How did you break into the comic book industry?

04/11/2011

How did you break into the comic book industry?

I received this question a couple of weeks ago and had to stop, sit back, and actually ponder regarding how I was capable to compose a carbon footprint on the comic vine.

It all started in senior year of art school. One afternoon, I was working on a project in the corner of the area with my headset on, as customary, trying to acquire as much quality as one could into a painting until the deadline, when one of my friends and fantastic artist Jen Brazas approached me. Tapping my shoulder and point at her recent comic purchase, she wanted to tell me, “Your style really looks like this guys. Do you do comic stuff?”

This hit like a sack of potatoes, I have never done anything directly connected to comics, in fact, till this second of time my main focus for art was going to be en route for magazines and newspapers. Curious, I went around asking people if they believed my style could transfer over toward comic books. The masses responded with a resounding yes!

Well, now comes the tricky part, getting my foot in the door. Not knowing what to do first, I contacted Douglas Klabua, who I had met previously at an event I volunteered for. I asked Doug if we could setup an interview. This was the turning point in my quest, as one day Doug would allow me to have my biggest break.

We discussed everything and anything from digital vs. traditional, time constraints, contracts, and comic styles. This was nothing but sensational, as he gave me so much vital information and a general idea of what a freelance comic illustrator must do to be profitable. He also mentioned that I should attend Comic Con that year.

It was a big investment for a college kid to partake in but I was able to scrounge up enough for a half table and a couple of prints. In order to draw some more attention, a painting was created to have something relevant to the show and the comic community. I painted a Watchman inspired image. It was a huge hit, selling out of prints the first day.

While there I was able to walk around and introduce myself to people, and as I was talking to someone who should stop by and see me, no other than Douglas Klabua. He was checking out the show and was to see myself take the initiative toward the convention. Doug took me around and introduced me to some of his friends and art directors. One being Joe Gentile, Art Director of Moonstone Publishing.

Joe loved my stuff and asked if I was interested in doing cover work sometime. Of course I said yes and the rest was history. So, how did I break into the comic industry? Networking and Exposure. It is simple thing but, in this impersonal world, sometimes a little face to face time can do wonders.

If you would like ask Stephen a question, contact him at: stephenbryant@srbproductions.net