Looking for an artist for a Graphic Novel/ Comic Book

[ConceptArt.Org]

This is long. Why? Because I want to be as detailed as possible.

I am looking for an artist up to the challenge of collaborating with me to create a comic book/graphic novel that will truly be amazing and stand out in the crowd. My profession is screenwriting, though by no means am I rich or even well off.

This is a paid job based upon standard rates. The artist would be committing to doing a limited series should the work be picked up for publishing. That is key. No publisher will entertain us if the artist or writer is not committed to the work. The plan is for 12 issues, with more to follow if artist and writer wish to continue.

I have two screenplays that have always been in the back of my mind as being perfect stories for graphic novel form. One screenplay is completed and one is in rough form.

One of the film and TV producers I have worked for got his start writing and editing comic books in Europe. He has committed to bringing a complete first issue, or an impressive 10 pages to his contacts in the industry in Europe. This is no easy task for most. Having an IN like this is nice indeed for someone who has never written for the comic book industry.

Obviously for the USA our first stop will be IMAGE, which is easily the most artist and creator friendly studio. I will go to them before I go to Europe.

[ConceptArt.Org]

What I am looking for: The two projects must have two different styles.

One is a vampire/horror period piece with the artistic intensions of Bram Stokers Dracula, but the energy and horror of Blade.

The other is a modern day combination of The Punisher, V For Vendetta and Death Wish. Basically, a kick ass revenge story set about ten years from now.

I will only choose to do ONE of the two and will base that decision upon which artist out there speaks to me as being the best fit for the story.

The Horror piece: The air brushed B&W work of Peter Hsu (Quadrant, Gauntlet, Elf Warrior) is a thing of beauty. Denis Beauvais did amazing air brushed B&W work on WARLOCK 5 (Aircel) back in the 80’s and then did outstanding color work on the ALIENS 4 issue mini-series (Dark Horse Comics). Basically, I need a style of beauty. The story is very adult and will require some very R rated sexual content and graphic violence. Going color or air brushed B&W depends on the artist’s style.

The Revenge Piece: Mike Zeck’s art in the very first PUNISHER mini-series is pure perfection. I am not a fan of most manga art, but Ryoichi Ikegami’s work is an exception. His use of speed and movement in CRYING FREEMAN and MAI THE PSYCHIC GIRL is astonishing. This story will need to have a mix of near B&W and full blown vivid color. It will have to have perfect and detailed cityscapes. The story takes place in NYC and will be bloody and violent. A modern day comic book that’s a good example of what I like is 7 BROTHERS by John Woo (published by Virgin Comics). The work of John Romita Jr. is always amazing.

First the winning artist would read my actual film screenplay. In order to make this work I would have to decide on character and art design. Once that is complete I would provide a script for the pages. Once we have the finished pages I would need a color cover to present with the pages.

THE BUDGET is comprised of investor money with the rest coming out of my pocket. I am actually selling some of my prized comic book collection to help pay for this.

If we go color: Our first goal is 10 pages. 6 must be inked. With 2 pages to be colored and one full color cover.

If we go airbrushed B&W we will do 10 pages and one full color cover.

The budget will be $2,000, to be paid in increments. $2,000 is based upon rates in the comic book industry. This is not a low figure by any means. It’s actually going to be quite high if I choose someone with no credits.

Because of the impossibility of finding a good artist to work cheaply I can only move forward with one project. My budget will not allow for both projects unless one artist out there truly believes in himself and the project and wants to take a risk.

The key here is that we would be a team and both assuming risk. Should Image Comics or some other company say yes, they want it, then we must deliver and that means neither of us get paid for the remaining work until after the first issue is published. That is how it works. This is standard practice. I am paying the 2 grand up front to attract a good artist. If the project goes forward we will have to deliver three finished issues and then it goes to print.

There is no ‘rush’ to the project (meaning the 10 pages). We would take our time. The artist who takes this could not pay their rent and living costs with this project and believe me, I cannot dedicate myself full time to it because I’d starve.

The hope is that I can find someone who really understands me and what I am doing, form a good working relationship and then kick major ass together on this thing and then another and another. Should we actually get published (and if the art is impressive and professional, we will) then it’s only up-up and away.

Information about me: I’m a mid 30’s male, a screenwriter/filmmaker as mentioned. My 2002 short film won the Independent Spirit Award at the New York International Film Festival. Right now I live in North Carolina, but am moving to NYC by year’s end. I can webcam, so hopefully the artist can as well so we can talk back and forth with images, show each other sketches, etc.

I’m not sure what else I can say here. Please email me here…

matt@1783pictures.com

Put “Comic Book Artist” in the subject line!

Before I give you some examples of amazing artwork please let me say that you must be serious about this. I am 100% dedicated to making this work, am honest and am known for my dedication and up front manner. I want to work with someone who shares those same traits. It is my hope that I can work with an artist who truly wants to create something memorable and have fun doing it. We are going to have fun! Why else would we do what we do?!

Thank you for reading! One last thing. I have some ads up elsewhere and have received countless portfolios that are simply nowhere near a publishable level. 90% of the art is amateurish at best and looks nothing like what one would find at their local comic book shop. If you look at your art and know deep down that it is not as good as what you are buying from Jo Shmos’ comic shop, then keep practicing and when you improve, then send the portfolio to people.

Here are some pages to view…

The work of Mike Zeck. His style is perfect for modern day storytelling.
http://wsm.ezsitedesigner.com/share/scrapbook/47/475372/zeck2.jpg
http://wsm.ezsitedesigner.com/share/scrapbook/47/475372/zeck3.jpg

Ryoichi Ikegami’s work. Another artist who can tell modern day stories with perfection. His use of movement is outstanding.
http://wsm.ezsitedesigner.com/share/scrapbook/47/475372/Freeman_art.jpg

The art of Denis Beauvais, who has a style befitting my horror story.
http://wsm.ezsitedesigner.com/share/scrapbook/47/475372/AliensArt.jpg
http://wsm.ezsitedesigner.com/share/scrapbook/47/475372/Warlock5art.jpg

[slickmax]

I could do it if i dosent need to be colored. I would rather do the v for vendetta style comic. Pleas contact me: slickmax@gmail.com

[Popov-SM]

www.popov-sm.com

[astromerc]

Hi,
this is something that I can do I have been working with creators from all across the country. Here is a Link to my stuff http://astromerc.cgsociety.org/gallery/
and here is my Email: astromerc@yahoo.com I hope to here from you soon!
Edit/Delete Message

[mihir_J_upadhyaya]

hi
please check your mail.
thanks
mihir

[Darkstar81]

hey it sounds like a line I would have used,and did use when I first ventured down this path.hey anyway,I do have simular intrests and could finish a rough sketch in about an hour.It may take some time but I'm up to the challenge.and yor e-mail adress you gave doesn't work.Coming up with something like a vampire hunter D I have already done.

[Ahyees]

hi there...your project seems interesting...i d like to hear more...