I had no clue what I was doing when I first started working in the industry. Yeah I knew what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go, but no idea how to get there. I was literally starting from scratch. Now for those of you who are looking to break into the industry or maybe in and have no clue where to go or do. Maybe this will give you a little bit of light at the end of that tunnel.
After working on Foxwood Falcons (from After Hours Press), I had no idea where to go. But what I did know is that editors and "higher ups" would always go to the comic conventions and recruit every now and then. I was hoping to be in that mix they recruited. It's not as simple as you may think. Even though I had a comic in my hand I worked on, yes, it was easier to talk to the editors and whomever, but, now you have to have the "style" they are looking for. I didn't have it yet. I was still fresh and new and learning how to use a tablet. But I was willing to learn and kept at it.
For about 5 years, I would chat with a writer/editor Raven Gregory who's one of the funnest guys I've met. Very down to earth and tells it like it is. He can be a little off the wall, but that's what I think drew me to him. Show after show I'd go to him and show him some of my latest coloring I've done and just talk to him. And hey, I'm a fan of Raven, so I got some books signed too while I was there.
It was in 2010 I believe at C2E2 where he walked up to me, gave me his card and said "give me a call Monday. I may have some work for you". I can just tell you inside I was giddy like a kid in a candy store. That night I celebrated with a big McDonald's dinner (hey, I was just starting out). That made my weekend (not McDonalds, but Raven giving me his card).
Monday I called him, and he sent me a couple of pages to test out. No matter how good you may think you are, you always have to do "testers" to make sure your style will go with that the editors are looking for. I got them finished up, sent them back and then heard back from the EIC (Editor in Chief). Right then and there, I was offered a job with Zenescope. This was my biggest break I've had in years. Yes, I did in fact get my foot in the door with Foxwood Falcons in 2007, and during that time I was chatting with Raven about working with him on something.
As I'm just about finished with the comic, my computer had a meltdown. My hard drive, external and backup ALL CRASHED at the same time. Now this is my big break. My first book, and THIS happens. I cried..and had to let the EIC and Raven both know what had happened.
To my surprise, they weren't upset at all (at least they didn't seem like it). They said "these things happen". Do what you can and we'll get someone else to help you out with the colors". I was awwed! But I got the book done and it came out great!
So to everyone out there who has a dream of whatever it may be. The one thing you CAN'T do, is give up. That's the only "fail" you'll have. It took me about 7 years to have my "overnight success". I'm very grateful, and wouldn't change a thing.
Because of my constant working on comics, I was nominated for 2 Eagle Awards and won the Shel Dorf Award in 2011 for Colorist of the Year (beating out the Marvel and DC colorists). And the person who presented that award to me was none other than...Raven Gregory. Who game me a chance in the bigger leagues.
My first book with Zenescope:
No comments:
Post a Comment