies.

YES ADS. (it is not selling out until you make it, even Prince did radio jingles before he got signed)

Really?!

What commercials?

I'd love to hear the audio on that!

Does he do the scream...AaOoWa?

CallMeCarrie said:

OnlyNDaUsa said:

you can also get started doing illustrations for local companies.

YES ADS. (it is not selling out until you make it, even Prince did radio jingles before he got signed)

Really?!

What commercials?

I'd love to hear the audio on that!

Does he do the scream...AaOoWa?

no one knows for sure, But that is what chris moon said. and that was from what I gathered was just musical numbers no vocals.

[Edited 1/18/11 10:47am]

CoolTarik1 said:

Genesia said:

I think you're putting the cart ahead of the horse. No point contacting them until you have something to show them.

Thats a good point! I do need to get back to work; I just wanted some more information for people who might know something about publishing. Thanks

yes, you definitely need a finished book first.

My gf works for a small publisher. A lot of the authors pay for part of the publishing costs themselves, but then they are part of the catalog and have a better chance to sell because of it. And if it sells well, then of course there are royalties.

Most authors don't make any money, though. It is kind of like the music business; a few get rich and the rest do it virtually for free.

But it's not impossible, and getting some stuff published from a small imprint might be an entry into the field before you approach Random House.

[Edited 1/18/11 11:00am]

CoolTarik1 said:

I haven't compiled my work yet...

What are you waiting for?

I work in games and have for many years, with several very good artists.

They draw/create all the time.

No portfolio?...No chance!

I think you are too far ahead of yourself....daydreaming?

You need to have something to show.

(I should know...I'm a a daydreamer too, and it's never served me well.)