Re: Introduction (ATTN: David Mack)
WED, 4/27/05, 6:25 p.m. - In Response To: Introduction (ATTN: David Mack) (Heather Dodd)

Dear Mr. Mack,

I was surprised to come across somewhere that I could actually have a chance of communicating with you personally. I have been following you for a few years now and have been continually impressed with your ability to create such a high volume of diverse work. You can do pencilling, inking, computer alterations
and "traditional" art equally well...I have often wondered where you found the time.

Ever since I was in high school, I have continuously been creating comics, but it has only been in the last year or so that I became serious about breaking into comics as an industry. After making a practice comic in which I do all the pencilling, inking, and lettering and computer finishing, as well as the covers, I have come to realize that it is incredibly time consuming, especially if one has a job and a family. It takes me at least a day per page, if I screentone it fully, and with my work schedule I can really only do about two or three pages a week at most.

I was wondering what being an effective comic artist REALLY entails in terms of time...if I am serious does that pretty much mean that I need to quit my job, spend less time with my family, and find some means of producing at a faster rate? Just what are the industry standards for someone like you, say, who did Kabuki all on their own?

After working so much on it, I realize that comics is a lifestyle...but I don't know if what I am experiencing is the norm for a comic artist. I have looked through a lot of webcomic sites and the 2005 Artist's Market and other resources (which had a good interview with you in it) for when I attempt to find a publisher...do you have any personal opinions on what would be a good place to start? My genre, fantasy, and my age, 23, probably make a good start a bit of a challenge...but I'm stubborn as hell!

I suppose this whole rambling letter could be summed up in one question (one you've heard enough I'm sure): What advice would you give an aspiring comic artist in my situation?

Thanks for the great post. I may include it and answer it in a future issue of Kabuki in the lettes collumn if that is OK with you.

There are a lot of interviews archived on davidmackguide.com that deal with my approach to my work and lifestyle and starting in the industry.
Those may be helpful to you.
For me, I do spend much of my day focused on my work.
But I'm sure that you can find a rythm and pace of work that accumodates your family schedule.
What is most important is that you do it, and keep doing it and follow something through to completion. Even if it takes longer than the regular monthly standard.

I find that just doing it puts the rest of the pieces in order and helps me find my schedule for the rest of the things in life. It even make me appreciate those other things more.

Dear Mr Mack
My name is Sarah Higgs I’m writing to you for recommendation to a successful career in comic book art. I have had a passion for comic books and art since I was very young and want a career working in the comic book industry. I am eighteen years old and currently studying on my last year in college on a foundation art and design course specialising in Graphics.

Ever since I purchased the Daredevil comic book with the story of Echo in it that you wrote and designed, I have been a big fan of your artistic quality. Your artwork has inspired me in my projects at college as I take pleasure in creating my own comic book characters.

I have successfully been accepted into Ravenbourne University to study Animation for two years on a foundation degree course. I then plan to move on to the BA Hons level three course which will take a year.

It would be most appreciated if you could possibly get into contact with me and give me your suggestion for a winning career in your industry. I would like to Know, What path you took that made you successful? And what do you think is the next step for me? I open to any suggestion you might have.

I hope to hear from you soon
Yours sincerely
Sarah J Higgs

There are quite a bit of interviews about this archived at davidmackguide.com.
How I got started, and suggestions for artists and writers in this field, etc.

Please take a look there, and if you have any other specific questions that are not covered there, feel welcome to ask them here.

Kindest regards!
David

Let me know what you think

And more info on davidmackguide.com
(in case you aren't already looking there on the daily news)