Concepts for Clients

One of the best ways to acquire new clients is to provide concept work.  You can't rely on a portfolio and a few booths setups at your local comic con.  Notice that clients aren't knocking on your door or sending you emails?  You have to get out there and work to build up your client bank and referral system.  What this simply means is that you have to go look for work by enticing writers or project managers to hire you.

There are many opportunities around you everyday, but many of us are so focused on our art projects and our tendencies to be a bit introverted that we let those opportunities slip away.  Share your art as often as possible.  Pull out your sketch book at a coffee shop or book store.  You're basically telling the world that you create art.

Writers interested in arts tend to ask lots of questions about your work habits and fees so be prepared.  Decide on your service...penciler, inker, colorist, etc.  Know your turn around time: the time it takes you to complete a comic page.  Have a page rate in mind: how much you charge per page of art work.  Its ok to be negotiable with your fee but have a ball park figure to start off with.  Most clients will find this convenient and will feel a bit more confident hiring you.

Feel free to explore ideas with writers.  Many of them have ideas brewing or work with other artists in the past and might be ready for a new project.  Use their past projects as a stepping stone and recreate their characters or settings in your art style.  People appreciate the enthusiasm and seeing their ideas come life.  But be warned, DO NOT USE THIS TACTIC IF THE WRITER IS ALREADY WORKING WITH ANOTHER ARTIST ON THE SAME PROJECT THAT YOUR PITCHING FOR.  This will create a rift and in
some cases result in legal issues depending on the contract in place between that writer and artist.

Fill your sketch book with other characters and places than the usual Marvel or DC.  Make your own.  This shows potential clients that you are creative and able to conceptualize ideas outside the usual mainstream.
       

Creating the Adventure

Comics can hold such a magical grasp on an audience.  They can take you to wonderful and exotic places.  Some stories are so bold they become classics.  Everyone strives to create a masterpiece.  The best way to start is by building a fantastic world full of incredible things and characters.  Here are some ideas to think about when planning out your epic comic:

Genre 

Star Wars and Star Trek are leaders of there sci-fi space genre while Harry Potter and Lords of the Ring lead the way of Magic, sword and sorcery fantasy genre.  Choose a genre that you are familiar with and are passionate about.  There are many to choose from.  Here a re a few to consider:

• Action/Adventure (James Bond, Jack Reacher, Superman, Avengers)
• Mystery (Batman, Sherlock Holmes,)
• Western/Eastern (Jonah Hex, Wolf and Cub)
• Fantasy/Sword and Sorcery (Lord of the Rings, Conan, Red Sonja)
• Fantasy/Magic (Dr. Strange, Harry Potter,)
• Teen (Archie, )
• Sci-Fi (Star Wars, Star Trek, Power Rangers, Voltron)

World Building

Make an Art Bible for your project; a file with the collection of notes and references.  You need a spectacular setting to immerse your audience.  This is very important if want people to feel part of your world.  Think about where you want your story to take place, the culture in place, and even the architecture that influences the buildings.  It helps to create some locations in good detail. Here are a few details to keep in mind:

• Land or terrain (Dessert, Space, Ocean)
• Architecture/Design (buildings, landscapes, vehicles, weapons)
• Culture (beliefs like in the "Force" or religion, councils or federations)
• Customs (Traditions, slang, code, ethics)
• Groups, Guilds, Associations 
• Diversity  

The Great Conflict

Don't be afraid to think in epic proportions for this part.  Remember it will have to be something so impressive that it spans through all of your stories.

(Continued in Issue #1)