Tired...

[secondlina]

This post is going to be full of WANGST. So if you don't feel like reading wangst, please skip it, and return to us next week for our regularly scheduled programming of comics.

I'm tired. Really, really tired. Partially because I get up to go to work at 6 am while going to bed at 2am to finish my work on time. But mostly because I am the incarnation of stress and I am sick of everything being hard. Some people are born lucky - they always at the right place on the right time. I consider myself pretty lucky - I got my degree, I found work, I've got two working hands and two good enough eyes that allow me to draw, i'm talented and i'm not horrible looking either (though some morning I feel like i'm I am, but that's just the low self esteem talking.) I don't think I should be complaining. So many people are doing so much worse then me. But still...

Once in a while, I would enjoy having things given on a silver platter. It seems a little vain I guess. The rule of fairness is that you should work for your stuff right? But MAN. I'm tired of people bullshit and having to push and pull to get stuff done and get stuff moving. I'm tired of landlord B.S. which seem to have litterally doubled since our Montréal Landlord is yanking Link's chain while my Ottawa landlord is having fun making me dance around stuff. Landlords. I'm looking forward to owning something one day, just so I don't have a landlord anymore.

I'm kinda worried about comics. I tried to send ROSE to a few bookstores, but most bookstores don't seem that open to Indy comics anymore. Even in the indy comics bookstores they seem to prefer people who are at least known on the internet. Which is understandable. They want to sell things, it's good for both them and the artist. But it doesn't make you feel good about your project. I want to make books and I want people to read them. But for that, I need to be known, or something. It seems complicated and hard. Sometimes I think 'I draw okay, but really, what is it worth for other people? What am I worth as an artist?' Sometimes I just want to give up on drawing all together. Sometimes it really feels like a 'useless past time.' And maybe it is. I love it though. I don't think I could stop drawing. But i'm kindoff at a loss on what to do next. Should I keep trying to get publishers? Should I keep trying to do webcomics? Where is this even going?

I also wonder about the quality of the art. I know I just started and I need to keep evolving and I will keep evolving...but what grade of quality is my art currently?

I also don't know what I want to do for work. I need to find a job in Montréal. But I don't even know what I want to do.

I think this might be a mild depression brought on by various people bullshit, tired-ness, that time of the month and the fact that I really hate packing. But you all know I do. It's almost a running gag! *laughs* It's Box Fort week. I'm glad my friend Fauve helped me pack because otherwise, I probably would have died crushed under boxes of books. I have so much crap. I'm almost ashamed to be such a crap collector. I almost feel like dumping all of it and starting back at zero. But I won't. Because I adore my books and I worked really hard to collect such a quality and large collection. But still. I would like to go in another country and try living 'light' for a while. Just to try it out.

Enough whining. I'm not gonna get naywhere by whining. But I think it was needed.

Also, you guys. 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' is hilarious. Especially the scientist guy. I want a scientist guy like that. To hide in a box and keep. The message was a little weird though. There was this whole 'Be proud to be different' thing going on but also 'Nerds are sexy and jocks are idiots.' I think the director was a vengeful nerd XD

-Isa

Comments

[neshel.livejournal.com]

re: the quality of your art.

I showed your book to Kaitlan (you met her, briefly), just a quick look at the art and she immediately went "oooh, she's talented!"

So there!

Um, have you been going to book bookstores or comic book stores? Or both?

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

I tried both types of bookstores and comic stores. Some said yes. Most said no :(

Please thank her for me! :)

[neshel.livejournal.com]

I will! I'm lending her my copy too so that she can read it.

And hey, at least some said yes! New artists always get a ton of rejections right?

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's your art that's the problem, it's reaching an audience. I've had to learn about media again and again thanks to my major, and the situation for books is not good. Books get published, yes, but it's not very often that they reach their intended target, or even sell well. I know that I do better searching online for books than I do going in bookstores (unless it's a used bookstore, I adore those!) just because the choices are too plentiful!

I think a lot of artists are smart to invest in the internet. Keep doing the webcomic, but keep it online. Look into self-publishing your books, especially if you find there's a market for it. I think it should be a given that most people who read your webcomic would be interested in having it in print form. (Okay, so maybe just I would love to have your webcomics in print form.) In that way you can easily find your target audience. Yeah, you'll have to do a lot of the work yourself in getting such books shipped out to people, but it will give you more overall freedom.

It might be worth talking to a few other webcomic artists who have gone on to be published after the fact to get some ideas on how they went about it.

(I'm actually glad you posted, too. I've been miserable all morning due to being sick and coughing up crud and I was wondering how you were faring. Now I know, so I'll not worry about it too much.)

The world continues to evolve into a far different creature than it was even five years ago. I might go the online route with my own artistic endeavors since I don't know how quickly I'll be able to find a 'real job' in my field once I am done with school. In a way, I'm excited about it, but also deathly afraid.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

target audiences. I suppose one way of catching them is figuring out where they dwell and hunt them down?

LOL. I'm hunting (plot) wabbit.

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

You better believe it! Once you figure out which audience you do want to target (since there are many webcomics out there, but not all of us will read a webcomic solely because it is a webcomic) it'll be easier hunting them down. :D

[yukinoomoni.livejournal.com]

Speaking as a critical person, I was shocked by ROSE, to be honest. The honestly, the brutality, and how fluid and flowing everything is, it really swept me away. It was jarring how emotional your drawings are, and I was amazed at how easily it was to get lost in the story. Thus, I admit that it may not be for everyone, which is what bookstores tend to want: something brainless and mainstream. If you hit the comic stores, or maybe even art stores, I'm sure someone will bite.

Also, have you thought about setting up a website and promoting it online? Mailorders can make a killing in profit, and it could get your name out far wider than any bookstore exposure ever could.

*hugs tight*

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you liked it so much. Your comments are very appreciated!

I need to build a better website and a larger online presence. I've been slacking on that a lot, mainly because i'm a dusty book person (never mind that I work with nothing but computers and complicated programs at my job lol)

[rose.livejournal.com]

The art world and the publishing world is all about connections. It is near-impossible to get anywhere in these industries without connections.

There's this girl whom I absolutely loathe the art of. It looks like dollar-store coloring book stuff, stuff I could have done in High School - but she has worked for everyone from Archie Comics to Tokyopop. Why? Because of her connections. She started as an intern, and worked her way up. I am sure she works very hard, I just... cannot stand her art and think its very wonky, haha.

It's a sad case, but also a very useful one at times. It allows for people to get industry jobs and be able to learn and grow much quicker. My best friend started as a secretary at a cartoon studio in Vancouver when she was 21. Within a year, she was a writer. Within two years, she was THE headwriter. When she finished, and decided she finally wanted to go to college - she was informed by the UK that she wouldn't need to do batchelors program - because she was over qualified. She's allowed to enter straight into a Master's, without even finishing her sixth form.

She's a talented girl, has always been a talented girl - but because she got that shitty secretary job, she's become so much more and made so many more connections.

I got my chances in the industry because of her. As did numerous other people.

However, now that we are looking to do our own projects (together, with our circle) in publishing - it's like starting all over. We still know people, but it's a whole different game, a whole different old boy's club.

http://www.conceptart.org/
In my opinion, this site is by far more helpful with meeting individuals and getting yourself out there - compared to like, deviantart. I don't care for deviantart - I think it's a clusterfuck. I know it's useful for most, but I just... ehhh, I dunno, hahaha! I've been off the site for a few years now and I'll probably end up returning to it eventually but yeah, try this place out.


Some ways to get your art out there, and your name
- Fandom is good, your own stuff is better because it proves your potential to other's on a bigger scale. Rose looks delicious, very fluid and beautiful - but aside from your friends list here, and individuals in Canada - how will the rest of the world come to see it? Have you considered doing a webcomic with your future works, or hosting one or two online?

- Whore yourself. Taking up commissions and doing link exchanges helps oodles.
http://dummcomics.com - has gorgeous webcomics featuring industry professionals. They often allow guest spots, too! And they all have blogspots. If you got yourself a blogspot account, and just started commenting on your favourite artists, you will get noticed. Be sincere, and honest - you will stand out. Why? Because the vast majority of professionals started out just like you! Not identically, but you know, hahaha. Katie Rice (http://funnycute.blogspot.com) got her start by sending fan mail to her favourite animator as a kid! Sending him fanart, etc, and just being a sincere individual with dreams of one day becoming an artist just like him.

- Commissions! Oh lord, commissions can really help a person. Start out with some cheap specials and build yourself up. Say, every ten commissions - you increase the price by ten or fifteen? Do what you think is best.

- Art trades! Here's where Deviantart is good. Many amazing artists *love to do* trades.
http://nephyla.deviantart.com - is an example of such. She is always doing commissions, trades, etc and is an amazing individual. The french art community is huge on deviantart and blogspot - and they all flock around Nephyla. She is very well known in the online comic industry, and has been published quite a few times.
http://auroreblackcat.blogspot.com/ - Aurore is another french artist, a very well known one, but unlike many others she started drawing *very* late in life! I believe in her twenties? If you visit her main website, you will find out more about her in the profile section. I find her to be extremely inspirational because she is proof that no matter how old you are - you can do make things happen. It's all about the work and effort you put in, and how badly you want it.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

..... My socks. They are blown off my feet! All your input is very helpful! Thanks! If you're on MSN, Skype or AIM, I would love to be able to talk to you!!! Please, let me know!

[rose.livejournal.com]

Of course!! :D
What's your AIM name? I'm 'fresca'.

continued... haha

[rose.livejournal.com]

- Develop a colouring/finishing style that stands out and suits you! You already have a very unique way of drawing - now is the time to figure out how you want people to know your colouring, or finished product as well. Personally, I really, really prefer when you work with hand mediums. Watercolours suit your work very well because it's very textured and very earthy. Do not be afraid to stay simple. Your drawings are what speak loudest - and they should remain the highlight. You do not want to distract from this - just enhance. Trust me, the vast majority of the art community is very wrapped up in flashy colouring, tutorials for such, and trying to out wow the next person. As such, things just look pretty and a composition can loose it's impact. You will stand out for being secure in your lines and proud of them. Anyone can learn to colour - few can learn to convey emotion through lines alone. To me, the lines are the skeleton, without a good skeleton, the rest is mush. You are golden, do not pile on mush where it is not needed! After all, comics are primarily black and white, yeah??


- Know your Market! This is the hardest thing for me because I like to allow my characters to grow and evolve in natural ways. However, if I am aiming to sell to a certain age group - I must show restraint, and know what sort of style would be most likely to sell. Sell, sell, sell - in order to sell, you must be able to stand out, present yourself as marketable and yet - not be 'too' out there (especially as a new face. You are a risk for a publisher!).
Often times, artists will do a couple throw away projects just to sell and get their foot in the door. Don't be afraid to lower yourself just to get in. Don't be afraid of being a 'sell out'. Artists are most often known for their evolving over the span of their careers. Most artists do amazingly out of character works before getting to where they desire to be. I've had many friends draw furry artwork just to pay off college bills while looking for work!
You do not have to start out by making a bang! Taking risks can happen anytime.

- Don't self publish! Do freebies, like webcomics, instead. Self publishing through sites like lulu.com is like a double edged sword. rubywaves is an expert on why to not self publish (she is the keeper of the horror stories, I swear!). If you ever want to ask why, send her a shout and tell her Ker sent you. ;)

- JOIN ETSY! Sell prints! Sell commissions there! Etsy is amazing, you would do great with etsy. People make big bucks on Etsy and they're not even that good! Develop a hook, a speciality, a kitsh, that makes you stand out from the pack. As I stated before, I love your monotone and hand medium pieces the most. If you aimed at a certain culture or community, you will do well (faerie and mermaid artists, dragon artists, pin up artists, horror artists, etc, all do very well on Etsy. And lemme tell you, the majority are not up to par where you stand.)!

- And, uh, many other things! If you ever want to chat, or need some advice, pointers, etc, feel free to shoot me an e-mail. :)
umbrella@gmail.com


So yeah, here's my essay hahaha. I hope this helps somewhat and like I said, you're always welcome to come pester me! You know I love your art, and I am always happy to comment/critique if you need it. I just don't... always pay attention to LJ, hahaha.

[izo-chan.livejournal.com]

I think everyone else is right. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. "Whining" is ok (I don't think you're whining, you're just expressing your feelings and that's a good thing to do *hugs*) so don't worry about it. Your art is beautiful and you are a gifted storyteller. Many retailers these days don't know how to appreciate something really unique and special -- they only see dollar signs. Don't let it get you down. I would turn to the 'net and start something here. ^^ You won't get a bigger audience and things can catch on very quickly with a website and enough links.

[izo-chan.livejournal.com]

Hm. That sounds kind of weird. Let me try to rephrase that lol -- When I say "you won't get a bigger audience" I mean you won't find a bigger audience anywhere else than on the 'net. :p Sorry if I caused any confusion.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Thank you! *is hugged*

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

I agree with all the other comments here. It just so happens, that Stu and I were discussing the difference in quality there seems to be between online comics and syndicated comics; that being online comics seem to be better. It's a hard industry now a days.

You might just be better off doing webcomics and self publishing. The internet does give a lot of power for artists/writers. Example: I just saw Bri-chan the other day made a post yesterday about selling some of her old art on e-bay and it didn't take long to sell them all. And why? Because she does have a strong fanbase on the internet for her art.

You art has a different style I haven't seen in any other. I can always look at it and say "That is Isabelle's drawing" instantly. I love your artwork and I never get tired of looking at it.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

The internet is an interesting platform. You can have pages shaped in ways that would never fit a printed book. There's a lot of great webcomics out there. I'm kinda scared of internet medium a little though because of all the bad, unfinished comics out there. It just seems so...cluttered.

I saw those posts too. Dang, that lady sold them off FAST.

[brendala.livejournal.com]

=======================
The internet is an interesting platform. You can have pages shaped in ways that would never fit a printed book. There's a lot of great webcomics out there. I'm kinda scared of internet medium a little though because of all the bad, unfinished comics out there. It just seems so...cluttered.
=========================

I think you stand a better chance of getting noticed since you don't write about the typical stuff that the dime-a-dozen webcomics do.

Another advantage is that you have a unique and distinct drawing style. Way too many webcomics seem intent on slavishly copying someone else's style (usually either generic anime or Penny Arcade) and so, even if the artist is very talented, its hard for them to get noticed.

[spankingfemme.livejournal.com]

Aw baby! *hugs!* We all have those times where we want to curl up under a blanket and not come out. Your work will get notice, it just takes time.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Yeah... I guess i'm just impatient.

Blanket would be nice. And a fire in the fireplace. And hot coco. And a nice comic. And friends to cuddle in the blanket while reading comics with! :D

[spankingfemme.livejournal.com]

Now that does sound quite nice! =D

[comicaddict.livejournal.com]

Everyone else on here so far as has amazing stuff and more or less what I'd end up saying. You're amazing Isa, I can't wait to read your book. You'll find your audience. :) You are the Za and you are awesome. If I really and I mean really have to cheer you up I'll get in a freaking male cheerleader uniform and cheer you up if I have to. I'll even get sodding pom poms.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

.......................NO NOT THE POM POMS! MY EYEBALLZ THEY BURN!


*is laughing*

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

Oh, sweetie. Have I been where you are. I keep thinking to myself, "When is life FINALLY gonna cut me a break. Just when I think things are going my way -- WHAMMO! -- kicked in the teeth."

But at least you have genuine talent and know what you want to do with your life. I have neither of those. I don't know what I want to do with my life. It really sucks. Somehow I think I wasn't meant to be a data entry clerk for the rest of my life...

Hang in there, kiddo. Things will look up. I know they will!

:-)

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

*stopped feeling bad for herself and now wants to hug you!*

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

Awww, I will take Isa hugs any day!

*squish*

[amelia-seyroon.livejournal.com]

We all have these days. =/

*hugs*

I'm gonna see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs this weekend. 8D

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

hope you love the movie. I did! It's hyperactive!!!!!!!!

[anna-nimmie-tee.livejournal.com]

There are so many mediocrely drawn webcomics out there that have huge numberss of fans and whose artists manage to sell books both online and cons. You would up the general quality of the format tremendously. Speaking as a webcomic fan, the main thing for building a fanbase might be sticking faithfully to a schedule for updates and letting readers know the schedule. Nothing kills interest in a promising comic like long and unpredictable periods between updates. An RSS feed on the webpage would be good and let people know about updates and keep you in their radar. After you have a fanbase and have a story arc finished, then gather the comic in a book for sale. You could also advertise your non-comic art on the webpage and the fact you take commissioms. At least that is what I've noticed the successful webcomic artists have done, when I see their pages and their booths at cons.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

these are really good tips! thanks!

The update schedule thing is definitely a plus. I hate infrequent comics. They kill me. Especially when they are good comics. The wait. IT BURNS!

I guess an artist has to figure out how much they can produce per week and make sure to not over-evaluate it.

[auriga]

Looks like you've received a ton of helpful advice from everybody. Hopefully it'll help you find a way to get your name out there, because your art is wonderful. Getting started is the hardest part.

*hugs* Once you're moved and away from that aggravating landlord, that'll be some stress off your back.

[brendala.livejournal.com]

Don't feel bad. We all wangst during hard times. And, like you, I REALLY wish I could get just one little thing on a silver platter (*cough*fulltimejob*cough*).

[ozma914.livejournal.com]

In a word: Word. And as a person who feels very close to the edge of getting published after 35 years of writing fiction, I can tell you it's a long road. It can be made shorter by continuing to practice your art, get exposure, research the world of publication, and continuing to search out publishers -- but it's still a long road.

And totally worth traveling down.