A: Currently we are not accepting submissions from other writers or for new concepts. Our staff is brimming with so many ideas we can hardly keep up with THEM as it is!
Q: I am an artist who is currently doing his first comic with my friend who writes it. We BOTH write and draw, but since he likes writing more (and is better at it) and I like the drawing part (and am better than he is at it), we decided to each do one specific thing instead of doing a little of each. My question is, do you find that to be better or worse?
A: I suppose it depends on the person and who youre working with. I personally enjoy working with other artists as well as on my own. I think Brian probably feels the same. However, the norm in the industry is to divide the work up. Things get done faster that way and, frankly, its the rare person who is equally adept at all aspects of creating comics. Usually the really good penciler is not quite as good at writing and vice versa.
Q: Have either one of you attended a formal art school or program at a college level?
A: Yes, both Brian and I have attended college level art programs. Brian left early to go to work, and is now working as a professional artist/designer in addition to his comic book and novel writing activities. I graduated from a the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I would strongly recommend getting as much training as possible. I dont think that a 4 year degree oriented program is a must, but SOME additional schooling beyond high school, like a two year professional art program, should be the minimum.
You need to be put in the situation where you solve lots of art oriented problems and experience a wide range and depth of art styles and approaches. Just working at comics alone is limiting to you as an artist. You will be a better comic artist, for instance, if you study classical painting. All the really great artists Ive ever seen, can draw anything and are often fine painters as well. Doing just comics will make your work typical and boring.
If youre serious about art, and comics in particular, I encourage you to show your work to as many people in the industry as possible. Comic conventions are a good place to do this. Be prepared for hard criticism and take it well. Listen to what they say and try to use their input to improve your work. But NEVER let them discourage you if this is what you really want to do. Keep working and working. Hard work is the number one key to success in the comics world. Talent is great, but if you arent willing to work a lot harder than the next guy, he will get the job and you wont. Get used to rejection and dont let it bother you. Dont take it personally, and dont let it stop you from continuing to work, practice and improve.
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