How to Find an Artist for Your Comic Book Project

If you don't work for a big comic book publisher, finding an artist for your project can be very daunting. Especially for those of you that can't afford to pay your artist up front.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diligence
• Internet Connection

1. Go to a comic book convention. Artists turn out for these in droves. Some are on the job and others are looking for a job. If you can afford to pay an artist up front, go to Artist Alley. Lots of comic book artists will be showing their work in Artist Alley and some may even have price lists. If you are unable to pay up front, keep an eye open for people with portfolios. Sometimes they'll be at booths trying to get a favorite creator to look at it. Sometimes they'll be at panels trying to hand them to editors after the presentation. One place you're sure to find them is at a portfolio review session. Don't interrupt a portfolio review, but approach them afterward and ask to see their stuff. If you like their art, exchange information with them. You know that they are looking for work and maybe, just maybe, this will be the pairing of a lifetime.

2. Lurk in some online forums. There are a lot of great websites dedicated to comic book art. Artists post their work on these sites to get constructive criticism from their peers. Go to these sites and check out the posts. If you see something you like, send the artist a private message. Be honest about whether or not you can pay. This can be a sticky issue and you don't want your future collaborators feeling deceived. Some of the best websites for this are:
   
   http://digitalwebbing.com/
   http://conceptart.org/ and
   http://www.deviantart.com/
   
   Some publishers have forums like this on their websites as well.

3. http://digitalwebbing.com/ also offers a classified advertisement service for free. This is the easiest method to get quick results. Be clear about what you are looking for and about the payment situation. Once the responses come rolling in, don't be too quick to dismiss your second and third choices. The Internet is full of flaky people. You may find that your first choice isn't going to work out.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to compliment the artist's work. Everyone likes a compliment.

[IceSamurai]

on 1/25/2008 Please PM me or E-Mail me at [e-mail]

[IceSamurai]

on 1/25/2008 I'm a new and up and coming company and i want o know what to pay my new artist per page?