Zwol.org

I've written a comic which I think has some legs to it. Like every other dime-a-dozen writer, though, I'm looking for an artist. I have no experience in this kind of thing, so here's my question: should I find a collaborator to share ownership, or should I just hire someone?

My biggest question is how much a decent artist would charge to do panels for a 22-page book. As I see it, the downside to hiring someone is costs up front. The upside is that the artist might be less likely to lose interest in the project if they're being compensated for their effort, and I could make marketing/ distribution/ business decisions however I wanted.

So . . . what could I expect to pay for solid artist?

FYI, if it makes a difference, I'm open to various styles, and I don't have a preference for B&W or color -- it's more important that it look good than it look like what's in my head.

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm just starting out too and I was hesitant to spend any money on something I little to no experience in doing. I was determined to find someone to work with but after watching these boards every day and see just how many writers there are that want to have artists work for free I realised that it would just never happen. We need to pay these people, the good ones will take what you have written and turn it into something awesome. There are some amazing artists that use this site and I think it just comes down to how much you really want it. Me I waste wo much money on beer and take out its not funny so maybe if I had enough reason too I might just stop all that and have the money to pay these people.

For indie and self published comics most have a lower rate than when working for professional companys and I've not met any yet that charged more than 100 USD a page. Offend though you get what you pay for and asking some to work cheap puts a limit on the time they will spend on a page.

Look through the pages here, there are loads of really good ones, ask them what they charge. I hope this helps a little and I wish you good luck.

Nathan

Well, I'm a freelance comicbook artist, so my opinion might not be objective, but I also think it's better to actually hire someone than just offer co-ownership.

Besides the reasons you expressed, you need to think that drawing a comicbook takes some serious time. Even if you find someone who can work on 2 pages a day (which is rare), he/she'd have to spend 11 days working on something just for the hope that it might end up paying in the end (and saying "no" to other offers that might pay cold, hard cash).

Don't get me wrong, we all do this because it's something we LOVE doing, but we still have bills to pay. and, well, having success with a comicbook's not exactly easy. You might find someone who believes in your story as much as you do and'd be willing to work for % of profits (especially if he/she's just starting, but chances are they'd be ok with it just to get the experience).

As an alternative, you can think of hiring an artist to draw 6-7 pages, use them as a pitch to publishers and set a deal in case it gets picked up. But, even then, I'd suggest you set a deal that includes a page rate.

That said, a word of advice to you and any other writer reading this: If you end up hiring someone, it's usually a good idea to set up some sort of payment schedule. That way, both ends have some sort of guarantee that the other part'll see to their end of the deal.

Oh and, by the way, I am currently looking for work. My page rates are between $ 25 and $ 50 and, if you want to see some examples of my artwork, please check out my Deviantart gallery: http://vikthor.deviantart.com/gallery/

Hope that helped you somehow, best of luck and have a great weekend!

Victor

Also, the real ones will need to work out a contract with you before even beginning any work.

artist

damonsmithart.deviantart.com

email me at
bboydevour@yahoo.com

Tpete,

I feel your pain a million times over. You think you are having a hard time with a 22-page comic? Imagine having an ambitious, long-running series in mind! Let me know how it works out for your though. I'd like to keep in touch to share experiences.

Steve
WCman1976@yahoo.com