Hi there!
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I’m Jen Finelli, physician and comic writer, and I happen to have worked with some wonderful artists over the past few years. I compiled a list of 26 working websites, FB groups, and other specific places where you can find an artist for yourself! Why? Because when I was first searching such a list never existed, and I’d like to make creation more accessible to everyone; I think the act of creation taps us into the divine. I’m down to send you the whole list (free of course) here. I’ve also included some tips below, to increase your shot at success when you contact another creator. If it’s helpful for you to have cool creation resources like this for free, please check out the last page of the PDF for an extra-extra gift. |
A FEW ARTIST TIPS UP FRONT
(TO INCREASE YOUR SUCCESS)
- Never ever offer a “contest” or “trial period” to trick an artist into drawing for you without pay. Asking for samples of previous work is okay, but ordering something new without pay is wrong.
- Most artists do not want to work for partial ownership unless you are making significant bank with your comic already. A lot of the good ones need payment for their work up front because that’s their full time job! So if you really want an artist, say that you will offer payment.
- New artists often cost less, and while there’s debate about fair pay, if you’re a creator with some experience or other perks to offer, a new artist who doesn’t draw full time may accept training and other resources alongside a lower payment point as long as they don’t draw full time.
- International artists from countries with lower GDP often really need jobs, and will work for much less because of the lower cost of living in their nation. There is always debate about the ethics of cross-country out-sourcing: some people will say it undercuts struggling artists in the US, Canada, and Europe when you hire an artist from Uganda for a third of the price. I say, struggling artists in wealthy countries need to check their privilege: international artists often live in inhumane conditions with much more urgent physical need, so it’s good to offer them opportunities. Besides, the kind of writers who hire international artists usually can’t afford expensive Americans anyway: no one is taking those opportunities from Americans, because if international markets didn’t exist, poorer writers simply wouldn’t hire anyone.
- Fair pay: for a full comics page, professional artists at Marvel and DC earn between $300 and sometimes thousands for one spread. That may or may not include the inking, coloring, and lettering, which often require an entire team. Indie artist fair pay, snooping around the internet, seems to live between $75 and $100 per page. A brand new artist with no experience and imperfect skill may accept $10 to $30 per page.
- Just because someone can draw one bad-ass scene doesn’t mean they can draw comics. Comic creation requires an understanding of script and sequential art, and a higher sense of visual story-telling. Ask for samples of previous sequential work!
Alright, let’s dive into your list of links! At the bottom I’ve curated Facebook groups and contact information for creators you might like to hire, so check that out. = ) I’ve even created a special Twitter list so you can find artists waiting for you and say hello!
(You’re still here? Get the full list free here. Or, if you’re uncomfortable sharing your e-mail that way, just e-mail me at jen at becominghero.ninja to get the list that way instead.)
