faq
requests
Can i buy original published art from you?
Original art can be purchased from Fanfare.
Do you do commissioned sketches?
I’m afraid my workload does not permit me to take on unscheduled assignments. I cannot fit in commissions, concept drawings of unpublished characters, or renditions of your favourite naked superheroes.
I’m an artist. Can I email you image files so you can tell me what you think of my work?
Email attachments will not be downloaded, opened or seen. A much better idea is to post them on a website, and send me the link. If you’re a flickr user, I can make notes directly on the pages, which I’ve found works incredibly well.
I’m a writer. I’d like to send you my story idea– would you read it and tell me what you think?
Absolutely not. Legally, it’s unacceptably risky. Here’s why: Let’s say I read your pitch– five years later, you’re still shopping it around, and I’ve forgotten about it. But I’m working on Hero X and have a brainstorm for how to get him out of a jam– and it’s your idea. You could very well come back at me with a lawsuit, and I wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, even though I barely remember you. Keep your ideas between you and your publisher, when you find one.
breaking in
How do I get into the comics business?
Be persistent. And be patient. The world of comics is rather small, and there aren’t a lot of openings to fill. Your best bet is to do it on your own for a while– make webcomics, mini-comics, or ‘zines for a year or two, just to see if you can. You’ll get a lot of experience along the way.
How did you do it?
I started out self-publishing. At the same time, I mailed samples to everyone I could think of, and eventually found work for smaller companies. The rates were low, or based strictly on sales, but I worked out a lot of kinks.
How do I get my work in the hands of an editor?
You can send samples by mail to the company of your choice, addressed to “Submissions Editor”. Even better, if cost or proximity allow, go to one of the larger conventions, and show your work in person to publishers’ representatives. They even have time scheduled for this kind of activity.
Many people email asking how to submit their work to Marvel and DC, two companies for whom I’ve done a lot of work. Both have rules for submissions posted on their respective sites:
What kind of pencil should I use? What kind of paper?
Second question first. The major companies usually provide paper for use by their freelancers, which guarantees some measure of consistency (ie: so Joe Artist doesn’t send his pages on toilet paper or on a 8″ x 70″ roll), and occasionally are offered in different finishes (rough or smooth) and weights (2- or 3-ply). If you’re purchasing paper from your local art store, you can buy Strathmore 400 lb hot press if you like smooth paper.
I use a variety of pencils, but everyone has a different favourite– there is no one special tool that all comic artists use. For layout work, I prefer Staedler / Mars Non-Photo Blue leads. I move on to a Staedtler F, HB or 2B for the finished drawing, depending on factors such as humidity and level of detail required. On a project like Thor, I used a soft lead exclusively, leading to broad, bold lineweights. On Sojourn, I used a wider variety of pencils; harder leads for fussy detail work, softer for backgrounds or texture effects.
edit: It seems as if Staedtler has stopped making the non-photo blues, but I stocked up on Berols a few years ago. What happens after my current supply runs out I can’t say (I’m good until around 2012). I’ve seen a lot of techniques that are comparable, but nothing I’ve seen yet works as well for me. By that time, however, I may be working in a 100% digital environment.
What other tools do you use?
Lately for inking, I use a Rotring Art Pen, a refillable Pentel Brush Pen (usually filled with Staedtler mars matic 745) and assorted Sharpie and Prisma markers. For colouring, I almost exclusively work in Adobe Photoshop CS.
What’s your computer setup?
As of 2009, I run the Adobe CS4 on a Dell XPS M1330 with 8GB RAM and a dual partitioned 300GB HDD. I use a Wacom Intuos 4 PTK-440 tablet and pen on a custom drafting table from standupdesks.com.
conventions
Do you charge for sketches or signatures at conventions?
I feel badly about this one, and it always seems like a few clods ruin it for everyone, but I will no longer be doing sketches at cons, unless it is prearranged for charity.
You see, I find it a little distressing that some people feel so enfranchised that they think it’s okay to ask me for a free sketch, at their request, on which I might spend half an hour or more, while others wait in line… and then sell it on eBay. Then when they’re called on it, they still think it’s okay, because “they pay my salary by buying my book” and somehow I owe them something back. Well, I’m all paid up now. Sorry.
Do you still attend cons?
Yes. I’ll happily sign your books, chat, draw for con-organized charities, and try to sell my wares.
I’ve got reference on my favourite character– can you draw him/her naked?
No…. but there are plenty of people who would.
