Tips: Finding story help or an artist/writer/collab

[wickeddelight]

Jazzbie

(*don't insult your own artwork)

I'm curious about this advice. Why's it bad to fend off people telling you to draw it yourself by saying that you've tried and you suck at it?

Complimenting your own artwork seems to be taken just as badly - I once made the mistake of posting an artist-wanted ad where I said "don't apply unless your art is better than mine" which I was already linking to because I had done some rough sketches of characters. OMG that one little sentence I barely noticed in several paragraphs several paragraphs of post started an instant flame war.

[I3ek]

daydreamer_girl

Think of it this way, instead of going to individual threads and posting the exact same piece of advice over and over, you can just say a brief message and link to this thread. Saves you time, instead of repeating everything to the same amount of dense people.

No, I totally get that, and I see the advantages of it, but I'm saying that it isn't likely that most people will embrace this practice. Plus, a lot of the posting is in regards to the content given, not just the way a person presents themselves.

wickeddelight

The sad fact is, there are so any more writers looking to collab than artists that it really doesn't seem to matter how nicely a writer advertises for an artist; if you don't want to do something short and you're not offering cash, you're our of luck. emo

That's not necessarily true. It can be very difficult, but it is possible to find an artist; I'm living proof. However, I do admit that you might have to go through unsuccessful partnerships before you find one that works. It just requires patience, persistence, and professionalism.

wickeddelight

I'm curious about this advice. Why's it bad to fend off people telling you to draw it yourself by saying that you've tried and you suck at it?

Complimenting your own artwork seems to be taken just as badly - I once made the mistake of posting an artist-wanted ad where I said "don't apply unless your art is better than mine" which I was already linking to because I had done some rough sketches of characters. OMG that one little sentence I barely noticed in several paragraphs several paragraphs of post started an instant flame war.

I believe this tip was aimed at artists, not writers, and obviously it doesn't look good for an artist who comes out at the very beginning saying that they suck. Even if they're not awesome, something like, "My art still has room for improvement," or "I consider myself an amateur, but I'm looking for a chance to improve" sounds much better than self-deprecating nonsense. Plus, to a potential writer, it's a turn-off, whether they really do suck (meaning pointing it out probably isn't the best idea) or they don't (making it seem like they're fishing for compliments--and making less-skilled people want to punch them in the mouth).

On the opposite end of the spectrum, bragging about your art just makes you look like a jackass, and nobody will want to work with you. Plus, most of the people who go around proclaiming how awesome their art is usually do not have awesome artwork.

For a writer, you might include a line preempting those that want you to draw it on your own, but I don't really think it's necessary unless someone calls you out on it. Nobody ever said anything to me when I was searching. If they do, just give a polite response letting them know that your skills aren't up to par with what you want to create visually. As for your previous topic where a flame war ensued, changing the wording might have helped you a bit. Although it probably wasn't your intent, it comes off sounding a bit snobby. Maybe something like, "I'm looking for an art level greater than my own, which you can see in these sketches," would have come off as a bit more open and neutral.

[Jazzbie]

wickeddelight

Jazzbie

(*don't insult your own artwork)

I'm curious about this advice. Why's it bad to fend off people telling you to draw it yourself by saying that you've tried and you suck at it?

Complimenting your own artwork seems to be taken just as badly - I once made the mistake of posting an artist-wanted ad where I said "don't apply unless your art is better than mine" which I was already linking to because I had done some rough sketches of characters. OMG that one little sentence I barely noticed in several paragraphs several paragraphs of post started an instant flame war.

I'm basically saying to let the artwork speak for itself:

Quote:

Also putting your art down is a terrible way to pitch your service. Who would want to work with an artist who admits that theyre not very good?

There's nothing wrong with being realistic and saying you're a bit unskilled and hope to improve during this story, but outright saying stuff like:

Quote:

[...]
I guess you could compare me to the weak shounen manga lead who learns a sport or gains a power and gradually learns how to control it (or something along those lines). Except I never get better. Everrrr. Derpderp.
[...]

If you have an idea to throw to a poor, uncreative, sh!tty artist like myself, please shoot me a PM!
If we hit it off and decide to do a comic together, I'll make sure to try and get as much practice as I can out of it without ruining it. We'll set it up together, it will be your story, and my sh!tty panelling and artwork.
[...]

The above is real and made ridiculous by the fact that the OP was extremely talented. Her pages looked like pro manga which made calling herself "sh!tty" ridiculous.

It can make you seem(even if unintentional):
-High maintenance
-Fishing for compliments (" lol no your art is not bad at all!! ^_^" wink
-That if you think you 'suck' a writer shouldn't be thinking 'but it's really good..."

In regards to writers saying they suck: I also don't think it's necessary but it's fine. Really artists who come to your thread probably wont care unless you're offering another service with the writing. (such as lettering or toning)

[daydreamer_girl]

wickeddelight

Jazzbie

(*don't insult your own artwork)

I'm curious about this advice. Why's it bad to fend off people telling you to draw it yourself by saying that you've tried and you suck at it?

Complimenting your own artwork seems to be taken just as badly - I once made the mistake of posting an artist-wanted ad where I said "don't apply unless your art is better than mine" which I was already linking to because I had done some rough sketches of characters. OMG that one little sentence I barely noticed in several paragraphs several paragraphs of post started an instant flame war.

Think of it this way, you're trying to sell yourself here. If you're trying to look for a potential partner, would you consider the person who even says their own art is crap? No, you'd most likely look them over. Better off to not say anything and let the art speak for itself. Just highlight what the person can do.

[wickeddelight]

Personally I'd be okay with an artist who was high-maintenance or low self-esteem as long as they told me when they needed more ego-stroking instead of going silently off or losing their temper. For some reason I tend to pick high-maintenance boyfriends so I'm used to it. lol I would judge if their art was good enough by looking at samples, not by what they said. But I agree that in general it's not good to be either self-deprecating or boastful. Confident but not overconfident is the most successful at "selling yourself" for a job.

[Niiwa]

I'm going to bump this because more people need to read this.

[The Zorya]

I am reviving this resource topic for there are some people who might use all the info in here.

[A Random Cat]

Don't care if I'm Necroing. These templates are great and need to be read.