Wrapped in Plastic II: Dependent Independent

I write, thumbnail pages and am learning to letter, but I’m not involved in generating any of the finished art for my comics. Compared to the other people that I work with in making comics, this is rather unique.  Everyone else in the group can do line art and create finished pages.

Anyway, I depend on others for art work. It’s a delicate juggle of working with an artist in these regards, just because you can’t push too hard or lean too much. But, it also means I’m dependent on them. If they have other interests or obligations, especially at this level of creation, it’s understandable.

I often wonder if I could do all of the art myself, would I work with other people? I honestly don’t know. Although it sounds good in theory, bands are not made of just guitar players, teams are not made just of quarterbacks, most comics are not made just by artists (didn’t the McFarlane Spider-Man debacle teach anyone anything?!?). Most big-time comics carry three names on the cover, (writer-artist-colorist), not one (and not to mention how much a good editor is absolutely required – already got that figured out - yeah, me!).

In the end I need line art, color art and an editor. Anything less (for me) and I know it’s got even less hope. Thankfully, I have two good friends and professionals to help me cover some of these particulars.

Hands down my best friend and confidant in making comics is Kyle Chaney, JR. Not only is Kyle a great guy that I can talk comics, sports or family with, he’s an absolute beast when it comes to applying color to line art. Kyle is fronting Plan B Comics, an independent collection that myself and some colleagues are positioning our books through. If you are reading this and ever need a colorist, I STRONGLY suggest contacting and considering Kyle. He’s personable, professional, affordable and works fast.

I also have my editor. I used to work with Lauren and realized early on that she was spinning mad skills at creating technical documents and written procedures. Through our personal conversations I also realized that we share many common interests (like science & the supernatural). I started giving Lauren scripts I was working on and was blown away by the quality and thoroughness of her review and  feedback on the material. So blown away that I realized a talent like Lauren is absolutely required to do this properly.

Now, I’m doing what I can within my “Indy Creator/Writer” role. I’m making sure text is placed properly in caption, that the use of quotes in narrative is used correctly, applying the appropriate preposition instead of an incorrect adjective. I’m using editor feedback and trying to learn from areas I’m falling down on with feedback from critics (more on this in the next blog – the art of falling down). And, I’m learning and practicing as much lettering that I can in my times in between (I like lettering, and, I think I can get [really] good at it – btw: if anyone ever needs cheap [free] lettering on some pages, feel free to approach me about it).

So, I have the colorist and editor in place (professionals and pals!). But, I also know exactly what I’m dependent of and on. And there’s the dichotomy. I’m a dependent creator for independent creation. Hm.

Gotta Keep Trying,

-Keith