What is it with visual artists, anyway?

[Mythsaje]

Several months ago I was discussing the possibility of putting together a web comic with an artist I met on-line and then suddenly he dropped off the face of the Earth. I've wanted to do something like that based upon my novels for quite some time, but every single visual artist I've ever talked to has ended up flaking out on me.

Come to think of it, most of the visual artists I've met throughout my life have been a bit on the flaky side in that respect. I don't think ALL visual artists are flakes...hell, I'm willing to bet money that MOST visual artists aren't flakes. Just most of the ones I've met.

It's not as though I'm demanding. When I've talked about doing a certain project (for a while I was very interested in the idea of a graphic novel, which still interests me, but...:shrug:) I've been very open about deadlines and the like. I'm pretty laid back.

One of my editors and several reviewers have said that my novels would work very well in that format. I tend to think so too.

If only I could find the right artist.

:banghead:

[hfojvt]

1. probably a result of not having a real job

Or maybe they drop off the face of the earth when they get real jobs or girlfriends. Suddenly they are too busy for art.

[rug]

2. They're perfectly normal.

[BarenakedLady]

3. Because

We are coo coo for cocoa puffs.

:silly:

Seriously, you just haven't met the right artist. Not all are flakes*.






















(*I, however, am a total nutter):crazy:

[Sugar Smack]

7. A TALENTED total nutter.

Just now I've finished a HUGE project that I'm going to be sending in the mail to about ten places, so I'm finally relaxing a little. :hug:

[Orsino]

4. Webcomics don't pay s--t, I understand.

The struggling artist usually needs to focus on paying rent, and webcomics generally won't do that.

[Mythsaje]

5. Oh, I imagine it doesn't...

But a short series would be additional exposure. Believe me, being an author isn't exactly a gold mine in itself. It sure as hell doesn't pay the rent yet, though it's starting to pick up a little with each successive novel.

Being any kind of artist is rarely about the money. The hope is there, but... :shrug: It's a bit like dragging a heavy wagon. Slow going at first, but if you choose the right path, momentum slowly builds.

[porphyrian]

6. Oh, it's all about you...

:eyes:

:evilgrin:

[redqueen]

8. I think artists in general are a bit mental.

The good ones, anyway. :7

It's part and parcel of the whole artistic thing, I think.

[Sugar Smack]

9. Part of it's lack of confidence.

A fundamental lack of confidence that makes "competition" of any kind almost terrifying. A lot of artists are pure luddites, to; when there are technological leaps in the art world we cringe a little at the speed of it. I learned to embrace it only 3 years ago.

[Throd]

10. is there any money in the job?

First let me add that yes, we visual designers are flakes.

I have been approached many times over the years for people wanting my artistic and design abilities for their project. My first response has to be "What does it pay?" With all the steady commercial work out there I have to be selective about what jobs I take. Your project sounds like it could be fun, but fun doesn't always pay the bills. Sorry if I come off as a money grubbing dickhead, but 20 years in the business has scraped off the idealistic veneer I once had.

[DarkTirade]

11. It's rather difficult to make time for something that probably won't end up earning any money

and definately won't earn any right away. Most artists are stuck in the position where they have to work to make ends meet, then their art ends up just being an addiction they keep having to buy supplies for. If they're lucky they'll get a paying gig now and then... but that can't always be depended on.