new to it all...and a little overwhelmed!

[loomer]

Hey -
I posted previously under another forum, but I don't think it gets much traffic.
I'll try and be brief.
I started out my art career trying to do the "fine art" gallery circuit, but I've really been itching to get my hand back into the 'commercial' market. I would love to paint covers for comic books/graphic novels (I love the work of Phil Hale, Jon Foster, Frazetta, Kent Williams, to name a few) Unfortunately, I've been out of it for some time and need some catching up:

What do they look for in a portfolio? Already existing characters?

How is the market right now for that sort of thing?

What kind of computer skills are necessary? - I have VERY basic Photoshop skills. I'm more of a traditionally trained painter...but I'm unclear of the proper computer skills needed.

Who or where are the best venues to try and get work?

Here's my website:

www.scottaltmann.net (http://www.scottaltmann.net)

Thanks for all your help in advance!

[gasmask]

If you stick around this forum long enough you will see what to do and how to do it. Dont worry about computer skills so much as traditional. The game industry is good and where most people start, but things like movies and comics, u gotta be really good unless for say comics your an inker or something. Other than that I would maybe look into some IDT classes because your going to need more of that mentality as opposed to fine art, but fine art will help you alot as I imagine you know your colors and form..etc. so just check these forums to see what kind of work is done. One really good recent example is in the sketches section called unreal concept art. also look at the work in the main page of the pros.. good luck

[egerie]

Don't forget the animation industry. (this is where I started actually)