This may sound like a strange request--but does anyone know of any ad pages of websites where you can advertise for artists? I'm thinking of turning one of my novels into a comic book (probably manga style) but can't draw for toffee. Anyone know any good sights where I might be able to look for some? Or maybe there are a few here, I don't know.

They are hard to come by, by all accounts. And when you do find them, hard to motivate. I found an artist to render Practical Devil Worship as a graphic novel two years ago. I even saw some decent sketches. Then it just became talk whenever I see him, and me nodding indulgently 'of course you're working on it. Of course...'

I'd be interested to hear more about this too.

JB

If and when you find one, expect it to be expensive, and expect to pay the artist upfront - not when the finished product has been published. Also, make sure you have their permission to reproduce and edit the artwork for the book and for any publicity material that might be required to promote that book.


- NaomiM




<Added>

The best (ie. cheapest) place to advertise for an artist is at the Colleges in your area.

I haven't the time to go hanging around colleges! Plan B is to get incredibly famous and then take my pick of the bunch?

JB

I did try the college route one time for a comic I was writing a few years ago, I found it to be a lost cause. Most of the time students were either too busy with their studies (which I can understand) or just too lazy or (dare I say it) not as good as they made out to be. I could try that again, but it's just so hard to find an artist that's willing to commit.

I do actually know someone who has a friend who drew for Marvel comics a few years back. He says that he can draw, but can't write. Maybe I should try and get in touch with him. Though I guess it will be expensive.

Thanks for the help again.

I'm quite surprised you found designers either expensive or hard to motivate!
I used to work with a multimedia design shop where every single artist did as much work outside the office on private projects as inside on paid work. One guy used to take a week off every Christmas to decorate shop windows.
All were recent graduates from a local art college. Some were better than others, but all cheap as chips for a cash in hand nixxer that excited them.
Artists, like writers, are aware of the financial lunacy of their chosen path, once out of college. I would go to one of the graduation art shows and buy a few drinks for people. You might get lucky.