In search (again) for a comic artist

[XTREEMMAK]

Hey guys,
I'm looking for a comic book artist to work with me on my comic book projects. As I am, I'm no hand artist, more of a computer art guy slash musician and I'm looking for the right artist to get these comic projects going. I'm really looking for someone to have a business relationship with in which we both get a share of all profit made from the project (50/50 of writers share). As far as payments, I'd prefer not to pay by the page but per project, letting any profit gained from sales of our books count as additional payments. Truthfully I've delt with page rate artists, one of which (my previous artist who was very good mind you) charged me $60 per page inked and colored which seemed reasonable at the time, but doing the math, it would have cost me alone $1000 per 15 page book and that's no way to get a project going, especially one with no backing. If needed, we can even add on an additional low month charge for your services. Besides, how fare is it for me to pay that much for something that probably might not sell?

To illustrate what I'm looking for, here are some samples of the main character for the first project as drawn by my previous artist. Her name's Rana:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/41775634/

This is the coloring style I'm looking for (not my character):
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/36623660/

I hope that you'll be able to work something out with me. Additionally as a service to you, I do websites and will defiantly give you a huge rebate on your website. Hope to hear from you soon!
Thanx

[XTREEMMAK]

Ohh guys I failed to mention,
If your services demand something like a standard price or whatever, please let me know. Also as a business service to you, I also make websites so if we can work together, I can give you a reduced rate off my site services as well. Also if you need music, I do that too so just let me know.

I also forgot to mention the coloring style I'm looking for:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/35589296/

[XTREEMMAK]

Information Edited after rethinking.

[Jushra]

As you stated in your post above: "Besides, how fare is it for me to pay that much for something that probably might not sell?"

That being said, how fair is it to the artist, who is going to work their fingers off for you, to not get any sort of compensation? Sixty dollars per page (inked, colored) is more than reasonable.

Now, as far as standard rates go, check out this (http://en.allexperts.com/q/Comic-books-Comics-683/Comicbook-Industry.htm) page. On that page you'll see that even newcomers to the industry get a decent, albeit low, rate. Even if you take the lowest rates possible for a book (I'm going to go with your 15 pages), you would still be looking to pay somewhere around $535 dollars, again, at the lowest possible rate.

Don't expect artists, especially in this forum, to work for a possible split on profits, because as you've said 'it might not sell' (that typically only works when the book is already established). Pay the artist for their work, and you work to get it out there.

[XTREEMMAK]

Hey good find,
I'll look into this. I know there's got to be a better way than paying at least $515 per book. I agree with you on the artist payment bit through terms of underpayment. Believe me that's not my intention. However considering though that I've gone this rout before, it still just doesn't seem logically the best way to get things done. I mean and just to test the waters! And to regain what I've lost at 7.99 book, I'd need to make 125 sales! There's got to be a better way (beside drawing it myself which isn't an option lol). I'll also look into the book mentioned for more funding solutions though.

[subversive-imaginati]

If you cannot afford to produce the comic yourself including paying an artist a reasonable wage for their work then you'll need to find an alternative. Also if you don't have enough faith in your work to put money on the table? That kind of suggests that it's not that great.

Please be aware that would be writers/idea people are a dime a dozen. Strictly speaking unless you're a mindblowing writer and you can prove it, most artists will not want to take a risk on your project.

An alternative you could try is submitting a script/synopsis to an established comic book company who have a stable of artists. You'll find submission rules on most comic company's websites. If your work is good enough to be marketable, they'll find and pay the artist to do the artwork. You may get less of the profits but they'll pay the costs, do all the marketing (which costs a fortune) and if you're a good enough writer they may ask for more submissions from you.

[XTREEMMAK]

Thinking through my options, looks like this sounds fare to me,
In order for me to keep up with payments and keep product going at the same time, looks to me that It'd probably be best for me to stick with small B&W productions and use profit gained from donations and merchandise towards the full color comic package and distribute the works (for now) as free online. Thinking around 7 pages inked.

[subversive-imaginati]

Very few web comics are remotely successful enough for that. There are thousands produced but only a small percentage gather enough of a following to be printed for real, even some of the really awesome ones have to beg for donations.

I really suggest you find out whether you actually have something marketable before you start planning how you're going to get it done. Also just a pet peeve but it's fair, not fare. Fare is what you pay to ride a bus/train.

[Jushra]

image comics is always looking for new/awesome indie work submissions. check them out too.

[chillincauseican91]

i'm looking for some work like right now. check out my website www.robpaige.com
and hit me with an email (rob@robpaige.com) if you want to talk any further.

[kittystavern]

Hello,
After looking over your post and taking the things said into consideration... I'd like to submit to you my work. Most of it can be seen at http://kittystavern.deviantart.com and some of my sequentials at http://www.comicspace.com/kittystavern Since I am currently looking for ways to get exposure and I think we might be able to work out a mutually beneficial relationship. Please do contact me (kittystavern@aol.com) once you have looked over my galleries and we can discuss things further.
Look forward to hearing from you.
~Kitty