This entry in the “Making of” series will focus on the first two points: finding and recruiting an artist.

It’s never been easier to find an artist than it is today, especially with this crazy invention called “the internet.” Artists are everywhere, and unless they’re shy (or crazy), they want people to see their artwork.

Where are some places they hang out? Chances are they have their own online portfolios, so a quick google search for “comic artist” or some such variation of that could help make some discoveries. Deviantart.com is another place where artists like to showcase their work. Social networking sites such as facebook, drunkduck, or even myspace (although maybe less so these days) can be other places to find an artist that matches the style you’re going for in your storytelling. Maybe a friend or classmate could also work with you on a story.

Then there’s networking.

Going to comic conventions is another great place to meet artists, and being a professional comic creator myself, I also have an entire library of artists through my writing friends. One of them is Jeong Mo Yang who I’ve met at a few shows, and several of my friends have used for their comics.

Jeong has a very kinetic style of art (ie: there’s a lot of motion in his characters) and I knew that with a physical comedy book like this, that was going to be important. Plus, my friends have ranted and raved about his ability to work fast, meet deadlines, and turn around an awesome product.

Without getting ahead of myself, the man did not disappoint.

So before I reached out to Jeong I wrote down a quick synopsis – a summary of the story highlighting the key points and events – to get him excited about it and sign him on.

It’s a good idea to have a synopsis or a pitch ready for recruiting an artist (or sending to an editor, if you want to get published). Just a quick summary of the story, a breakout of the characters, and maybe your outline of what happens in the story. We have all that – we did it earlier – so this is easy to put together and send out.

It’s also a good idea to be willing to pay your collaborators.

Professionals are people who get paid for doing a job, and if you want top-quality artists to work with you, then you need to be willing to pay them. I’ve worked with other artists with various payment methods – we both get the .pdf at the end and make money off our own sales, we co-share the rights to the story, we pay on a per-page basis, we pay on a flat project fee.

Depending on how much you care about the story or characters you’re creating, some of these methods above may be more or less desirable. I recommend keeping the rights yourself and paying your collaborators – keeps things simple later down the road.

After agreeing on a budget for the project, Jeong signed on and we were working together. But how did the collaborative process work? We’ll review that next time, folks.

Heroes Unite page 16

My first page for Heroes Unite went live a few days ago. Click the link to check out the rest of the story so far.

Holy boobs!  That’s right, Sophia had to remove her dressings and her shirt in order for someone to get in there and help redress her injured ribs.  Most of that blood isn’t hers, though.  It’s her sisters.

Sounds like her suicide mission is something that we’ve seen before.  I fear that this story parallels the original Temple story a little too closely in terms of plot points, but at least I was able to divide up the beats a bit better.  This story feels like it flows better, has more action and adventure, and is overall a more fun story to read.  The first story suffered from some slower periods.  It’s amazing what you can learn about writing in 8 years.

Wizard world was a blast, and I hope to have pictures posted to the blog soon.  I may also try to turn some of them into a photo story arc for my other comic, @$$hole!, but we shall see.

Speaking of @$$Hole!, the comic was nominated for two Drunk Duck Awards this year:

1) Best Photo Comic (second year in a row)
2) Best Socio/Political Comic

Thanks to all who read and voted!

The waiter is played by Erica’s real-life boyfriend, Mike Ambs. Mike has worked in video editing for various websites, and recently moved to the Ann Arbor area…of course, after I left the state.

He’s an awesome guy and was tons of fun to work with. Very open to my direction and ideas, and even had a slew of his own to contribute. Very creative individual, and I encourage you all to follow him on twitter. He also has a flikr account, but I can’t think of the url off the top of my head.

Well, I’m at Wizard World Chicago already. So if you’re there (or in the area), be sure to stop by. I’m not exhibiting this year, but I’ll be shaking hands and kissing babies on the floor all day, doing a few panels at night, and will certainly be in the Hyatt bar after hours for a drink. Stop by, say hello to the bald man with bad posture (me).

Also, if you haven’t done so yet, be sure to check out Erica Hampton’s website, as she’s the awesome person both taking the pictures and playing the Crazy Cat Loving Lady (who will have a name soon).