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The Process
Part II
Change of Course

I hit all the usual spots: PencilJack.com and DigitalWebbing.com. No luck. I mean, sure, there were a few artists who were interested but forgetting the word “no” in the sentence “no pay” meant all those interested parties wanted something I just don’t have… yet: money. Yeah, that’s a tough position to be in with something like this. Those people with the real talent want cash and for good reason; their marketable talents should earn them a living. If only I had that ability, but I don’t. What I have is the story and a desire to share the profits of this endeavor with the person who gives me a chance by working with me.

So, the first two searches were a bust. Then I did the unconventional thing and Googled for an artist. I discovered an exchange between another writer who was seeking an artist for a web comic and an interested artist. I followed that link to the artist’s MySpace page to find something that was quite literally beyond belief. This artist was one of the most talented digital painters I had seen in some time. Oh, and he’d not been discovered by any of the comic book companies yet. Blind fools.

I immediately contacted him:

Hello...

I ran across a message you submitted in response to someone's search for a comic strip artist posted back in 2006 (A while ago). Anyway, I am in search of an artist who is willing to deal with no upfront pay but perhaps a share of the ownership and potential profits from the merchandising.

I have written it as a comic book, six issues consisting of between 22-30 pages each. It is a completed story, and one that I've finally finished after a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Now it needs great art.

It is a crime/thriller set in the "real world". It does involve a single costumed figure but the rest would be considered realistic. The setting is also a real place.

Anyway, saw your art and was extremely impressed. I, myself, have been published a couple times and am now looking to get my own project off the ground. I'm hungry and will work to get this promoted and off the ground.

Best,

--Alex

The response came back a few short hours later:

Hey man thanx for checking out my work. I am definitely interested in doing such a collaboration. I’m currently working full time on an upcoming comic series now, so it would probably be a few months before I could take on another project, but for now if you needed some pin-up art or cover art, I would be more than happy to help out. After I’m finished this series, I'll be free to do whatever. I mainly do fantasy and sci-fi, but I have appreciation for all types of art. I'd love to hear more about your story whenever you get the chance. As much hard work as you put into it, I’m sure it's pretty good. Hit me back anytime. Thanks again for the inspiration and have a great week.

Things progress from there. I sent him the first script then, unable to contain my excitement, the remaining five. Again, this was written as a comic book series and not specifically for a web comic. Quickly this artist’s interest moved from “maybe in a few months” to “let’s do this!”

Now this project had a different kind of life to it than I previously anticipated it might. The introduction of a collaborative artistic partner into the process allows for something that is extremely exciting to me: surprise.

The problem I have with drawing something myself is the lack of ability to surprise myself. So much thought goes into a drawing I do, especially from a script I’ve written, that there is no fresh idea brought to the table. With an artist such as the one who has joined me on this journey I can also be a part of the audience and be surprised.

So, what do you, the potential audience have to look forward to when this story is finally being told? Well, let me introduce you to Stephen Knox, artist, musician, dream maker and my artistic collaborator:

Click on picture for larger image.

Look for the premiere of our webcomic on May 5th, 2008. With that this dream comes closer to being a reality.

More from me in a couple weeks.

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