Okay folks! Time for me to put on my embittered old man cap and ramble on about inane nonsense that has no direct impact on the world at large, Yes it’s time for…
THE OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK:
This week-
5 Pieces of Advice I Can Give Comic Creators on The Craft:
I am now a close to 13 year professional of the comics industry. I'm a lower rank and file in the trenches, that has a small but loyal and rabid fan base, that supports me in my insane efforts to avoid a 9 to 5 job. I often have people trying to break into comics, graphic arts, writing or like professions that ask me for advice. Here are my best 5 pieces of advice I think I can possibly give.
Take care and until next time… I won’t be here….
DAN NOKES
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
21st CENTURY SANDSHARK STUDIOS
THE OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK:
This week-
5 Pieces of Advice I Can Give Comic Creators on The Craft:
I am now a close to 13 year professional of the comics industry. I'm a lower rank and file in the trenches, that has a small but loyal and rabid fan base, that supports me in my insane efforts to avoid a 9 to 5 job. I often have people trying to break into comics, graphic arts, writing or like professions that ask me for advice. Here are my best 5 pieces of advice I think I can possibly give.
- UNLESS THIS IS THE ONLY PROFESSION YOU CAN THINK OF YOURSELF DOING FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE AND BE PROUD AND HAPPY WITH YOURSELF. THEN DON’T DO IT!… I cannot stress this one enough. For every story of a Robert Kirkman, Todd McFarlane, or Rob Liefeld. There are literally THOUSANDS of tales of those who tried to break into comics, learning quickly that it’s a steep pyramid to the top that few ever get to. It’s either trying to maintain a day job and sink every spare moment into trying to get 10 new readers to pick up your indie gem. Or try to make comics a full time career and see how little money actually means to you. Because bills falling behind, eating top ramen with syrup for breakfast and being fearful you will turn your faucet to the sound of dry pipes is an ever looming reality. The starving artist adage has some very deep roots in reality for sure. So if you are not willing to put up with the inevitable hardship that comes with attaining your dream. Do something else…. Anything else!
- THERE IS A DIFERENCE BETWEEN BEING AN ARTIST AND A MARKETER: So many creators do not get this bullet point. Many live in a very provincial self-contained box of their own self-image of artistic awesomeness. That they are convinced the work they put out will literally jump to life, jump up on stage, and make the world fall enthrall with all they are and all they do. Then when they do their first con or put out that book, artwork, or web series, and no one is checking it out, they lash out and curse everyone but themselves for not acknowledging their greatness. You have to learn some personal interaction skills. So many artists don’t have the first clue on how to market or salesmanship or building a fan base, and as such, quickly lose heart. Being your own good PR agent is how any good creator will survive in this business; and it is a business. The quicker you learn and adapt to that. The better off you will be.
- NEVER STOP LEARNING: This means if you are a writer: WRITE! If you are an artist: DRAW! Never think “I am as good as I am going to get.” Because the day you do… Sadly you will NEVER get better. There is always room to get better. It’s a big world with tons of unexplored territory, both physical and intellectual for you to discover. Be a student as long as you can. It makes life more interesting and your work something to approach anew.
- COMICS ARE A MEDIUM, NOT A GENRE: Don’t limit yourself to the preconceived notions of what a comic story or characters are supposed to be. If you are a writer. Don’t Pidgeon-hole yourself in all the conventions and trappings of a sci-fi fantasy super hero story. If that is your deal and you truly feel like you can bring something new and fresh, then by all means. KNOCK YOURSELF OUT! But flex your muscles and explore all areas that your creative pallet can venture. If you are an artist. Don’t limit yourself to hot chicks with big boobs and uber jacked body builders posing and fighting. Yeah, I know that may be the where the big bucks are for those who do it well. But you will never learn how to be a good storyteller with your art through that caging of your artistic range.
- BUILD YOUR NETWORK- Whether it be through conventions or social networking. Your contacts can be the difference between quick sketching to amusing yourself and getting good gigs, attending worthwhile cons, and making a good paycheck plying your trade. Your artist friends are a great resource as to where to get supplies, places to crash at a con, where you can show off your work. My convention and artist pals have been invaluable as I hope I have to them to maintaining myself in this business for almost 13 years.
Take care and until next time… I won’t be here….
DAN NOKES
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
21st CENTURY SANDSHARK STUDIOS