For the past couple weeks I have been trying to figure out what I need to be doing to get into making comics and working as a freelance artist. After visiting Wondercon in Anaheim and talking with a bunch of other artists and writers I soon figured out the solution to my problem; keep making artwork!
It sounds simple enough, but the one thing I haven’t been doing is actually making more material. I was wandering the internet taking in other people’s art, ideas, and advice on how to get into comics instead of being one of those people making art, presenting ideas, and, well,.. just doing it!
I’m working on a handful of comic projects for the next couple months, the first one being a comedic parody of Reality Television, and another adventure/comedy following the lives of super-manly sperm. I am open to working with dedicated sci-fi and fantasy writers as well, and any original stories, ideas, or plots that come my way will definitely be considered!
Its so much better to connect with other writers and artists then to work alone in your studio. No one sees your artwork if its left in a folder on your shelf!
To see more of my comics you can follow me on the social media links at the bottom of the page!
5 Comments
Erik..
Once again you have hit it out of the park!. Your artistic genius is beyond reproach!. This new cover is so lively and brilliant with color, it just screams pure fun! It is such a unique style as well… Even the lettering of your name is entertaining…
Have you ever thought of animating your characters, possibly producing an animated short film with them? Bringing them to life…
If you should ever take a jog down that path, I would certainly be interested in chatting further. I think you have talent just as the volcano on the cover drawing of this blog and it will be erupting soon in many different directions.
Many of us will reflect back in the near future and say “We knew Erik when…”
Best wishes as you continue to enchant those of us who see this potential and also those who are still coming into the fold..
Again, if you ever consider animating your characters, please remember this conversation… Keep up the great work on this and the A2 Project!…
JT
Thanks John! I actually have been thinking about animated shorts, but have neither the time nor the funding to make it happen. I am working on maybe putting together a Kickstarter project, but its slow going. I will link it on my blog for sure once I get some more stuff put together after the Survivor Finale.
Hi Erik,
In case you’re considering making your comics eReader-friendly, a friend pointed out graphicly.com to me a while back, which is interesting. Keep the projects coming! I recall some of your more philosophical blog entries from the MySpace days. I think anything philosofunny–humor + the deeper meaning of it all–would be pretty awesome coming from you. Feel free to send an email over if you ever want to kick the creative ball around. Off the top of my head, science fiction writer Stanley Schmidt is someone I’d recommend looking into. He’s not a comic writer, but he does propose thought-provoking questions and manages to wrap it all up in an entertaining way. “Which Way to the Future?” is a great read!
–Crystalline
Hi Erik, Diggin’ on your survivor seasons here. Might I suggest that to break in to comic books you go the route of not-for-profits first? I know that there are a lot of causes, such as anti-human trafficking, poverty reduction, AIDS prevention, etc…That could definitely use a comic book to educate and raise awareness. Also, lending your fame to a cause, certainly couldn’t be a negative.
Per animated Shorts: I do several myself with a variety of graphic designers from around the world for a lot of different causes. It might be an option if, you like, to use your art work, in one of my animations, for a charitable cause.
I liked your illustrations that were in my issue of Entertainment Weekly I just got today! Congrats – that’s great exposure for you! Any chance you can Tweet them or post them on the Internet? Thanks Erik!