“So you want to be a comic artist. Are you willing to pay the price?”
–The Immortal Resurrected (kind of)
So you’re thinking about diving into the world of making comics, huh? Buckle up, my friend, because this rollercoaster ride is wild, bumpy, and full of surprises! Working in the comic industry has been an eye-opener. It’s a journey that’s not for the faint of heart, but hey, all rollercoasters have their ups and downs. So get ready for a ride!
What is a Comic Artist?
To be honest, I’m not sure if I qualify as a “real comic artist.” I haven’t inked pages with Dark Horse, Image, BOOM, or the Big Two. I’ve danced with the smaller publishers under the disco ball of comic creation, but I’m not sure if anyone knows who I am. Why? Because I’m living 6000 miles away from the place my comics are hitting shelves. That’s right, no casual strolls to the local comic shop to admire my masterpiece on the shelf. No high-fives with fellow creators at comic cons. It’s a bit like I’m living on an island or something (wait a sec. I sense irony here).
But despite that, my works have found a home at Comixology, Source Point Press, Sumerian, Scout, Action Lab, and 215 Ink (now Invader). Sounds impressive, right? Well, here’s the kicker – as of writing this, I haven’t received one check from a publisher. For some publishers it’s too soon to have received one yet, for other’s it’s just the realities of the publishing industry, and for a few it’s just out-right theft. But whatever the reason, it has become clear that the ‘business’ side of the comic industry is not what I expected (and is just downright dysfunctional).
Mistakes and Misplaced Expectations
Because let’s be real. I had grand expectations. Work hard, get good at your craft, and success will find you, right? Well, here I am, 8 years in and I’m still waving at success from step one. It’s a humbling experience, to say the least. So working in the industry has been well… let’s call it “resoundingly disappointing.” Scratch that, “disappointing” is an understatement. It’s like expecting a cake and getting a plate of soggy bread – not what you signed up for.
But hey, all that I thought might still be true. But as I’m standing at this particular junction in my journey, it feels like trying to climb an escalator that’s going the wrong way. I think it’s time to climb faster.
Because I can’t blame others for where I am. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I confess, I’ve been guilty of tunnel vision. My artistic obsession led me to tunnel down the rabbit hole, where the only focus was on getting better, drawing more accurately, making the best pictures I can. Little did I know, there is so much more needed to making a comic.
Like networking? Ah, the Achilles’ heel in my artistic journey. I’ve been more of a lone wolf than a social butterfly, missing out on the comic creator camaraderie. No schmoozing at comic cons, no mingling with fellow artists—I’ve wanted to do these, but living in Japan indeed has some draw backs.
And then there’s the art of promotion. A skill I’ve yet to master. Sure, I can craft a tale on paper, but spreading the word? Now, that’s something I still need help with.
Creating Compulsion
But the actual creation of comics is why we create comics. There’s an unparalleled joy in conjuring characters, weaving tales, and birthing entire worlds on the canvas of a comic page. It’s like sculpting with words and images, bringing to life the fantastical realms of an artist’s dreams.
Because creating comics isn’t merely a job; it’s a cosmic dance with inspiration, a rendezvous with the muse that resides within every artist’s soul. Because despite my tales of disillusionment with the industry’s quirks, the act of creation itself is a balm for the artistic spirit. The negatives may cast shadows, but the radiant glow of storytelling, character design, and world-building eclipses them all. It’s a calling, an unspoken pact with the creative universe.
Because while creating can be lonely, it is also a way to come together and meet others. I’ve been fortunate to share the creative stage with incredible minds—Mark Bertolini, Curt Pires, Trevor Boyd, David Pepose, and Marcu Knoesen. Each collaboration has been a great experience and a testament to the beauty of shared creativity.
So, dear reader, as we navigate the tumultuous seas of comic creation, let’s not forget the true essence—the sheer joy of making art. For creators, it’s not a choice; it’s an instinct, a DNA-encoded calling to shape worlds and tell stories.
In future episodes, I’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details of this rollercoaster journey. Tips, tricks, and tales of navigating the comic artist life – because, let’s face it, the ride might be wild, but the destination is worth the journey. Stay tuned, my friends, for the saga continues
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*I don’t use AI for my artwork. These filler images are just for fun and aren’t meant to represent my art so they have been labeled “AI GENERATED.” I want my blog to be enjoyable for you but I don’t have 2-6 hours to draw each image (this blog is done in my free time). If you’re against AI in art, please direct your criticism elsewhere (maybe someone trying to pass off AI generated images as their art). I am not doing that.
You are a WRITER and an ARTISTE (hear that spoken with a French accent)! Wow, I’m loving your blog. Here’s a quote that grabbed me from this entry: “So, dear reader, as we navigate the tumultuous seas of comic creation, let’s not forget the true essence—the sheer joy of making art. For creators, it’s not a choice; it’s an instinct, a DNA-encoded calling to shape worlds and tell stories.” Yep, yep, yep. Keep ’em coming!