WRITE OR WRONG 8: KILL THE BUDDHA

[MattBrady]

by Dirk Manning

Over the last few weeks I’ve talked about artists: Where to meet them, how to approach them, and even how to woo them.

However, to be fair to the process of creating comics, I think it’s now time to clarify the fact that, thus far, we’ve been talking specifically about illustrators rather than artists as a whole.

After all, there are usually several more artists involved in the process of creating comics than just you and the illustrator.

Referring to the illustrator as the “artist” is a common misnomer that I’ve let slide – and even used – until now for the sake of simplicity. However, if you’ve read this far and you’re still entertaining the idea of creating comics, it’s time that we started getting into the nitty-gritty of things a bit more with this installment.

Ready for a stress headache, folks?

I was lucky in the sense that my first experience in working with an artist just happened to be with a guy who was a one-stop shop: Ray penciled, inked, colored and even lettered his own stuff. This was nice because it made things easy for me as a neophyte writer/comicbook creator. All I had to do was give Ray the script and he went to town on it. Huzzah!

However, when Ray hooked me up with my two of my new Golden Goat Studios brothers-in-arms – Len O’Grady and Jeff Welborn – I found myself in a position where, if I wanted to make my scripts into full-fledged comics, I’d need to recruit some additional artists into the mix.

Allow me to explain:

For example, Len is an amazing artist who can pencil and ink and color his own stuff… but we needed to find a letterer for our first Nightmare World story. Mind you, I have no doubts at all that – had he needed to – he could have done a fine job at lettering it himself… but it wasn’t his preference, you know? OK, fine… so we needed to find a letterer. That seemed easy enough… and it was, as Ray was able to hook us up with letterer/designer/Golden Goat Studios member Jim Reddington.

Along with being a master letterer, Jim has also proven himself to be the most valuable player of our little series over and over again due to his knowledge of design, layout, and pre-press (for both web and print) knowledge.

Believe me, folks, all of the factors that go into preparing your comics for publication – be it online or in-print –are all things you’ll need to start thinking about sooner or later... unless you have a Jim Reddington to teach you the tricks of the trade.

So, after hooking-up with Jim, Len and I were good to go on our eight-page story. Happy day.

Jeff, on the other hand, is more or less a “pencils only” guy… which is A-OK considering the fact that he draws some of the tightest sequential pages I’ve ever had the honor to lay eyes on from a collaborator. EVER.

(Mind you, I’m not saying “tight” in order to be “hip” or “down with it”… rather, I’m speaking from a technical standpoint. Jeff’s pencils are literally so “tight” that, if we absolutely wanted/needed to, we could use Photoshop them and darken them to the point where we could go straight to the colors and skip the inks if need be… but we’ll get more into that ordeal a little bit later in the column. Just know I’m not trying to be hip. It’s far, far too late for that.)

Well, in order for us to make Jeff’s story “print-ready” in the fullest sense of the term (or, in layman’s terms, to make it look like a finished comicbook story rather than strictly a penciled one) I quickly realized that we would need to find an inker and a colorist that would gel well with his style.

For those of you keeping track at home, that meant that I’d be managing four other artists – oftentimes simultaneously – in order to bring the story he and I were doing together to life.

Four… other… artists… each with their own personalities, quirks and other deadlines.

If this doesn’t sound like much of a chore, well, then it’s obvious you’ve never had to do it.

(Hear that sound in the distance? That’s every comic book editor reading this column collectively nodding in agreement. Heck, I think I even Editor Kris Simon applauding… and writer Arvid Nelson just exploded in a burst of “happy flames.”)

Again, just to make myself perfectly clear here… I’m not talking about managing four employees here… I’m talking about managing four artists and trying to make everything “click” on one project together.

Mind you, I’m not trying to come off as condescending towards our illustrious and imagery-orientated brothers and sisters. Heck, as a writer I consider myself an artist, too, and I have just as many of the same quirks (if not more) of any artist I’ve worked with over the years!

Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that everyone on the team views their craft as art – and art’s a personal thing, you know?

In other words, there is no such thing as “just an inker” or “just a colorist” or “just a letterer.” That’s like saying you’re “just the writer” or that your principle partner in your endeavor is “just the illustrator.”

Anytime you need the services of another artist you should automatically consider them a viable (at least) and equal (at most) member of the team.

We clear?

Heh… I can already hear some of you squawking about the fact that it’s the writer and the illustrator who do the most of the work and that they’re the ones who should be the “power players” of the team. Admit it… you thought it for a second.

While it’s true that the writer and the illustrator (you’ve noticed we’re no longer calling him/her the “artist,” right?) are the primary contributors to the project, it’s also important to remember that Michael Jordan never took to the court alone to win championships, you know? Your inker, colorist, and letterer can make or break your comic.

(For the record, yes, I know the MJ reference is outdated… but I don’t watch much TV – and I watch even less sports to boot.)

As I mentioned before, when you’re first starting out on this crazy career path you – as the writer – will most likely find yourself the captain of the team – and it’s a lot of responsibility. Heck, that’s the way it should be, though, if you’re the one out there recruiting everyone to work on your script.

However, when getting out there and recruiting other artists – be them letterers or inkers or colorists – do yourself a favor and keep an open line of communication with your illustrator, as he or she may very well be taking as much interest in all of this as you – if not more!

For example – how would you like someone to heavily edit/alter your script and then publish it without you seeing it first or having any say in the process? I’ve had things like this happen to me while doing journalism… and it’s not a pleasant feeling, folks.

I’m not going to lie to you – it can be stressful – but if you’ve assembled a good team of dedicated and talented artists it can be the good kind of stress.

Now… all of that being said… there’s one other factor to consider here… and that’s making sure that you don’t settle on the first inker/colorist/letterer that you lay your eyes upon.

As I’ve mentioned here before, I was involved with music journalism for several years before finally pursuing my dream to write comics, and because I especially liked to work with bands that were still (at the time) “up-and-coming” (see: MarilynManson, Korn, KidRock, ICP, Type O Negative, No Doubt, Godsmack, Limp Bizkit, etc), a great number of the bands I was interviewing, reviewing and generally touting in the press were oftentimes the opening acts for bigger bands.

By and large these guys and gals knew at this early stage in their careers that people weren’t coming to concerts to see them: they were the warm-up acts… but, hey, at least they were getting a chance to be seen, right?

Well, considering this, every one of those bands made it a point to try to burn the freakin’ house down with every performance they had – be it in front of two people or 200,000.

Heck, a lot of them even admitted that their goal – with all due respect to the headliners – was to blatantly upstage everyone that played after them!

Korn and Marilyn Manson opening for Danzig on the Danzig 4 tour was a perfect example of this: two hungry-as-hell bands who were taking the most of an opportunity given to them. While both of the bands appreciated Monsieur Danzig giving them this opportunity, both bands also made it a point to try and “Out-Herod Herod”… with amazing results.

I always loved this mentality – laying it all on the line and seeking to be better than those father ahead than you – because I think it’s what all up-and-coming artists in any field need to do to get noticed.

Do not seek to imitate the masters… seek what the masters sought.

If you meet the Buddha… kill the Buddha.

Your goal should not be to create comics as good as your favorite comics… your goal should be to create comics that are better.

Much, much better.

Of course terms like “good” and “better” are indeed very subjective terms… but at the same time I truly believe in my heart of hearts that quality transcends personal taste.

For example, while I may not be a fan of, say, country music, I can certainly tell which county musicians are both talented in their field as well as compassionate about their art… and while I still may not like the artist in question I’ll sure as heck respect him for being talented and passionate, you know?

Well… I think the same is true for comics.

As a reader or editor I may not like the subject matter of your proposal package for Captain Spandex… but if it’s a good-looking product that has been created by a team of quality-level artists (including you as the writer) I won’t be able to dismiss or ignore you as easily, you know?

Heck… have you ever seen a horror movie or romance movie or that you really liked even though that genre usually isn’t your “thing”?

Quality can transcend taste, folks.

Remember this when building an art team.

In other words, don’t jump at the first potential inker, colorist, or letterer you see. Don’t lose your critical eye in the face of anxiousness and zealousness. I understand what it’s like to be excited to have an illustrator working on a script you’ve written – believe me – but once that’s happening it’s more important than ever to take the time and effort to work with your illustrator to find the right fit for both his/her vision of the art as well as yours.

Courtesies like this will speak volumes about your character and integrity as a creator… and that could be the difference-maker as to whether or not the illustrator in question will work with you again… so be a little patient.

Yes, you may have a roommate that can draw sorta well… or a buddy from college who wants to experiment in inking… or maybe you think that you can letter the comic yourself using WordArt… but is that the best way to serve your comic? Your team? Yourself?

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, folks – I can’t stress that enough. If you produce enough half-assed-looking comics pretty soon that’s how people are going to come to remember you: as the guy (or gal) that produced half-assed and amateurish looking comics…

And I don’t know about you, but I would rather remain unknown for a bit longer than developing a reputation like that a bit sooner.

Considering this, I urge you to take the time to not only start thinking about these things now… but also to remember them when you get those first penciled pages from your illustrator and you’re ready to burst with glee.

Patience is the key. Patience, integrity and dedication to making the best looking comic you and your team can produce.

Of course, this also sort of brings us full circle in a way, doesn’t it? If you want to find good artists – being illustrators, inkers, colorists or letterers – you’re going to have to convince them to work with you… which is what we’ve been talking about for the last few weeks.

Rather than repeat myself, though (after all, you all have access to the previous columns if you want to re-read them), how about you hear what artists themselves are looking for in writing collaborators? After all, everyone can write, right? So… what does a real-life artist want from you in order to consider joining forces?

And no, it’s not always just money. In fact, it’s not about the money mearrly as much as you might think…if you have the right things to offer.

Next week: From the horses’ mouths: artists speak!
Two weeks later: Money… or the lack thereof.

Dirk Manning is the writer/creator of NIGHTMARE WORLD. He’s making a HUGE announcement at NIGHTMARE WORLD on Thursday… plan on swinging by to check it out, yeah?

Want to read Write or Wrong from the beginning? Here ya’ go!
WoW #1: Introduce Yourself
WoW #2: Thematically Speaking
WoW #3: How Badly Do You Want It?
WoW #4: Meeting Bendis and Finding Artists
WoW #5: Making First Contact
WoW #6: Things Fall Apart
WoW #7: Creation vs Dictation

[C. The B.B.C]

Dirk Manning, you are AWESOME!
I don't even know if what you are doing has ever been attempted before, but, if it was, as I didn't see it, it matters not to me. You are the best. Helpful beyond all expectation.

On a less brown-noser note, though: JESUS CHRIST, man! You write more random interjections in your column then anyone I've ever read! Sometimes I'm laughing so hard that I lose track of where I was in the article! The "Michael Jordan -outdated reference" thing made me go back to the top of the page twice (that says something about my attention span as well, I know).

I totally agree with you in all the points made, especially about the hunger necessary and the mindset it should generate in any struggling, young, starting artist. And about how hard it is to allow for that first "tweak" in your work. I've experienced that enough times myself, as an illustrator, writer, journalist and musician (and of those I've only stayed with writing and journalism; the rest was just too damn hard )

Thanks again for the amazing work and for helping so much your future competition!

P.S.: Your stuff here on Newsarama led me to finding your actual work out there in comics, so THANK YOU for that as well.

[C. The B.B.C]

Oh, before I forget:

Would it be at all possible to expand on the subject of "creator's anxiety"?
You did a very good job already, but I'd like to read more on your thoughts about the process of letting your "child" go out into the world.
The hunger to get published should be enough to open someone to the ilustration and editorial process, but sometimes it is not. When do you know an idea is "ripe" enough to get it out there to assamble a real creative team? Do you just get over the more protective/paternal instincts you have about your work?

[HouseStark]

I think I know what the huge announcement is on Thursday. Don't worry, I won't say anything.

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by C. The B.B.C

Dirk Manning, you are AWESOME!
I don't even know if what you are doing has ever been attempted before, but, if it was, as I didn't see it, it matters not to me. You are the best. Helpful beyond all expectation.

On a less brown-noser note, though: JESUS CHRIST, man! You write more random interjections in your column then anyone I've ever read! Sometimes I'm laughing so hard that I lose track of where I was in the article! The "Michael Jordan -outdated reference" thing made me go back to the top of the page twice (that says something about my attention span as well, I know).

I totally agree with you in all the points made, especially about the hunger necessary and the mindset it should generate in any struggling, young, starting artist. And about how hard it is to allow for that first "tweak" in your work. I've experienced that enough times myself, as an illustrator, writer, journalist and musician (and of those I've only stayed with writing and journalism; the rest was just too damn hard )

Thanks again for the amazing work and for helping so much your future competition!

P.S.: Your stuff here on Newsarama led me to finding your actual work out there in comics, so THANK YOU for that as well.

Mom... if that's you it's OK to post under your real name.

Also, I'm glad you're FINALLY reading that "damn NIGHTMARE WORLDcomic" I've been "wasting" so many years of my life co-creating. We can't ALL be doctors, OK?

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by C. The B.B.C

Oh, before I forget:

Would it be at all possible to expand on the subject of "creator's anxiety"?
You did a very good job already, but I'd like to read more on your thoughts about the process of letting your "child" go out into the world.
The hunger to get published should be enough to open someone to the ilustration and editorial process, but sometimes it is not. When do you know an idea is "ripe" enough to get it out there to assamble a real creative team? Do you just get over the more protective/paternal instincts you have about your work?

Oh wow... I guess you aren't really my mom after all! Sorry about that!

As for the extra "humor" (of you can call it that) in this week's edition... part of it is to off-set the title... but the other part was because I was really tired and when I decided to totally rework the column from the ground-up at the last minute last night.

As for your question of when to get out there and get the ball rollin'... I would say wait until you KNOW you're ready.

As I mentioned in this column, you shouldn't be out there creating comics as good as the other comics on the shelves... you should be creating comics that are better.

Again, at the risk of repeating myself, "better" is, of course, a VERY subjective term and it takes a mature writer to be able to look at his (or her) stuff and say "Yeah... I've really got something here."

Actually... you know what... I sense another whole column coming on about this very topic... so I'm going to hold back on saying more for a bit. Stay tuned, though... and thanks for that final "nudge" I've needed all along.

(I've been slipping little bits on this into some of the other columns here and there... but I think it's time to finally get it out of my system once and for all -- as well as to open the floor for healthy and constructive debate on the topic.)

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by HouseStark

I think I know what the huge announcement is on Thursday. Don't worry, I won't say anything.

Heh.

Yeah... just like I do with NIGHTMARE WORLD, I've been dropping plenty of subtle hints here and there for the last several weeks as to what's REALLY going on...

Heck, that's especially been the case over at my MySpace profile.

You all HAVE gone and checked it out by now, right?!?

(Two cheap plugs in one posting?!? Geez... I feel like Rich Johnston all of a sudden... )

[HouseStark]

Yup, the answer is in there somewhere.

[UBR]

Mwah ah ah !!!
I'm writing in France and here usually the artist does everything (or at least the inking and considering I'm also a letterer...).
Anyway good column as always, looking forward to the next one !

[Scott King]

Hey Dirk,

Where would be a good place to find some release forms to use with talent?

[Alan Coil]

C. The B.B.C.---> easy on all those compliments. Dirk's gonna get a fat head!

-----

By the way, Dirk's Mom is kewl. Not many Mothers-of-an-adult-son would say to their son, "You suck!"

[johnchrist]

You're preaching to the chior here, I just barely got the first issue of my comic, Apocrypha, set for publishing with my print on demand publisher, Comixpress.com and man I thought that writing and then drawing 20 pages + cover was hard, then I nearly had a nervous break down doing all the photoshoping. Not to mention that you can definitely tell I have no inker and had to resort to playing with my line Levels and Threshold.
If I ever here anyone (beside a Kevin Smith fan) say that inkers are just tracers I am going to smack 'em in the mouth. I once had a completed 8 page comic that I then decided to ink. Now I am the proud owner of 8 pages of crap, thereby making my latest endeavor my first "actual" comic as the only thing the last one was good for was mulch.

[nickmaynard]

best column!


ive also started checking out nightmare world because of this article, that is some really cool stuff man. ive sent it around to friends and they tend to like it alot. most people think comics are just superheroes and dismiss the whole medium because they dont like superheroes. but alot of my friends who would have said they hated comics, actually like your style of stuff.

so yeah, keep up the good work dude.

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by HouseStark

Yup, the answer is in there somewhere.

Yup...

Here and there and everywhere...

*ook*

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by UBR

Mwah ah ah !!!
I'm writing in France and here usually the artist does everything (or at least the inking and considering I'm also a letterer...).
Anyway good column as always, looking forward to the next one !

Bonjour!

Um... oui!

It's sad that I took two years of French in high school and that's all I can say without cussing you out or chanting "Boobies!" over and over again.

Anyway, yeah, you guys make life EASY on us writer shlubs...

(To be fair to my other NIGHTMARE WORLD peeps, Mark Winters, Erich Owen, J. Christopher Greulich, Marv del Mundo and Dan Boultwood also all do all their own art chores. They do exist, folks!)

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by Scott King

Hey Dirk,

Where would be a good place to find some release forms to use with talent?

Hmmm... be more specific and I'll see what I can do for ya'.

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by johnchrist

You're preaching to the chior here, I just barely got the first issue of my comic, Apocrypha, set for publishing with my print on demand publisher, Comixpress.com and man I thought that writing and then drawing 20 pages + cover was hard, then I nearly had a nervous break down doing all the photoshoping. Not to mention that you can definitely tell I have no inker and had to resort to playing with my line Levels and Threshold.
If I ever here anyone (beside a Kevin Smith fan) say that inkers are just tracers I am going to smack 'em in the mouth. I once had a completed 8 page comic that I then decided to ink. Now I am the proud owner of 8 pages of crap, thereby making my latest endeavor my first "actual" comic as the only thing the last one was good for was mulch.

I think one of the harest things about creating comics -- for ALL of us -- is sticking to our strengths and making it a point to come out of the box like a million-freakin'-dollar prizefighter.

While there's certainly something to be said for doin' it all yourself, there's ALSO something to be said for getting a good team together... and as you now know, these are lessons best learned early.

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by nickmaynard

best column!


ive also started checking out nightmare world because of this article, that is some really cool stuff man. ive sent it around to friends and they tend to like it alot. most people think comics are just superheroes and dismiss the whole medium because they dont like superheroes. but alot of my friends who would have said they hated comics, actually like your style of stuff.

so yeah, keep up the good work dude.

Cool beans! Thanks man! I really appreciate you taking the time to check out the comic and spread the word.

Not to toot my own horn or anything... but I think 400 pages of free non-spandex thriller/horror comics on the Interweb is a nice October/Halloween treat, yeah?

Feel free to send the link to www.NightmareWorld.com far and wide!

[Kris Simon]

Originally Posted by Dirk Manning

(Hear that sound in the distance? That’s every comic book editor reading this column collectively nodding in agreement. Heck, I think I even Editor Kris Simon applauding… and writer Arvid Nelson just exploded in a burst of “happy flames.”)

You said it. When all members of a creative team click together, it's a beautiful thing. When they don't....I become mediator, not editor.

I do understand the anxiousness to get your project going, though. I worked with a writer who had his best friend as his penciler. They knew each other since high school, all that stuff. After several projects got turned down everywhere they were pitched, I had to begin the difficult task of convincing the writer that this guy was holding him back. The sad part was he knew it, but he didn't want to ruin the friendship, or make it "big" and leave his friend behind.

I guess the thing to remember on both sides is that none of this should be personal. The artist should not take it personally, nor should the writer when things don't gel. Don't work together because you can't find anyone else, or because it's just easier. That's just going to hold both of you back in the long run.

[HouseStark]

Interesting title, "Dirk Manning is a primate."

A clue perhaps?

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by Kris Simon

You said it. When all members of a creative team click together, it's a beautiful thing. When they don't....I become mediator, not editor.

I do understand the anxiousness to get your project going, though. I worked with a writer who had his best friend as his penciler. They knew each other since high school, all that stuff. After several projects got turned down everywhere they were pitched, I had to begin the difficult task of convincing the writer that this guy was holding him back. The sad part was he knew it, but he didn't want to ruin the friendship, or make it "big" and leave his friend behind.

I guess the thing to remember on both sides is that none of this should be personal. The artist should not take it personally, nor should the writer when things don't gel. Don't work together because you can't find anyone else, or because it's just easier. That's just going to hold both of you back in the long run.

AMEN.

A-FREAKIN'-MEN.

Thank you yet again for sharing your sage advice... and for showing that I just *might* know what I'm talking about just a little bit.

Much love... much love.

[johnchrist]

Originally Posted by Dirk Manning

While there's certainly something to be said for doin' it all yourself, there's ALSO something to be said for getting a good team together... and as you now know, these are lessons best learned early.

Yeah, but, unfortunately I had already finished the first issue of a 6 issue comic arc before reading your article about starting small. Now i've got no time between 8hrs at the office and drawing at home to find myself a decent inker. I just pray one will pick up my comic and say, "hey, looks like this guy needs me."
But since I'm an athiest I've ended up praying to the pile of empty beer bottles in the kitchen as they're the holiest thing I've got on hand... no response yet but there is a rather pungent odor that could be the beginning stages of life... I'm sure the history books will vindicate me.

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by HouseStark

Interesting title, "Dirk Manning is a primate."

A clue perhaps?

Cooooooooooooooould be.

Keep your eyes peeled at www.NightmareWorld.com Thursday... and then everywhere else next week.

[Dirk Manning]

Originally Posted by johnchrist

Yeah, but, unfortunately I had already finished the first issue of a 6 issue comic arc before reading your article about starting small. Now i've got no time between 8hrs at the office and drawing at home to find myself a decent inker. I just pray one will pick up my comic and say, "hey, looks like this guy needs me."
But since I'm an athiest I've ended up praying to the pile of empty beer bottles in the kitchen as they're the holiest thing I've got on hand... no response yet but there is a rather pungent odor that could be the beginning stages of life... I'm sure the history books will vindicate me.

LOL LOL LOL

Nice.

Remember: Persistence usually overrides failure, man...

Just keep truckin' and you'll be surprised how far you'll go.

[C. The B.B.C]

Originally Posted by Dirk Manning

Actually... you know what... I sense another whole column coming on about this very topic... so I'm going to hold back on saying more for a bit. Stay tuned, though... and thanks for that final "nudge" I've needed all along.

(I've been slipping little bits on this into some of the other columns here and there... but I think it's time to finally get it out of my system once and for all -- as well as to open the floor for healthy and constructive debate on the topic.)

That's the good word! Awesome! Thanks again...

Except about the whole "me-being-your-mom" thing... That was weird...

...

I'm not your mother!!!!!!!!